Non-invasive treatment of bronchial constriction

摘要

Devices, systems and methods for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include non-invasive nerve stimulators. 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 bronchial constriction in a patient comprising:
positioning one or more magnetic coils within a container of a conducting fluid such that the one or more magnetic coils are surrounded by the conducting fluid; positioning a surface of the container against an outer skin surface of a neck of the patient; and applying a magnetic field to the one or more magnetic coils to induce one or more electrical impulses at or near a vagus nerve of the patient, wherein the one or more electrical impulses are sufficient to stimulate activity of afferent nerve fibers within the vagus nerve such that a magnitude of constriction of bronchial smooth muscle is decreased.