SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VAGAL NERVE STIMULATION

摘要

Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to treat or prevent disorders in a patient. The devices comprise a handheld device having one or more electrode interfaces for contacting the outer skin surface of a patient, a power source and a signal generator coupled to the electrode/interfaces for applying one or more electrical impulses to a deep nerve within the patient, such as the vagus nerve. The device further comprises a filter situated in series between the signal generator and the electrode/interfaces for filtering out undesired high frequency components of the electrical impulses to create a cleaner, smoother signal. The filter may comprise an electrically conductive medium and/or a low-pass filter between the signal generator and the electrode/interface.

主权项

1. A device for modulating one or more nerves within a body of a patient comprising:
a handheld device comprising an enclosure with an interior and an electrically conductive interface configured for contact with an outer skin surface of a patient; a source of energy housed within the interior of the enclosure; a signal generator housed within the enclosure and coupled to the source of energy, the signal generator being configured to apply an electrical impulse through the electrically conductive interface of the enclosure transcutaneously through an outer skin surface of the patient to a nerve at a target region below the outer skin surface; and a filter housed within the enclosure and electrically coupling the signal generator with the electrically conductive interface, wherein the filter is configured to filter out high frequency components from the electrical impulse.