Implantable electroacupuncture device and method for reducing hypertension
US8805512B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 29, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 12, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 29, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S128/907
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats hypertension through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints PC5, PC6, ST36, or ST37. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.