Sensing of pancreatic electrical activity

• US 20070060812A1
• Filed: 10/24/2002
• Published: 03/15/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/29/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: MetaCure Limited (MetaCure (USA), Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Metacure NV
• Inventors: Mika, Yuval, Marom, Shimon, Harel, Tamar, Khawaled, Radwan, Levi, Tamir, Glassberg, Offer, Darvish, Nissim
• Application Number:
  US10/497,126
• Publication Number:
  US 20070060812A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/347
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/14532 for measuring glucose, e.g. by tissue impedance measurement
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/24 Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/425 pancreas
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/7257 using Fourier transforms
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control

Abstract

Apparatus (18) is provided for sensing electrical activity of a pancreas (20) of a patient. The apparatus (18) includes a set of one or more electrodes (100), adapted to be coupled to the pancreas (20), and to generate activity signals indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a plurality of islets of the pancreas (20). The apparatus (18) also includes a control unit (90), adapted to receive the activity signals, and to generate an output signal responsive thereto.

Claims

1. :

Apparatus for sensing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

a set of one or more electrodes, adapted to be coupled to the pancreas, and to generate activity signals indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a plurality of islets of the pancreas; and

a control unit, adapted to receive the activity signals, and to generate an output signal responsive thereto.

2. :

Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a single electrode in the set of one or more electrodes is adapted to convey to the control unit an activity signal indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in two or more of the islets.

3. :

Apparatus for analyzing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

a set of one or more electrodes, each electrode adapted to be coupled to the pancreas and to generate an activity signal indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a plurality of islets of the pancreas; and

a control unit, adapted to;

receive the activity signals from the one or more electrodes,

analyze the received activity signals, and

generate an output signal responsive to the analysis.

4. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the set of electrodes is adapted to generate activity signals indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in five or more of the islets.

5. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the set of electrodes is adapted to generate activity signals indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in ten or more of the islets.

6. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a first one of the one or more electrodes is adapted to generate a first activity signal, indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a first one of the islets, and wherein a second one of the one or more electrodes is adapted to generate a second activity signal, indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a second one of the islets, which is different from the first one of the islets, and wherein the control unit is adapted to receive the first and second activity signals.

7. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify an aspect thereof indicative of activity of a type of cell selected from the list consisting of;

pancreatic alpha cells, pancreatic beta cells, pancreatic delta cells, and polypeptide cells, and wherein the control unit is adapted to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

11. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify a frequency aspect thereof, and to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the frequency aspect.

25. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the set of electrodes is adapted to generate the activity signals responsive to spontaneous electrical activity of the pancreatic cells.

26. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to apply a synchronizing signal to the pancreas.

27. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify a magnitude of a fluctuation of the activity signals, and to generate the output signal responsive to the analysis.

28. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals by means of a technique selected from the list consisting of;

single value decomposition and principal component analysis, and to generate the output signal responsive thereto.

29. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify a duration aspect thereof, and to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the duration aspect.

30. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify an aspect of morphology of a waveform thereof, and to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the aspect of the morphology.

31. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify an aspect of a number of threshold-crossings thereof, and to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the aspect of the number of threshold-crossings.

32. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals using a moving window, and to generate the output signal responsive to the analysis.

33. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify a measure of energy thereof, and to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the measure of energy.

34. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify a correlation thereof with a stored pattern, and to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the correlation.

35. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to determine an average pattern thereof, and so as to identify a correlation of the activity signals with the average pattern, and wherein the control unit is adapted to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the correlation.

36. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify a magnitude aspect thereof and a duration aspect thereof, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the aspects in combination, and wherein the control unit is adapted to generate the output signal responsive to analyzing the aspects.

37. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to determine a measure of organization of the activity signals.

38. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a first electrode and a second electrode of the set of electrodes are adapted to be coupled to a first site and a second site of the pancreas, respectively, and wherein the control unit is adapted to measure a delay between sensed electrical activity at the first and second sites, and to analyze the activity signals responsive to the measured delay.

39. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to detect mechanical artifacts by identifying a pattern of the activity signals, the pattern selected from the list consisting of;

a spectral pattern and a time pattern.

40. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit comprises a memory, and wherein the control unit is adapted to store the activity signals in the memory for subsequent off-line analysis.

41. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to receive the activity signals from at least one of the electrodes when the at least one of the electrodes is not in physical contact with any islet of the pancreas.

42. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to receive the activity signals from at least one of the electrodes when the at least one of the electrodes is not in physical contact with the pancreas.

43. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to generate the output signal so as to facilitate an evaluation of a state of the patient.

44. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the set of electrodes comprises at least ten electrodes.

45. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the set of electrodes comprises at least 50 electrodes.

46. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, comprising a clip mount, coupled to at least one of the electrodes, which is adapted for securing the at least one of the electrodes to the pancreas.

47. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the electrodes is adapted to be physically coupled to the pancreas by

peeling back a portion of connective tissue surrounding the pancreas, so as to create a pocket,

inserting the electrode into the pocket, and

suturing the electrode to the connective tissue.

48. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the set of one or more electrodes comprises an array of electrodes, the array comprising at least two electrodes adapted to be coupled to the pancreas at respective sites, and adapted to generate an impedance-indicating signal responsive to a level of electrical impedance between the two sites.

49. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, comprising at least one supplemental sensor, adapted to

be coupled to a site of a body of the patient,

sense a parameter of the patient, and

generate a supplemental signal responsive to the parameter,

and wherein the control unit is adapted to receive the supplemental signal.

50. :

Apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the parameter is selected from the list consisting of;

blood sugar, SvO2, pH, pCO2, pO2, blood insulin levels, blood ketone levels, ketone levels in expired air, blood pressure, respiration rate, respiration depth, an electrocardiogram measurement, a metabolic indicator, and heart rate, and wherein the supplemental sensor is adapted to sense the parameter.

51. :

Apparatus according to claim 50, wherein the metabolic indicator includes a measure of NADH, and wherein the supplemental sensor is adapted to sense the measure of NADH.

52. :

Apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the supplemental sensor comprises an accelerometer, adapted to detect a motion of an organ of the patient.

53. :

Apparatus according to claim 49, wherein the control unit is adapted to apply to the activity signals a noise reduction algorithm, an input of which includes the supplemental signal.

54. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify a magnitude aspect thereof, and to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the magnitude aspect.

55. :

Apparatus according to claim 54, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify the magnitude aspect thereof at a frequency, and to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the magnitude aspect at the frequency.

56. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to apply a Fourier transform to the activity signals.

57. :

Apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the Fourier-transformed activity signals so as to calculate a ratio of (a) a first frequency component at a first frequency of the activity signals to (b) a second frequency component at a second frequency of the activity signals, the first frequency different from the second frequency, and wherein the control unit is adapted to generate the output signal responsive to the analysis.

58. :

Apparatus according to claim 56, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the Fourier-transformed activity signals so as to identify a pattern thereof, and to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the pattern.

59. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify an aspect of a frequency of spike generation thereof, and to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

60. :

Apparatus according to claim 59, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify the aspect of the frequency of spike generation responsive to an occurrence of spikes within a certain range of durations of spikes, and to generate the output signal responsive to the aspect.

61. :

Apparatus according to claim 59, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify the aspect of the frequency of spike generation responsive to a ratio of spikes with a first amplitude to spikes with a second amplitude, the first amplitude different from the second amplitude, and to generate the output signal responsive to the aspect.

62. :

Apparatus according to claim 59, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify the aspect of the frequency of spike generation responsive to, for each spike, a product of a duration of the spike and an amplitude of the spike, and to generate the output signal responsive to the aspect.

63. :

Apparatus according to claim 59, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify a change in the aspect of the frequency of spike generation, and to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the change in the aspect of the frequency.

64. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to determine a change in a rate of secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

65. :

Apparatus according to claim 64, wherein the control unit is adapted to determine a change in a rate of spike generation, so as to determine the change in the rate of secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

66. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals with respect to calibration data indicative of aspects of pancreatic electrical activity recorded at respective times, in which respective measurements of a parameter of the patient generated respective values.

67. :

Apparatus according to claim 66, wherein the parameter includes a blood glucose level of the patient, and wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals with respect to the calibration data.

68. :

Apparatus according to claim 66, wherein the parameter includes a blood insulin level of the patient, and wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals with respect to the calibration data.

69. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, comprising at least one reference electrode, adapted to be coupled to tissue in a vicinity of the pancreas, and to generate reference signals, and wherein the control unit is adapted to receive the reference signals, and to generate the output signal responsive to the reference signals and the activity signals.

70. :

Apparatus according to claim 69, wherein the reference electrode is adapted to be coupled to an organ of the patient in a vicinity of the pancreas, and to generate reference signals indicative of a motion of the organ.

71. :

Apparatus according to claim 70, wherein the organ includes a stomach of the patient, and wherein the reference electrode comprises two reference electrodes, adapted to be coupled to the stomach at respective stomach sites, and adapted to generate an impedance-indicating signal responsive to a level of electrical impedance between the two stomach sites.

72. :

Apparatus according to claim 70, wherein the organ includes a pancreas of the patient, and wherein the reference electrode comprises two reference electrodes, adapted to be coupled to the pancreas at respective pancreas sites, and adapted to generate an impedance-indicating signal responsive to a level of electrical impedance between the two pancreas sites.

73. :

Apparatus according to claim 70, wherein the organ includes a duodenum of the patient, and wherein the reference electrode comprises two reference electrodes, adapted to be coupled to the duodenum at respective duodenum sites, and adapted to generate an impedance-indicating signal responsive to a level of electrical impedance between the two duodenum sites.

74. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the electrodes are adapted to be placed in physical contact with the pancreas.

75. :

Apparatus according to claim 74, wherein at least one of the electrodes is adapted to be placed in physical contact with the head of the pancreas.

76. :

Apparatus according to claim 74, wherein at least one of the electrodes is adapted to be placed in physical contact with the body of the pancreas.

77. :

Apparatus according to claim 74, wherein at least one of the electrodes is adapted to be placed in physical contact with the tail of the pancreas.

78. :

Apparatus according to claim 74, wherein at least one of the electrodes is adapted to be placed in physical contact with a vein or artery of the pancreas.

79. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the electrodes is adapted to be placed in physical contact with a blood vessel in a vicinity of the pancreas.

80. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the electrodes has a characteristic diameter less than about 3 millimeters.

