Electric modulation of sympathetic nervous system
First Claim
1. A method for treating obesity, comprising:
- monitoring a patient parameter; and
electrically activating a splanchnic nerve in said patient so as to achieve a desired change in said monitored parameter;
wherein the splanchnic nerve is selected from the group consisting of the greater splanchnic nerve, the lesser splanchnic nerve, and the least splanchnic nerve;
wherein said monitored parameter comprises an arterial blood pressure; and
wherein said electrically activating comprises activating the sympathetic nervous system with stimulation parameters that keep the arterial blood pressure within safe limits.
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Abstract
A method is described for the treatment of obesity or other disorders, by electrical activation or inhibition of the sympathetic nervous system. This activation or inhibition can be accomplished by electrically stimulating the greater splanchnic nerve or other portion of the sympathetic nervous system using an implantable pulse generator. This nerve activation can result in reduced food intake and increased energy expenditure. Reduced food intake may occur through a variety of mechanisms that reduce appetite and cause satiety. Increased adrenal gland hormone levels will result in increased energy expenditure. Fat and carbohydrate metabolism, which are also increased by sympathetic nerve activation, will accompany the increased energy expenditure.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A method for treating obesity, comprising:
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monitoring a patient parameter; and
electrically activating a splanchnic nerve in said patient so as to achieve a desired change in said monitored parameter;
wherein the splanchnic nerve is selected from the group consisting of the greater splanchnic nerve, the lesser splanchnic nerve, and the least splanchnic nerve;
wherein said monitored parameter comprises an arterial blood pressure; and
wherein said electrically activating comprises activating the sympathetic nervous system with stimulation parameters that keep the arterial blood pressure within safe limits.
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2. A method for treating a medical disorder, comprising:
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monitoring a vital sign and a second parameter in a patient; and
electrically activating the sympathetic nervous system of said patient so as to achieve a desired change in said second parameter. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification