METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR BLOCKING NEURAL ACTIVITY IN AN ORGAN OF A SUBJECT, PREFERABLY IN THE SMALL INTESTINE OR THE DUODENUM
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Abstract
The present disclosure provides, according to some embodiments, methods and systems for selectively reducing, blocking or inhibiting at least part of the neural activity in an organ of a subject. In preferred embodiments, the method and system are used for selectively blocking at least part of the neural activity in a duodenum of a subject in need thereof. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of laser radiation. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking occurs through use of ultrasound energy. According to some embodiments, the selective blocking comprises causing damage to at least part of sensory nerves located within a target area while maintaining functional activity of tissue surrounding the sensory nerves by means of shielding it from the effects of laser radiation. According to some embodiments, the sensory nerves include neurons configured to transmit signals triggered by food passing through the duodenum, such as, but not limited to, neurohormonal signals.
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Citations
131 Claims
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1-111. -111. (canceled)
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112. A method for reducing neural activity in an organ of a subject, the method comprising:
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introducing at least one laser emitting device comprising a cooling mechanism into the organ; emitting a laser beam from the laser emitting device to contact a target area on or beneath a wall of the organ and lowering a temperature of the organ using the cooling mechanism, thereby selectively damaging at least one sensory nerve located at the target area to at least partially reduce the neural activity while maintaining functional activity of tissue surrounding the neurons within the target area and/or surrounding the target area. - View Dependent Claims (113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119)
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120. A catheter for reducing neural activity in an organ of a subject, the catheter comprising:
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an elongated catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a laser emitting element coupled with the catheter body at or near the distal end wherein the laser emitting element comprises at least one optical fiber configured to emit a focused laser beam; a cooling mechanism coupled with the catheter body, configured to lower a temperature of the organ; and a rotatable optical element coupled with the laser emitting element and configured to direct the focused laser beam to one or more target areas on or beneath a wall of the organ, wherein the target area comprises at least one sensory nerve, such that the laser beam is configured to cause damage to the at least one sensory nerve;
wherein the catheter body has an outer diameter selected to fit through within a lumen of an endoscope. - View Dependent Claims (121, 122, 123, 124, 125)
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126. A system for reducing neural activity in at least one neural region in an organ of a subject, the system comprising:
a catheter comprising; an elongated catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end; a laser emitting element coupled with the catheter body at or near the distal end;
wherein the laser emitting element comprises at least one optical fiber configured to emit a focused laser beam;a cooling mechanism coupled with the catheter body, configured to lower a temperature of the organ; and a rotatable optical element coupled with the laser emitting element and configured to direct the focused laser beam to one or more target areas on or beneath a wall of the organ, wherein the target area comprises at least one sensory nerve, such that the laser beam is configured to cause damage to the at least one sensory nerve. - View Dependent Claims (127, 128, 129, 130, 131)
Specification