Non-invasive magnetic or electrical nerve stimulation to treat gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and other functional gastrointestinal disorders
US9403001B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 30, 2012 |
| Grant date | Aug 2, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 30, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N2/02
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating or preventing gastroparesis, functional dyspepsia, and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. The methods comprise transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers, particularly those in a vagus nerve. The methods provide damaged interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) with trophic factors via vagal afferent nerve fibers, thereby reversing ICC damage, and as a consequence improving gastric motility. The methods also increase levels of inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain so as to decrease neural activity within the area postrema, or they deactivate a resting state neural network containing parts of the anterior insula and anterior cingulate cortex, which will thereby reduce abnormal interoception and visceral hypersensitivity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.