ELECTRIC MODULATION OF SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

• US 20110178568A1
• Filed: 03/29/2011
• Published: 07/21/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/22/2002
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Advanced Neuromodulation Systems Incorporated (Abbott Laboratories Incorporated)
• Inventors: Dobak, John D. III
• Application Number:
  US13/074,368
• Publication Number:
  US 20110178568A1
• 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 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 Pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36085 Eating disorders or obesity

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.

Claims

1. A method for activating the splanchnic nerve to treat obesity, said method comprising:

applying a current pulse to a splanchnic nerve in a patient; and

selecting a duration of said current pulse to be no greater than the chronaxie of the splanchnic nerve.

2. The method recited in claim 1, further comprising selecting said duration of said pulse to be between 150 microseconds and 400 microseconds.

3. A method for activating a splanchnic nerve in a patient to treat obesity, said method comprising:

implanting a pulse generator within the patient;

applying a current pulse to the splanchnic nerve with said pulse generator; and

selecting a duration of said current pulse to be no greater than the chronaxie of the splanchnic nerve.

4. The method recited in claim 3, further comprising selecting said duration of said pulse to be between 150 microseconds and 400 microseconds.

5. A method for activating a splanchnic nerve in a patient to treat an eating disorder, said method comprising:

implanting a pulse generator within the patient;

applying a current pulse to the splanchnic nerve with said pulse generator; and

selecting a duration of said current pulse to be no greater than the chronaxie of the splanchnic nerve.

6. The method recited in claim 5, further comprising selecting said duration of said pulse to be between 150 microseconds and 400 microseconds.