Electrical system for weight loss and laparoscopic implanation thereof

• US 6,564,101 B1
• Filed: 08/02/2000
• Issued: 05/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 02/02/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Bashir A. Zikria
• Original Assignee: Trustees Of Columbia University In The City Of New York (Columbia University)
• Inventors: Zikria, Bashir A.
• Primary Examiner(s): LAYNO, CARL HERNANDZ
• Application Number:
  US09/601,585
• Time in Patent Office: 1,014 Days
• Field of Search: 607/40, 607/58, 607/133
• US Class Current: 607/40
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control

Abstract

An electrical device utilized to control the body weight of a medically overweight human being comprises of at least two electrical leads for implanting on the fundus of the stomach. An electrical generator/controller (pacemaker) generates and regulates the frequency and degree of electrical stimulation. The device can be used surgically, laproscopically, and/or endoscopically.

Claims

1. A system for controlling the appetite of a medically overweight patient by sending electrical signals to the fundus of the patient'"'"'s stomach, comprising:

an electrical signal controller;

at least one wire connector having distal and proximal ends, the proximal end being electrically connected to the controller; and

at least one implantable attachment lead, one attachment lead being affixed to the distal end of each wire connector and each attachment lead being capable of being attached to the fundus of the patient'"'"'s stomach,

wherein the controller generates substantially continuous low voltage stimulation with varying periodicity as determined by the individual'"'"'s specific physiology, anatomy or psychology, or a combination of two or more thereof.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is capable of being operated in continuous or intermittent manner.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is capable of being programmed to generate electrical signs to each implantable lead at predetermined intervals.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is capable of generating electrical signals of varying voltage and/or amperage at varying intervals over a predetermined time interval.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is also capable of varying the pulse width, ramp characteristics, duration, and/or periodicity of the electrical signals.

6. A method for controlling the appetite of a seriously overweight individual, comprising attaching one or more electrical leads to the fundus of the individual'"'"'s stomach and activating a pulse generator/controller to stimulate stretch receptors found in the individual'"'"'s stomach wall, wherein the pulse generator/controller generates substantially continuous low voltage stimulation with varying periodicity as determined by the individual'"'"'s specific physiology, anatomy or psychology, or a combination of two or more thereof.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the generator/controller generates an electrical signal of from about 50 millivolts to about 10 volts, an amperage of from about 10 to 500 amps, and a pulse width of from about 0.1 to 10 msec for from about 10 seconds to about 180 minutes or continuously.