Method and apparatus for assisting deglutition
US7890178B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2006 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/0526
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Artificially stimulated deglutition methods and systems including providing a portable system born by a user for controlling a component of a complete swallowing act without substantial aspiration. The system includes a controller, a signal generator, and a subcutaneously positioned electrode array with at least one electrode. The electrode array is subcutaneously positioned and is operated to stimulate a single deglutition muscle where the single deglutition muscle is the only deglutition muscle directly artificially stimulated via the electrode array during the complete swallowing act. Systems and methods of nerve stimulation and selective nerve stimulation are also provided to artificially stimulate deglutition.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.