Neuromodulation device

• US 10,441,787 B2
• Filed: 02/24/2016
• Issued: 10/15/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2015
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Galvani Bioelectronics Limited (Glaxosmithkline Holdings Ltd.), Johns Hopkins University
• Original Assignee: Galvani Bioelectronics Limited (Glaxosmithkline Holdings Ltd.)
• Inventors: Canning, Brendan J., Carr, Michael John, Kollarik, Marian
• Primary Examiner(s): Voorhees, Catherine M
• Application Number:
  US15/552,475
• Publication Number:
  US 20180043162A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,329 Days
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 2007/0075 using a Peltier element, e.g. near the spot to be heated or cooled
• CPC Class Codes: A61F 7/007 characterised by electric heating
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0553 Paddle shaped electrodes, e.g. for laminotomy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/205 for promoting a biological process
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3601 of respiratory organs
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36053 adapted for vagal stimulation A61N1/36114 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3611 Respiration control stimulating respiratory organs A61N1/3601
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36139 with automatic adjustment
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36171 Frequency
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36178 Burst or pulse train parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36189 using modulation techniques
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2005/0651 Diodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 2007/0026 Stimulation of nerve tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/0622 Optical stimulation for exciting neural tissue
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 5/067 using laser light
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 7/00 Ultrasound therapy lithotripsy A61B17/22, A61B17/225; massage using supersonic vibration A61H23/00 ; using ultrasound for introducing media into the body A61M37/0092
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 11/00 Drugs for disorders of the respiratory system
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 11/06 Antiasthmatics
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 11/14 Antitussive agents
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 25/02 for peripheral neuropathies
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 29/00 : Non-central analgesic, antipyretic or antiinflammatory agents, e.g. antirheumatic agents; Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs [NSAID]
• CPC Class Codes: A61P 43/00 : Drugs for specific purposes, not provided for in groups A61P1/00-A61P41/00

Abstract

The invention provides devices and methods that can prevent or ameliorate bronchoconstriction. In particular, the invention provides devices and methods in which a signal is delivered to the vagus nerve or the pulmonary branches of the vagus nerves. The signal is able to treat bronchoconstriction and prevent and/or ameliorate bronchoconstriction.

Claims

1. An apparatus for inhibiting the neural activity of a vagal nerve of a patient, the apparatus comprising:

one or more transducers each configured to apply a signal to a vagal nerve of the patient; and

a controller coupled to the one or more transducers, the controller controlling the signal to be applied by each of the one or more transducers, so that the signal inhibits the neural activity of the vagal nerve to reduce parasympathetic tone response in the patient;

wherein, upon cessation of the signal application, the modulation in neural activity remains substantially the same as when the signal was being applied by the one or more transducers, and wherein the modulation in neural activity as a result of the one or more transducers applying the signal is substantially persistent.