DEVICES AND METHODS FOR MODULATION OF BONE EROSION
First Claim
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1. A device for modulating bone erosion by low-duty cycle stimulation of the vagus nerve, the device comprising:
- a stimulator element configured to apply stimulation to the vagus nerve; and
a controller for repeatedly applying stimulation to the vagus nerve by the stimulator element,wherein the controller is further configured to apply stimulation sufficient to modulate RANKL and/or OPG levels within the patient.
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Abstract
Devices and methods for stimulation of the vagus nerve to modulate (e.g., reduce, suppress, etc.) bone erosion. Methods and apparatus for modulating bone erosion may modulate levels of Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor κB Ligand (RANKL), and/or to modulate (increase, enhance, etc.) osteoprotegerin (OPG) and/or OPG/RANKL ratio. Devices may include electrical stimulation devices that may be implanted, and may be activated to apply current for a proscribed duration, followed by a period without stimulation.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A device for modulating bone erosion by low-duty cycle stimulation of the vagus nerve, the device comprising:
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a stimulator element configured to apply stimulation to the vagus nerve; and a controller for repeatedly applying stimulation to the vagus nerve by the stimulator element, wherein the controller is further configured to apply stimulation sufficient to modulate RANKL and/or OPG levels within the patient. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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- 5. A method of reducing bone erosion in a patient at risk for bone loss, the method comprising applying stimulation to the vagus nerve to reduce RANKL level within the patent.
- 10. A method of treating or preventing rupture of plaques in atherosclerosis, the method comprising repeatedly applying an extremely low duty-cycle electrical stimulation of between about 0.1 and about 10 mA to the patient'"'"'s vagus nerve for less than about 2 minutes, followed by an off-time of between about 12 and about 48 hours.
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12. A method of reducing bone erosion within a patient, the method comprising:
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repeatedly applying electrical stimulation of between about 0.1 and about 10 mA to the patient'"'"'s vagus nerve for less than about 2 minutes, followed by an off-time of between about 12 and about 48 hours; and monitoring a marker related to osteoclast number, activity or number and activity. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification