Electrical stimulation of the sympathetic nerve chain

摘要

The present invention provides a method of affecting physiological disorders by stimulating a specific location along the sympathetic nerve chain. Preferably, the present invention provides a method of affecting a variety of physiological disorders or pathological conditions by placing an electrode adjacent to or in communication with at least one ganglion along the sympathetic nerve chain and stimulating the at least one ganglion until the physiological disorder or pathological condition has been affected.

主权项

1. A method for treating a pulmonary disorder in a patient, the method comprising the steps of:
placing at least one electrode, without penetrating the skin of the patient, on the skin overlying at least one ganglion of the sympathetic nerve chain, wherein the at least one ganglion is selected from the group consisting of a T1 through T5 ganglion, a cervical ganglion, a stellate ganglion, and combinations thereof; and applying an electric signal to the at least one electrode to stimulate the at least one ganglion.