Gastrointestinal stimulator device for digestive and eating disorders

• US 20080281375A1
• Filed: 05/07/2007
• Published: 11/13/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/07/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Transtimulation Research, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Transtimulation Research, Inc.
• Inventors: Chen, Jianfeng
• Application Number:
  US11/800,561
• Publication Number:
  US 20080281375A1
• 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
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3756 Casings with electrodes thereon, e.g. leadless stimulators

Abstract

A stimulator device for providing stimulation to the gastrointestinal tract of a user including a housing, at least two electrodes, and a pulse generator. The housing has an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a sealed interior space. The housing is constructed of bio-compatible materials and sized and shaped for transport through the gastrointestinal tract. A portion of the at least two electrodes is disposed on the exterior surface of the housing. The pulse generator is disposed in the interior space of the housing and delivers pulses to the electrodes. Also presented are methods of using a stimulator device in the treatment of: gastrointestinal disorders such as dysphagia, gastroesophageal reflux diseases, functional dyspepsia, gastroparesis, postoperative ileus, irritable bowel syndrome, constipation, diarrhea, fecal incontinence, nausea and vomiting; gastrointestinal obstruction or pseudo-obstruction; pain and/or discomfort related to visceral organs; eating disorders, such as obesity, binge eating, bulimia, anorexia, and chemotherapy-induced emesis or emesis of other origin.

Claims

1. A stimulator device for providing stimulation to the gastrointestinal tract of a user comprising:

a housing having an exterior surface and an interior surface defining a sealed interior space, the housing constructed of bio-compatible material and sized and shaped for transport through the gastrointestinal tract;

at least two electrodes, a portion of the electrodes being disposed on the exterior surface of the housing; and

,

a pulse generator disposed in the interior space of the housing and delivering pulses to the electrodes.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is partially formed of a polymer material.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the polymer material is non-digestible.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is partially formed of a biocompatible metal.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is capsule shaped.

6. The device of claim 1, wherein the pulse generator delivers intermittent pulses.

7. The device of claim 1, wherein the pulse generator delivers continuous pulses.

8. The device of claim 1, wherein the pulse generator delivers a train of pulses.

9. The device of claim 1, further comprising means for regulating pulses to the electrodes.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the means for regulating pulses to the electrodes is a controller external to the housing and in communication with the pulse generator.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the means for regulating pulses to the electrodes is a controller internal to the housing and in communication with the pulse generator.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the controller is electromagnetically controlled.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the controller is programmed with a stimulation parameter prior to transport of the housing through the gastrointestinal tract.

14. The device of claim 9, wherein the means for regulating pulses to the electrodes includes a sensor system.

15. The device of claim 14, wherein the sensor system includes a sensor disposed within the housing providing an input signal to a controller.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein the input signal includes a temperature measurement.

17. The device of claim 1, further comprising a power source supported by the housing and supplying power to the pulse generator.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the power source includes a battery.

19. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is ingestible.

20. The device of claim 1, wherein the housing is insertable into the gastrointestinal tract.

21. A stimulator device for providing pulses to the gastrointestinal tract, comprising:

a housing having an exterior surface constructed of a bio-compatible non-digestible material, the housing sized and shaped to be administered into the gastrointestinal tract and transportable through at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract;

a pulse generator disposed in the housing for generating pulses;

a controller disposed in communication with the pulse generator for controlling the pulses; and

,

at least two electrodes supplying a medium containing the pulses generated by the pulse generator to the gastrointestinal tract; and

,

a power source supported by the housing and supplying power to the pulse generator.