81. :

Apparatus according to claim 80, wherein the at least one of the electrodes has a characteristic diameter less than about 300 microns.

82. :

Apparatus according to claim 81, wherein the at least one of the electrodes has a characteristic diameter less than about 30 microns.

83. :

Apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the apparatus comprises a treatment unit, adapted to receive the output signal and to apply a treatment to the patient responsive to the output signal.

84. :

Apparatus according to claim 83, wherein the control unit is adapted to generate the output signal responsive to an aspect of timing of the activity signals, and wherein the treatment unit is adapted to apply the treatment responsive to the timing aspect.

85. :

Apparatus according to claim 84, wherein the control unit is adapted to generate the output signal responsive to an aspect of the timing of the activity signals indicative of a phase in an oscillation of an insulin level.

86. :

Apparatus according to claim 83, comprising at least one supplemental sensor, adapted to

be coupled to a site of a body of the patient,

sense a parameter of the patient, and

generate a supplemental signal responsive to the parameter,

and wherein the control unit is adapted to receive the supplemental signal, and to generate the output signal responsive to the supplemental signal and the activity signals, and wherein the treatment unit is adapted to apply the treatment responsive to the output signal.

87. :

Apparatus according to claim 86, wherein the supplemental sensor comprises an accelerometer, adapted to detect a motion of an organ of the patient.

88. :

Apparatus according to claim 86, wherein the parameter is selected from the list consisting of;

blood sugar, SvO2, pH, pCO2, pO2, blood insulin levels, blood ketone levels, ketone levels in expired air, blood pressure, respiration rate, respiration depth, an electrocardiogram measurement, a metabolic indicator, and heart rate, and wherein the supplemental sensor is adapted to sense the parameter.

89. :

Apparatus according to claim 88, wherein the metabolic indicator includes a measure of NADH, and wherein the supplemental sensor is adapted to sense the measure of NADH.

90. :

Apparatus according to claim 83, wherein the control unit is adapted to configure the output signal to the treatment unit so as to be capable of modifying an amount of glucose in blood in the patient.

91. :

Apparatus according to claim 90, wherein the control unit is adapted to configure the output signal to the treatment unit so as to be capable of increasing an amount of glucose in blood in the patient.

92. :

Apparatus according to claim 90, wherein the control unit is adapted to configure the output signal so as to be capable of decreasing an amount of glucose in blood in the patient.

93. :

Apparatus according to claim 83, wherein the treatment unit comprises a signal-application electrode, and wherein the control unit is adapted to drive the signal-application electrode to apply current to the pancreas capable of treating a condition of the patient.

94. :

Apparatus according to claim 93, wherein the signal-application electrode comprises at least one electrode of the set of electrodes.

95. :

Apparatus according to claim 93, wherein the control unit is adapted to drive the signal-application electrode to apply the current in a waveform selected from the list consisting of;

a monophasic square wave pulse, a sinusoid wave, a series of biphasic square waves, and a waveform including an exponentially-varying characteristic.

96. :

Apparatus according to claim 93, wherein the signal-application electrode comprises a first and a second signal-application electrode, and wherein the control unit is adapted to drive the first and second signal-application electrodes to apply the current in different waveforms.

97. :

Apparatus according to claim 93, wherein the control unit is adapted to drive the signal-application electrode to apply the current so as to modulate insulin secretion by the pancreas.

98. :

Apparatus according to claim 97, wherein the control unit is adapted to select a parameter of the current, and to drive the signal-application electrode to apply the current, so as to modulate insulin secretion, the parameter selected from the list consisting of;

a magnitude of the current, a duration of the current, and a frequency of the current.

99. :

Apparatus according to claim 97, wherein the signal-application electrode comprises a first and a second signal-application electrode, and wherein the control unit is adapted to drive the first and the second signal-application electrodes to reverse a polarity of the current applied to the pancreas so as to stimulate the change in insulin secretion.

100. :

Apparatus according to claim 93, wherein the treatment unit comprises a substance delivery unit, adapted to deliver a therapeutic substance to the patient, and wherein the control unit is adapted to drive the signal-application electrode to apply the current, and, in combination, to drive the substance delivery unit to deliver the therapeutic substance.

101. :

Apparatus according to claim 83, wherein the treatment unit comprises a patient-alert unit, adapted to generate a patient-alert signal.

102. :

Apparatus according to claim 83, wherein the treatment unit comprises a substance delivery unit, adapted to deliver a therapeutic substance to the patient.

103. :

Apparatus according to claim 102, wherein the substance delivery unit comprises a pump.

104. :

Apparatus according to claim 102, wherein the substance includes insulin, and wherein the substance delivery unit is adapted to deliver the insulin to the patient.

105. :

Apparatus according to claim 102, wherein the substance includes a drug, and wherein the substance delivery unit is adapted to deliver the drug to the patient.

106. :

Apparatus according to claim 105, wherein the drug is selected from the list consisting of;

glyburide, glipizide, and chlorpropamide.

8. :

Apparatus for monitoring a blood glucose level of a patient, comprising;

a set of one or more electrodes, adapted to be coupled to a pancreas of the patient, and to generate respective activity signals indicative of spontaneous electrical activity of pancreatic cells; and

a control unit, adapted to receive the respective activity signals, to analyze the activity signals so as to determine a change in the glucose level, and to generate an output signal responsive to determining the change.

