Methods and devices for activating brown adipose tissue using electrical energy

摘要

Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT). Generally, the methods and devices can activate BAT to increase thermogenesis, e.g., increase heat production in the patient, which over time can lead to weight loss. In one embodiment, a medical device is provided that activates BAT by electrically stimulating nerves that activate the BAT and/or electrically stimulating brown adipocytes directly, thereby increasing thermogenesis in the BAT and inducing weight loss through energy expenditure.

主权项

1. A medical method, comprising:
positioning a device in contact with tissue of a patient proximate to a depot of brown adipose tissue; and activating the device to deliver an electrical signal to the patient to activate the brown adipose tissue and increase energy expenditure of the brown adipose tissue, the electrical signal having a modulating signal and a carrier signal, wherein the electrical signal is continuously delivered to the patient for a predetermined amount of time in a range of one day to four weeks.