Method and apparatus for improving renal function

• US 20060116720A1
• Filed: 12/01/2004
• Published: 06/01/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 12/01/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Penny Knoblich
• Original Assignee: Penny Knoblich
• Inventors: Knoblich, Penny
• Application Number:
  US11/001,423
• Publication Number:
  US 20060116720A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36057 adapted for stimulating afferent nerves
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36153 Voltage A61N1/3616 takes precedence

Abstract

An electrical stimulator for providing electrical energy to nerves related to renal function for the purpose of improving and controlling renal function.

Claims

1. A device for electrical stimulation to improve kidney function, comprising of:

a) one or more electrodes located at the level of the spine proximate to the afferent and efferent nerves associated with renal function;

b) a pulse generator coupled to the electrodes for generating a current pulse at a voltage of greater than 0.3 but less than 0.90 percent of the motor threshold, and stimulus duration sufficient to stimulate a change in renal function.

2. A method of improving renal function comprising the steps of:

a) placing an electrode (cathode) proximate to the dorsal portion of a spinal cord at the level of the entry of the renal nerves;

b) placing a reference electrode (anode) proximal to the spinal cord to direct current though the nerves of the kidney;

c) applying a stimulation voltage between 0.30 and 0.90 of the motor threshold of the paravertebral muscles at the electrode locations.