10. :

Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify an aspect thereof indicative of activity of a type of cell selected from the list consisting of;

pancreatic alpha cells, pancreatic beta cells, pancreatic delta cells, and polypeptide cells, and wherein the control unit is adapted to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

9. :

Apparatus for monitoring a blood insulin level of a patient, comprising;

a set of one or more electrodes, adapted to be coupled to a pancreas of the patient, and to generate respective activity signals indicative of spontaneous electrical activity of pancreatic cells; and

a control unit, adapted to receive the respective activity signals, to analyze the activity signals so as to determine a change in the insulin level, and to generate an output signal responsive to determining the change.

12. :

Apparatus for analyzing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

a set of one or more electrodes, adapted to be coupled to the pancreas, and to generate activity signals; and

a control unit, adapted to receive the activity signals, adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify an aspect thereof which is indicative of activity of pancreatic alpha cells, and adapted to generate an output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

13. :

Apparatus for analyzing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

a set of one or more electrodes, adapted to be coupled to the pancreas, and to generate activity signals; and

a control unit, adapted to receive the activity signals, adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify an aspect thereof which is indicative of activity of pancreatic beta cells, and adapted to generate an output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

14. :

Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to distinguish between the aspect thereof which is indicative of the activity of the beta cells and an aspect thereof which is indicative of activity of pancreatic alpha cells, and wherein the control unit is adapted to generate the output signal responsive to distinguishing between the aspects.

17. :

Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control unit is adapted to compare the aspect of the activity signals with a stored pattern that is indicative of activity of the cells, and to generate the output signal responsive thereto.

18. :

Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals under an assumption that the activity of the cells is dependent on electrical activity of another type of pancreatic cell, and to generate the output signal responsive thereto.

19. :

Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals under an assumption that the activity of the cells is substantially independent of electrical activity of another type of pancreatic cell, and to generate the output signal responsive thereto.

20. :

Apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify a frequency aspect thereof, and to generate the output signal responsive to identifying the frequency aspect.

21. :

Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to differentiate between a first frequency aspect of the activity signals which is indicative of the activity of the cells, and a second frequency aspect of the activity signals, different from the first frequency aspect, which is indicative of activity of another type of pancreatic cell.

22. :

Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify over time a change in the frequency aspect that is characteristic of the cells.

23. :

Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify a magnitude aspect thereof, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the frequency aspect and the magnitude aspect in combination, and wherein the control unit is adapted to generate the output signal responsive to analyzing the aspects.

24. :

Apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify a duration aspect thereof, wherein the control unit is adapted to analyze the frequency aspect and the duration aspect in combination, and wherein the control unit is adapted to generate the output signal responsive to analyzing the aspects.

15. :

Apparatus for analyzing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

a set of one or more electrodes, adapted to be coupled to the pancreas, and to generate activity signals; and

a control unit, adapted to receive the activity signals, adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify an aspect thereof which is indicative of activity of pancreatic delta cells, and adapted to generate an output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

16. :

Apparatus for analyzing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

a set of one or more electrodes, adapted to be coupled to the pancreas, and to generate activity signals; and

a control unit, adapted to receive the activity signals, adapted to analyze the activity signals so as to identify an aspect thereof which is indicative of activity of polypeptide cells, and adapted to generate an output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

107. :

Apparatus for sensing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising an electrode assembly, which comprises;

one or more wire electrodes, each wire electrode comprising a curved portion, which curved portion is adapted to be brought in contact with the pancreas, and each wire electrode adapted to generate an activity signal indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a plurality of islets of the pancreas; and

a clip mount, to which the wire electrodes are fixed, which is adapted to secure the wire electrodes to the pancreas.

108. :

Apparatus for sensing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising an electrode assembly, which comprises;

a plurality of wire electrodes, adapted to be brought in contact with and to penetrate a surface of the pancreas, and to generate respective activity signals indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a plurality of islets of the pancreas; and

a mount, to which the wire electrodes are fixed, which is adapted to secure the wire electrodes to the pancreas.

109. :

Apparatus for sensing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising a patch assembly, which comprises;

a patch, adapted to be coupled to tissue of the patient in a vicinity of the pancreas; and

one or more electrode assemblies, adapted to be coupled to the patch such that the electrode assemblies are in electrical contact with the tissue, and adapted to generate respective activity signals indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a plurality of islets of the pancreas.

110. :

Apparatus according to claim 109, comprising a balloon, coupled to a surface of the patch not in contact with the tissue.

111. :

Apparatus according to claim 109, comprising a hydrogel, adapted to be applied to a surface of the patch not in contact with the tissue, so as to flexibly harden and maintain coupling of the patch to the tissue.

112. :

Apparatus according to claim 109, comprising a sheet, coupled to a surface of the patch not in contact with the tissue, so as to protect the patch from motion of organs of the patient.

113. :

Apparatus according to claim 109, wherein the patch is adapted to have one or more sutures pass therethrough, to couple the patch to the tissue.

114. :

Apparatus according to claim 109, comprising an adhesive, adapted to couple the patch to the tissue.

115. :

Apparatus according to claim 109, wherein the electrode assemblies comprise two electrode assemblies, adapted to facilitate a differential measurement of the electrical activity of the pancreas.

