Duodenal Stimulation To Induce Satiety
First Claim
1. A method for inducing satiety, the method comprising:
- electrically stimulating the autonomic and/or enteric nervous system of a duodenum by applying an electrical stimulation pattern which induces a biological signal indicating duodenal distension and/or the presence of food in the duodenum, where the electrical stimulation pattern includes a plurality of electrical signals over time.
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Abstract
Methods and devices for creating and/or adding to sensations of satiety to reduce food intake. Methods include electrically stimulating the duodenum which may induce false nerve signals in the duodenal region which are normally indicative of duodenal distension (fullness) and/or the presence of food in the duodenum. These artificially generated signals may be superimposed on existing, naturally present signals. The artificially generated signals may be applied in a pattern which mimics at least in part a naturally occurring pattern of duodenal signals generated responsive to eating a meal. Some artificial patterns may be exaggerated relative to the natural patterns, by occurring earlier after ingestion, and/or lasting longer after ingestion, having an exaggerated (higher) frequency response or a faster rate of frequency increase after ingestion. The applied signals may generate nerve signals going to the brain which induce a feeling of satiety. The signals may trigger local neural loops which may feed back to and decrease peristalsis in, the stomach.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for inducing satiety, the method comprising:
electrically stimulating the autonomic and/or enteric nervous system of a duodenum by applying an electrical stimulation pattern which induces a biological signal indicating duodenal distension and/or the presence of food in the duodenum, where the electrical stimulation pattern includes a plurality of electrical signals over time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for inducing satiety, the method comprising:
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inserting an electrode within a vein near the duodenum, wherein electrical activation of the electrode excites at least one autonomic nerve; and electrically stimulating the autonomic nerve by applying an electrical stimulation pattern which induces a biological signal indicating duodenal distension and/or the presence of food in the duodenum. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification