Device and Implantation System for Electrical Stimulation of Biological Systems

摘要

The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations (tLESRs). Individuals with tLESRs may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow and have improved energy storage requirements.

主权项

1. A system for increasing pressure of a patient's lower esophageal sphincter (LES), comprising:
at least one electrode contacting the LES; a waveform generator coupled to the electrodes; and a controller configured to electrically stimulate the LES to increase the pressure of the LES, and maintain an average pressure of the LES above a pressure level which reduces at least one of a frequency of occurrence or intensity of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation (tLESR) symptoms in the patient both during and after stimulation by controlling the waveform generator to repeatedly: a) generate and apply an electrical pulse train to the LES through the electrodes for a stimulation period, and b) terminate the electrical pulse train for a rest period.