116. :

Apparatus according to claim 109, wherein each of the electrode assemblies comprises;

a wire electrode; and

an insulating ring, surrounding the wire electrode.

117. :

Apparatus according to claim 109, wherein the patch comprises one or more signal-processing components fixed thereto.

118. :

Apparatus according to claim 117, wherein at least one of the signal-processing components is selected from the list consisting of;

a preamplifier, a filter, an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, a preprocessor, and a transmitter.

119. :

Apparatus according to claim 117, wherein at least one of the signal-processing components is adapted to drive at least one of the electrode assemblies to apply a signal to a portion of the tissue, the signal configured so as to treat a condition of the patient.

120. :

Apparatus according to claim 109, wherein each of the electrode assemblies comprises;

an inner wire electrode, adapted to function as a first pole of the electrode assembly;

an inner insulating ring, adapted to surround the inner wire electrode;

an outer ring electrode, adapted to surround the inner insulating ring, and to function as a second pole of the electrode assembly; and

an outer insulating ring, adapted to surround the outer ring electrode.

121. :

Apparatus according to claim 120, wherein the inner wire electrode is adapted to have a tissue-contact surface area approximately equal to a tissue-contact surface area of the outer ring electrode.

122. :

Apparatus, comprising a patch, adapted to be implanted in contact with tissue of a patient, the tissue in a vicinity of a pancreas of the patient, the patch comprising one or more signal-processing components fixed thereto, which are adapted to process pancreatic electrical signals.

123. :

Apparatus according to claim 122, wherein at least one of the signal-processing components is selected from the list consisting of;

a preamplifier, a filter, an amplifier, an analog-to-digital converter, a preprocessor, and a transmitter.

124. :

Apparatus according to claim 122, wherein the tissue includes tissue of the pancreas of the patient, and wherein the patch is adapted to be coupled to the tissue of the pancreas.

125. :

Apparatus according to claim 122, wherein the tissue includes tissue of a duodenum of the patient, and wherein the patch is adapted to be coupled to the tissue of the duodenum.

126. :

Apparatus according to claim 122, comprising an electrode, adapted

to be coupled to tissue of the patient in a vicinity of the pancreas,

to generate an activity signal indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a plurality of islets of the pancreas, and

to be electrically coupled to at least one of the signal-processing components.

127. :

Apparatus according to claim 126, wherein at least one of the signal-processing components is adapted to drive the electrode to apply a signal to the pancreas, the signal configured so as to treat a condition of the patient.

128. :

Apparatus for sensing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

a patch, adapted to be coupled to first tissue of the patient in a vicinity of the pancreas, the patch comprising a signal-processing component;

at least one electrode assembly, comprising;

an electrode, adapted to be coupled to second tissue of the patient in a vicinity of the pancreas and in a vicinity of the patch, and to generate an activity signal indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a plurality of islets of the pancreas; and

a wire having a first end and a second end, the first end physically and electrically coupled to the electrode, the second end comprising a surgical needle, adapted to be electrically coupled to the second end, the wire adapted to function as a suture for use with the needle, and the second end adapted to be physically and electrically coupled to the preamplifier.

129. :

Apparatus according to claim 128, wherein the signal-processing component comprises a preamplifier.

130. :

Apparatus according to claim 129, wherein the second end is adapted to be physically and electrically coupled to the preamplifier by inserting the needle into the preamplifier.

131. :

Apparatus according to claim 129, wherein the needle is adapted to be broken after the wire is sutured to the second tissue, thereby leaving a broken portion of the needle fixed to the second end of the wire, and wherein the second end of the wire is adapted to be physically and electrically coupled to the preamplifier by inserting the broken portion of the needle into the preamplifier.

132. :

Apparatus for sensing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising an electrode, adapted to be coupled to tissue of the patient in a vicinity of the pancreas, and adapted to generate an activity signal indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a plurality of islets of the pancreas, the electrode comprising a hooking element, which comprises a plurality of prongs, the prongs adapted to be collapsible while being inserted into the tissue, and to expand after insertion, thereby generally securing the electrode in the tissue.

133. :

Apparatus for sensing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising an electrode, adapted to be coupled to tissue of the patient in a vicinity of the pancreas, and adapted to generate an activity signal indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a plurality of islets of the pancreas, the electrode comprising a spiral stopper element, adapted to secure the electrode in the tissue.

134. :

Apparatus for sensing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising an electrode, adapted to be coupled to tissue of the patient in a vicinity of the pancreas, and adapted to generate an activity signal indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a plurality of islets of the pancreas, the electrode comprising a corkscrew element, adapted to secure the electrode in the tissue.

135. :

Apparatus for sensing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising an electrode assembly, comprising;

a connecting element;

an amplifier;

at least two wires, each wire having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of each wire adapted to be attached to the connecting element, and the proximal end of each wire adapted to be attached to the amplifier, each wire comprising an electrically-insulating coating attached thereto, adapted to cover a portion of the wire and to not cover at least one exposed site on the wire, so as to provide electrical contact between the exposed site and tissue of the pancreas; and

a suture, having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end adapted to be attached to the amplifier, and the distal end adapted to be connected to the connecting element.

136. :

Apparatus according to claim 135, wherein one of the exposed sites on a first one of the wires and one of the exposed sites on a second one of the wires are adapted to facilitate a differential measurement of the electrical activity of the pancreas.

