Nerve stimulation techniques
US8571653B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 7, 2011 |
| Grant date | Oct 29, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/36075
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method is provided for treating heart failure in a subject in need of such treatment, including applying a stimulating current to parasympathetic nervous tissue of the subject, selected from the group consisting of: a vagus nerve and an epicardial fat pad. The stimulating current is configured to inhibit release of at least one proinflammatory cytokine sufficiently to the treat heart failure of the subject. A level of the at least one proinflammatory cytokine is measured. Optionally, the stimulating current is configured to change a level of Connexin 43 of the subject, and the level of Connexin 43 is also measured. Other embodiments are also described.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.