Implantable device and method for treatment of hypertension

• US 20060041283A1
• Filed: 08/19/2004
• Published: 02/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 08/19/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lifestim, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Lifestim, Inc.
• Inventors: Levin, Howard R., Gelfand, Mark
• Granted Patent: US 7,373,204 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/44
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36114 Cardiac control, e.g. by vagal stimulation stimulating the heart A61N1/362
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36117 for treating hypertension
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 128/907 Acupuncture

Abstract

A method and apparatus for treatment of hypertension with electrostimulation of peripheral nerves. Treatment is performed by periodically stimulating a nerve such as a median nerve. Apparatus for stimulation is permanently implanted in the body. The nerve is stimulated by electric current applied to electrodes that are placed near the target nerve or the muscle innervated by the target nerve.

Claims

1. A method for treating hypertension in a human patient comprising:

a. implanting a nerve stimulation device proximate to at least one peripheral nerve of the patient, and

b. applying a stimulation signal generated by the device to the peripheral nerve to control hypertension.

2. A method as in claim 1 wherein the peripheral nerve is one of a group consisting of a median nerve, an auricular nerve, a peroneal nerve and deep peroneal nerve.

3. A method as in claim 1 wherein the stimulation device further comprises a lead with electrodes.

4. A method as in claim 1 wherein the stimulation signal is applied periodically.

5. A method as in claim 1 wherein the stimulation signal further comprises electric pulses having a frequency in a range of 1 to 5 Hz.

6. A method as in claim 1 wherein the stimulation signal is applied based on a physiologic feedback.

7. A method as in claim 1 further comprising:

adjusting a level of the stimulation signal below a threshold of pain or muscle twitching.

8. A method as in claim 1 wherein the stimulation device is surgically implanted.

9. A method as in claim 1 wherein the stimulation device is implanted on a surface of a muscle innervated by the said peripheral nerve.

10. A method as in claim 1 wherein the stimulation device is implanted along the peripheral nerve.

11. A method as in claim 1 wherein the stimulation device is implanted proximally to a Neiguan point or points Tianchi, Tianguan, Quze, Ximen, Jianshi, Daling, Laogong, and Zhonghong in an arm of the patient.

12. A method as in claim 1 wherein the stimulation device is implanted proximally to a Zusanli point in a leg of the patient.

13. A method as in claim 1 wherein the implantation is at least partially performed by threading a lead through a peripheral vein of the patient.

14. A method as in claim 1 wherein the stimulation signal is applied with electric pulses at a current of 0.5 to 5 mA.

15. A method as in claim 1 wherein the stimulation signal is applied with electric pulses with a duration of 0.25 to 0.5 ms.

16. A method as in claim 1 wherein the stimulation signal is applied for 20 to 60 minutes followed by a rest period.