137. :

Apparatus according to claim 135, comprising a needle, attached to the distal end of the suture.

138. :

Apparatus for analyzing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

a set of one or more electrodes, adapted to be coupled to the pancreas and to generate respective activity signals indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells; and

a control unit, adapted to;

receive the activity signals from the one or more electrodes,

analyze a frequency component of the received activity signals, and

generate an output signal responsive to the analysis.

139. :

Apparatus for analyzing activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

a set of one or more calcium electrodes, each of the calcium electrodes adapted to be coupled to the pancreas and to generate a signal indicative of a calcium level; and

a control unit, adapted to;

receive the signals from the one or more calcium electrodes,

analyze the received activity signals, and

generate an output signal responsive to the analysis.

140. :

Apparatus according to claim 139, wherein each of the electrodes is adapted to generate the signal indicative of an intracellular calcium level.

141. :

Apparatus according to claim 139, wherein each of the electrodes is adapted to generate the signal indicative of an interstitial calcium level.

142. :

A method for sensing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

sensing electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a plurality of islets of the pancreas;

generating activity signals responsive thereto;

receiving the activity signals;

analyzing the activity signals; and

generating an output signal responsive to the analysis.

143. :

A method according to claim 142, wherein sensing the electrical activity comprises sensing, at a single site of the pancreas, electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in two or more of the islets.

144. :

A method for sensing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

sensing, at each of one or more sites of the pancreas, electrical activity of pancreatic cells in a respective plurality of islets;

generating activity signals responsive thereto;

receiving the activity signals;

analyzing the activity signals; and

generating an output signal responsive to the analysis.

145. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises receiving signals indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in five or more of the islets.

146. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises receiving signals indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in ten or more of the islets.

147. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises;

receiving a first activity signal recorded at a first site, indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a first one of the islets; and

receiving a second activity signal recorded at a second site, indicative of electrical activity of pancreatic cells which are in a second one of the islets, which is different from the first one of the islets.

148. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify an aspect thereof indicative of activity of a type of cell selected from the list consisting of;

pancreatic alpha cells, pancreatic beta cells, pancreatic delta cells, and polypeptide cells, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

152. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify a frequency aspect thereof, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the frequency aspect.

166. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises receiving electrical signals responsive to spontaneous electrical activity of the pancreatic cells.

167. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises receiving activity signals recorded at at least ten pancreatic sites.

168. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals by means of a technique selected from the list consisting of;

single value decomposition and principal component analysis, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive thereto.

169. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify an aspect of morphology of a waveform thereof, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the aspect of the morphology.

170. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify an aspect of a number of threshold-crossings thereof, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the aspect of the number of threshold-crossings.

171. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals using a moving window, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to the analysis.

172. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify a measure of energy thereof, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the measure of energy.

173. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify a correlation thereof with a stored pattern, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the correlation.

174. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to determine an average pattern thereof, and so as to identify a correlation of the activity signals with the average pattern, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the correlation.

175. :

A method according to claim 144, comprising applying a synchronizing signal to the pancreas, so as to synchronize pancreatic beta cell depolarization.

176. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify a magnitude of a fluctuation of the activity signals, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to the analysis.

177. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify a duration aspect thereof, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the duration aspect.

178. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises;

analyzing the activity signals so as to identify a magnitude aspect thereof and a duration aspect thereof; and

analyzing the aspects in combination,

wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to analyzing the aspects.

179. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to determine a measure of organization of the activity signals.

180. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises receiving activity signals generated at a first site and at a second site of the pancreas, and wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises measuring a delay between sensed electrical activity at the first and second sites, and analyzing the activity signals responsive to the measured delay.

181. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises detecting mechanical artifacts.

182. :

A method according to claim 181, wherein detecting the mechanical artifacts comprises identifying a pattern of the activity signals, the pattern selected from the list consisting of;

a spectral pattern and a time pattern.

183. :

A method according to claim 144, comprising storing the activity signals for subsequent off-line analysis.

184. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein generating the output signal comprises facilitating an evaluation of a state of the patient.

185. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises receiving the activity signals from at least one electrode not in physical contact with the pancreas.

186. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises receiving the activity signals from at least one electrode which is not in physical contact with any islet of the pancreas.

187. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises receiving the activity signals from at least one electrode which is in physical contact with a blood vessel in a vicinity of the pancreas.

188. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify a magnitude aspect thereof, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the magnitude aspect.

189. :

A method according to claim 188, wherein the magnitude aspect includes a magnitude of a frequency component of the activity signals, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to the magnitude of the frequency component.

190. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises applying a Fourier transform to the activity signals.

191. :

A method according to claim 190, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the Fourier-transformed activity signals so as to calculate a ratio of (a) a first frequency component at a first frequency of the activity signals to (b) a second frequency component at a second frequency of the activity signals, the first frequency different from the second frequency, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to the analysis.

192. :

A method according to claim 190, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the Fourier-transformed activity signals so as to identify a pattern thereof, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the pattern.

193. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify an aspect of a frequency of spike generation thereof, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

194. :

A method according to claim 193, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify the aspect of the frequency of spike generation responsive to an occurrence of spikes within a determined range of durations of spikes.

