Method and apparatus for electrical stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter

• US 20030014086A1
• Filed: 07/12/2002
• Published: 01/16/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 07/14/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Paras Holdings LLC
• Original Assignee: Virender K. Sharma
• Inventors: Sharma, Virender K.
• Granted Patent: US 6,901,295 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/40
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control

Abstract

A method and apparatus for electrical stimulation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) is provided. Electrode sets are placed in the esophagus in an arrangement that induce contractions of the LES by electrical stimulation of the surrounding tissue and nerves. The electrical stimulus is applied by a pulse generator for periods of varying duration and varying frequency so as to produce the desired contractions. The treatment may be short-term or may continue throughout the life of the patient in order to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. The stimulating electrode sets can be used either alone or in conjunction with electrodes that sense esophageal peristalsis. The electrode sets can be placed endoscopically, surgically or radiologically.

Claims

1. A method of electrically stimulating the lower esophageal sphincter comprising the steps of:

a) arranging at least one electrode sets within a portion of the gastro-intestinal tract wherein electrical stimulus from the electrode sets causes the lower esophageal sphincter to contract; and

b) applying an electrical stimulus to the electrode sets wherein the electrical stimuli prevent transient relaxation of the LES and/or increase the tone of the LES.

2. A method according to claim 1 wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract is approximately 5 cm above the LES to 5 cm below the LES.

3. A method according to claim 1 wherein the portion of the gastrointestinal tract is the esophagus.

4. A method according to claim 1 wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract is the lower esophageal sphincter.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein the electrical stimulus is provided a pulse generator.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein the electrical stimulus has shape which is either square, rectangular, sinusoidal, or sawtooth.

7. A method according to claim 5 wherein the electrical stimulus has a frequency in the range of approximately of 1-100 Hz.

8. A method according to claim 1 wherein the electrode sets for stimulating the lower esophageal sphincter includes pH sensors for detecting change in esophageal pH due to acid reflux.

9. A method according to claim 1 further comprising sensing electrodes disposed in the esophagus for detecting esophageal peristalsis.

10. A device for electrical stimulation of smooth muscle comprising a portion of the gastrointestinal tract, the device comprising:

a) a pulse generator; and

b) at least one electrode set connected to the pulse generator wherein the electrode sets are arranged within the portion of the gastrointestinal tract in the area approximately 5 cm above the LES to 5 cm below the LES such that electrical stimulation in the area causes contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter,

11. A device according to claim 10 wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract is the esophagus.

12. A device according to claim 10 wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract is the lower esophageal sphincter.

13. A device according to claim 10 wherein an electrical stimulus is provided the pulse generator.

14. A device according to claim 11 wherein the electrical stimulus has shape which is either square, rectangular, sinusoidal, or sawtooth.

15. A device according to claim 11 wherein the electrical stimulus has a frequency in the range of approximately of 1-100 Hz.

16. A device according to claim 10 wherein the electrode sets for stimulating the lower esophageal sphincter includes pH sensors for detecting change in esophageal pH due to acid reflux.

17. A device according to claim 10 further comprising sensing electrodes disposed in the esophagus for detecting esophageal peristalsis.

18. A device according to claim 10 wherein the pulse generator is connected to the electrode sets by wires.

19. A device according to claim 10 wherein the pulse generator is controlled by a microprocessor.

20. A device according to claim 10 wherein the pulse generator is connected to a power source of alternating current.