Devices and methods for modulation of bone erosion
First Claim
1. 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 patient, wherein applying comprises applying electrical stimulation of between about 0.1 and about 10 mA to the vagus nerve for less than about 2 minutes, followed by an off-time of between about 12 and about 48 hours.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
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.
602 Citations
10 Claims
- 1. 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 patient, wherein applying comprises applying electrical stimulation of between about 0.1 and about 10 mA to the 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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5. 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, wherein monitoring the marker comprises monitoring RANKL, OPG or RANKL and OPG. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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9. 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; monitoring a marker related to osteoclast number, activity or number and activity; and administering a drug that inhibits osteoclasts. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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Specification