195. :

A method according to claim 193, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify the aspect of the frequency of spike generation responsive to a ratio of spikes with a first amplitude to spikes with a second amplitude, the first amplitude different from the second amplitude.

196. :

A method according to claim 193, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify the aspect of the frequency of spike generation responsive to, for each spike, a product of a duration of the spike and an amplitude of the spike.

197. :

A method according to claim 193, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify a change in the aspect of the frequency of spike generation, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the change in the aspect of the frequency.

198. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises determining a change in a rate of secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

199. :

A method according to claim 198, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises determining a change in a rate of spike generation, so as to determine the change in the rate of secretion of insulin by the pancreas.

200. :

A method according to claim 144, comprising;

sensing a parameter of the patient at a site in a body of the patient;

generating a supplemental signal responsive to the parameter; and

receiving the supplemental signal.

201. :

A method according to claim 200, wherein sensing the parameter comprises sensing a parameter selected from the list consisting of;

blood sugar, SvO2, pH, pCO2, pO2, blood insulin levels, blood ketone levels, ketone levels in expired air, blood pressure, respiration rate, respiration depth, an electrocardiogram measurement, a metabolic indicator, and heart rate.

202. :

A method according to claim 201, wherein sensing the parameter comprises sensing a measure of NADH.

203. :

A method according to claim 200, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises applying to the activity signals a noise reduction algorithm, an input of which includes the supplemental signal.

204. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals with respect to calibration data indicative of aspects of pancreatic electrical activity recorded at respective times, in which respective measurements of a parameter of the patient generated respective values.

205. :

A method according to claim 204, wherein the parameter includes a blood glucose level of the patient, and wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals with respect to the calibration data.

206. :

A method according to claim 204, wherein the parameter includes a blood insulin level of the patient, and wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals with respect to the calibration data.

207. :

A method according to claim 144, comprising;

sensing an electrical parameter of tissue in a vicinity of the pancreas;

generating reference signals responsive thereto; and

receiving the reference signals,

wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to the reference signals and the activity signals.

208. :

A method according to claim 207, wherein sensing the electrical parameter of the tissue comprises driving a current between two sites of an organ including the tissue,

wherein sensing the electrical parameter comprises sensing the electrical parameter responsive to driving the current and responsive to an electrical impedance between the two sites, and

wherein generating the reference signals comprises generating reference signals indicative of a motion of the organ, responsive to the electrical parameter.

209. :

A method according to claim 208, wherein the organ includes a stomach of the patient, and wherein sensing the electrical parameter comprises driving the current between two sites of the stomach.

210. :

A method according to claim 208, wherein the organ includes a pancreas of the patient, and wherein sensing the electrical parameter comprises driving the current between two sites of the pancreas.

211. :

A method according to claim 208, wherein the organ includes a duodenum of the patient, and wherein sensing the electrical parameter comprises driving the current between two sites of the duodenum.

212. :

A method according to claim 144, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises receiving the activity signals from at least one electrode placed in physical contact with the pancreas.

213. :

A method according to claim 212, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises receiving the activity signals from at least one electrode placed in physical contact with the head of the pancreas.

214. :

A method according to claim 212, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises receiving the activity signals from at least one electrode placed in physical contact with the body of the pancreas.

215. :

A method according to claim 212, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises receiving the activity signals from at least one electrode placed in physical contact with the tail of the pancreas.

216. :

A method according to claim 212, wherein receiving the activity signals comprises receiving the activity signals from at least one electrode placed in physical contact with a vein or artery of the pancreas.

217. :

A method according to claim 144, comprising applying a treatment to the patient responsive to the output signal.

218. :

A method according to claim 217, wherein applying the treatment comprises applying the treatment responsive to an aspect of the timing of the activity signals.

219. :

A method according to claim 217, wherein applying the treatment comprises generating a patient-alert signal.

220. :

A method according to claim 217, comprising;

sensing a parameter of the patient at a site in a body of the patient;

generating a supplemental signal responsive to the parameter; and

receiving the supplemental signal,

wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to the supplemental signal and the activity signals.

221. :

A method according to claim 220, wherein sensing the parameter comprises sensing a parameter selected from the list consisting of;

blood sugar, SvO2, pH, pCO2, pO2, blood insulin levels, blood ketone levels, ketone levels in expired air, blood pressure, respiration rate, respiration depth, an electrocardiogram measurement, a metabolic indicator, and heart rate.

222. :

A method according to claim 221, wherein sensing the parameter comprises sensing a measure of NADH.

223. :

A method according to claim 217, wherein applying the treatment comprises configuring the treatment so as to be capable of modifying an amount of glucose in blood in the patient.

224. :

A method according to claim 223, wherein configuring the treatment comprises configuring the treatment so as to be capable of increasing an amount of glucose in blood in the patient.

225. :

A method according to claim 223, wherein configuring the treatment comprises configuring the treatment so as to be capable of decreasing an amount of glucose in blood in the patient.

226. :

A method according to claim 217, wherein applying the treatment comprises applying electric current to the pancreas capable of treating a condition of the patient.

227. :

A method according to claim 226, wherein applying the electric current comprises applying the electric current in a waveform selected from the list consisting of;

a monophasic square wave pulse, a sinusoid wave, a series of biphasic square waves, and a waveform including an exponentially-varying characteristic.

228. :

A method according to claim 226, wherein applying the electric current comprises applying the electric current in different waveforms at a first and a second site of the pancreas.

229. :

A method according to claim 226, wherein applying the electric current comprises applying the electric current so as to modulate insulin secretion by the pancreas.

230. :

A method according to claim 229, wherein applying the electric current comprises reversing a polarity of the electric current so as to modulate insulin secretion.

231. :

A method according to claim 217, wherein applying the treatment comprises delivering a therapeutic substance to the patient.

232. :

A method according to claim 231, wherein the substance includes insulin, and wherein delivering the substance comprises delivering the insulin to the patient.

233. :

A method according to claim 231, wherein the substance includes a drug, and wherein delivering the substance comprises delivering the drug to the patient.

234. :

A method according to claim 233, wherein the drug is selected from the list consisting of;

glyburide, glipizide, and chlorpropamide.

149. :

A method for monitoring a blood glucose level of a patient, comprising;

sensing spontaneous electrical activity of pancreatic cells;

generating activity signals responsive thereto;

receiving the activity signals;

analyzing the activity signals so as to determine a change in the glucose level; and

generating an output signal responsive to determining the change.

151. :

A method according to claim 149, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises identifying an aspect thereof indicative of activity of a type of cell selected from the list consisting of;

pancreatic alpha cells, pancreatic beta cells, pancreatic delta cells, and polypeptide cells, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

150. :

A method for monitoring a blood insulin level of a patient, comprising;

sensing spontaneous electrical activity of pancreatic cells;

generating activity signals responsive thereto;

receiving the activity signals;

analyzing the activity signals so as to determine a change in the insulin level; and

generating an output signal responsive to determining the change.

153. :

A method for analyzing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

sensing electrical activity at one or more pancreatic sites;

generating activity signals responsive thereto;

receiving the activity signals;

analyzing the activity signals so as to identify an aspect thereof which is indicative of activity of pancreatic alpha cells; and

generating an output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

154. :

A method for analyzing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

sensing electrical activity at one or more pancreatic sites;

generating activity signals responsive thereto;

receiving the activity signals;

analyzing the activity signals so as to identify an aspect thereof which is indicative of activity of pancreatic beta cells; and

generating an output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

155. :

A method according to claim 154, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises distinguishing between the aspect thereof which is indicative of the activity of the beta cells and an aspect thereof which is indicative of activity of pancreatic alpha cells, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to distinguishing between the aspects.

158. :

A method according to claim 154, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises comparing the aspect of the activity signals with a stored pattern that is indicative of activity of the cells, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive thereto.

159. :

A method according to claim 154, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals under an assumption that the activity of the cells is dependent on electrical activity of another type of pancreatic cell, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive thereto.

160. :

A method according to claim 154, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals under an assumption that the activity of the cells is substantially independent of electrical activity of another type of pancreatic cell, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive thereto.

161. :

A method according to claim 154, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify a frequency aspect thereof, and wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to identifying the frequency aspect.

162. :

A method according to claim 161, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to differentiate between a first frequency aspect of the activity signals which is indicative of the activity of the cells, and a second frequency aspect of the activity signals, different from the first frequency aspect, which is indicative of activity of another type of pancreatic cell.

163. :

A method according to claim 161, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises analyzing the activity signals so as to identify over time a change in the frequency aspect that is characteristic of the cells.

164. :

A method according to claim 161, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises;

analyzing the activity signals so as to identify a magnitude aspect thereof; and

analyzing the frequency aspect and the magnitude aspect in combination,

wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to analyzing the aspects.

165. :

A method according to claim 161, wherein analyzing the activity signals comprises;

analyzing the activity signals so as to identify a duration aspect thereof; and

analyzing the frequency aspect and the duration aspect in combination,

wherein generating the output signal comprises generating the output signal responsive to analyzing the aspects.

156. :

A method for analyzing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

sensing electrical activity at one or more pancreatic sites;

generating activity signals responsive thereto;

receiving the activity signals;

analyzing the activity signals so as to identify an aspect thereof which is indicative of activity of pancreatic delta cells; and

generating an output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

157. :

A method for analyzing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

sensing electrical activity at one or more pancreatic sites;

generating activity signals responsive thereto;

receiving the activity signals;

analyzing the activity signals so as to identify an aspect thereof which is indicative of activity of polypeptide cells; and

generating an output signal responsive to identifying the aspect.

235. :

A method for coupling an electrode to a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

peeling back a portion of connective tissue surrounding the pancreas, so as to create a pocket;

inserting the electrode into the pocket; and

suturing the electrode to the connective tissue.

236. :

A method for sensing electrical activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

sensing, at each of one or more sites of the pancreas, electrical activity of pancreatic cells;

generating activity signals responsive thereto;

receiving the activity signals;

analyzing a frequency component of the activity signals; and

generating an output signal responsive to the analysis.

237. :

A method for sensing activity of a pancreas of a patient, comprising;

sensing, at each of one or more sites of the pancreas, a calcium level;

generating activity signals responsive thereto;

receiving the activity signals;

analyzing the activity signals; and

generating an output signal responsive to the analysis.

238. :

A method according to claim 237, wherein sensing the calcium level comprises sensing an intracellular calcium level.

239. :

A method according to claim 237, wherein sensing the calcium level comprises sensing an interstitial calcium level.