Vagal nerve stimulation using vascular implanted devices for treatment of atrial fibrillation
US7519421B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 2005 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 12, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/395
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An abnormally rapid ventricular cardiac rate that results from atrial fibrillation can be reduced by stimulating a vagal nerve of the heart. An apparatus for such stimulation includes a power transmitter that emits a radio frequency signal. A stimulator, implanted in a blood vessel adjacent the vagal nerve, has a pair of electrodes and an electrical circuit thereon. The electrical circuit receives the radio frequency signal and derives an electrical voltage from the energy of that signal. The electrical voltage is applied in the form of pulses to the pair of electrodes, thereby stimulating the vagal nerve. The pattern of that stimulating pulses can be varied in response to characteristics of the atrial fibrillation or the ventricular contractions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.