Non-invasive treatment of bronchial constriction

摘要

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that are responsible for smooth muscle dilation. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical, mechanical and/or acoustic, and optical and/or thermal energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers.

主权项

1. A method of treating a disease or a disorder in a patient, the method comprising:
positioning one or more energy transmitters within a container comprising an electrically conducting fluid such that the one or more energy transmitters is at least partially surrounded by and in contact with the electrically conductive fluid, wherein the container is coupled to a power source, wherein the container and the power source are housed in a housing, wherein the housing comprises a surface; positioning the surface of the housing against an outer skin surface of a neck of a patient; and applying sufficient energy to the one or more energy transmitters via the power source to generate one or more electrical impulses at or near a vagus nerve of the patient, wherein the one or more electrical impulses is sufficient to stimulate an activity of the vagus nerve to treat the disease or the disorder.