Device and method for modulating nerves using parallel electric fields
First Claim
1. A device, comprising:
- at least one pair of modulation electrodes configured for implantation in a sub-mandibular region and in a vicinity of a hypoglossal nerve to be modulated such that the electrodes are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the hypoglossal nerve, the electrodes being further configured to facilitate an electric field in response to an applied electric signal, the electric field including field lines extending in the longitudinal direction of the hypoglossal nerve;
a carrier sized and shaped for supporting the at least one pair of modulation electrodes in a manner permitting the at least one pair of electrodes to lie between a surface of a myelohyoid muscle and a surface of a genioglossus muscle, the carrier further including a portion configured to lie between a surface of a geniohyoid muscle and the surface of the genioglossus muscle; and
at least one circuit, on the carrier, in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes and being configured to cause application of the electric signal applied at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A device may include at least one pair of modulation electrodes configured for implantation in the vicinity of a nerve to be modulated such that the electrodes are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the nerve to be modulated. The electrodes may be further configured to facilitate an electric field in response to an applied electric signal, the electric field including field lines extending in the longitudinal direction of the nerve to be modulated. The device may further include at least one circuit in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes and being configured to cause application of the electric signal applied at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes.
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Citations
19 Claims
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1. A device, comprising:
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at least one pair of modulation electrodes configured for implantation in a sub-mandibular region and in a vicinity of a hypoglossal nerve to be modulated such that the electrodes are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the hypoglossal nerve, the electrodes being further configured to facilitate an electric field in response to an applied electric signal, the electric field including field lines extending in the longitudinal direction of the hypoglossal nerve; a carrier sized and shaped for supporting the at least one pair of modulation electrodes in a manner permitting the at least one pair of electrodes to lie between a surface of a myelohyoid muscle and a surface of a genioglossus muscle, the carrier further including a portion configured to lie between a surface of a geniohyoid muscle and the surface of the genioglossus muscle; and at least one circuit, on the carrier, in electrical communication with the at least one pair of modulation electrodes and being configured to cause application of the electric signal applied at the at least one pair of modulation electrodes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of modulating a nerve, comprising:
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receiving an alternating current (AC) signal at a device configured to be implanted adjacent a hypoglossal nerve of a subject; generating a voltage signal in response to the AC signal; applying the voltage signal to the at least one pair of modulation electrodes configured for implantation in the vicinity of the hypoglossal nerve such that the electrodes are spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal direction of the hypoglossal nerve; generating an electrical field in response to the voltage signal applied to the at least one pair of modulation electrodes, the electric field including field lines extending in a longitudinal direction of the hypoglossal nerve; and modulating the hypoglossal nerve from a position spaced apart from the hypoglossal nerve. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification