Neural Stimulation For Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes

• US 20100249889A1
• Filed: 02/12/2010
• Published: 09/30/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/2002
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: John D. Dobak III
• Original Assignee: John D. Dobak III
• Inventors: Dobak, John D. III
• Granted Patent: US 8,145,299 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/72
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36085 Eating disorders or obesity
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36135 using physiological parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3615 Intensity
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36167 Timing, e.g. stimulation onset

Abstract

Systems and methods are described for treating metabolic syndrome and/or Type 2 diabetes, and/or one or more of their attendant conditions, by neural stimulation. In one embodiment, an implantable pulse generator is electrically coupled to a peripheral nerve, such as the splanchnic nerve. Neural stimulation configured to either block transmission or stimulate transmission of the peripheral nerve may be used to treat metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes.

Claims

1. A method, of treating a type II diabetic patient comprising:

selecting a patient suffering from type II diabetes;

electrically modulating a splanchnic nerve of the patient in a stimulation pattern that increases lean muscle mass as a percentage of body mass and moderates insulin levels;

wherein said stimulation pattern comprises a stimulation intensity, and said stimulation intensity is between 0.005 and 5.0 mA-msec;

wherein said stimulation pattern comprises an on time and an off time; and

wherein said off time is no less than said on time;

wherein said stimulation pattern comprises a duty cycle of about 50%;

wherein said stimulation pattern comprises a frequency, a pulse width, and a current; and

wherein said frequency is between 0.1 Hz and 50 Hz;

said pulse width is between 100 microseconds and 1 millisecond; and

said current is between 0.1 mA and 10 mA.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

providing a first electrical signal to said nerve at a first stimulation intensity during a first portion of a first stimulation time period;

applying a second electrical signal to said nerve at a second stimulation intensity during a second portion of a first stimulation time period;

ceasing or substantially reducing said applying of said second signal during a first no-stimulation time period;

thereafter, applying a third electrical signal to said nerve at a third stimulation intensity during a first portion of a second stimulation time period;

applying a fourth electrical signal to the nerve at a fourth stimulation intensity during a second portion of a second stimulation time period; and

ceasing or substantially reducing said applying of said fourth signal during a second no-stimulation period.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

applying a first plurality of temporally sequential electrical signals during a first plurality of respective stimulation periods, each of said first plurality of signals having a stimulation intensity that is greater than the stimulation intensity of the preceding signal;

thereafter, ceasing or substantially reducing electrical stimulation to said nerve during a first no-stimulation period;

thereafter, applying a second plurality of temporally sequential electrical signals during a second plurality of respective stimulation periods, each of said second plurality of signals having a stimulation intensity that is greater than the stimulation intensity of the preceding signal; and

thereafter, ceasing or substantially reducing electrical stimulation to said nerve during a second no-stimulation period.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising;

electrically stimulating said nerve for a first time and at a first stimulation intensity;

thereafter, electrically stimulating said nerve for a second time and at a second stimulation intensity, said second stimulation intensity being greater than said first stimulation intensity; and

thereafter, providing a period during which electrical stimulation at said nerve is absent or substantially less than the second stimulation intensity.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said patient has diabetes and hypertension.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said patient has diabetes and hyperglycemia.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said patient has diabetes and hyperinsulinemia.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said patient has diabetes and dyslipidemia.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the total body mass of the patient increases.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein glucose levels are modulated.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein electrically modulating includes placing an electrode transvascularly in proximity to the splanchnic nerve.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the electrode is placed in an azygous vein.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising metabolizing fat in the liver.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein fatty acids are liberated.