Nerve stimulation and blocking for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

At least one of a plurality of gastrointestinal disorders is treated by stimulating an enteric nervous system of a patient to enhance a functional tone of the enteric nervous system. A treatment includes electrically stimulating a vagus nerve of the patient at a stimulation site proximal to at least one site of vagal innervation of a gastrointestinal organ. The electrical stimulation includes applying a stimulation signal at the stimulation site. An optional proximal electrical blocking signal is applied to the vagus nerve at a proximal blocking site proximal to the stimulation site. The proximal blocking signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses at the proximal blocking site.

Electrode band system and methods of using the system to treat obesity

At least one of a plurality of disorders of a patient characterized at least in part by vagal activity innervating at least one of a plurality of organs of the patient is treated by a method that includes positioning an electrode on a vagus nerve. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity by an amount selected to treat the disorder. In some embodiments, the disorder is obesity. The signal may be a blocking or a stimulation signal. In some embodiments, the signal is selected to, at least in part, downregulate neural activity on the vagus nerve.

STIFFENING PHARYNGEAL WALL TREATMENT

A pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining the airway is treated by selecting an implant dimensioned so as to be implanted at or beneath a mucosal layer of the pharyngeal wall and extending transverse to said wall. The implant has mechanical characteristics for the implant, at least in combination with a fibrotic tissue response induced by the implant, to stiffen said pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse. The implant is implanted into the pharyngeal wall transverse to a longitudinal axis of the airway. 1. A method for treating obstructive sleep apnea of a patient by treating a pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall at least partially surrounding and defining an airway , said method comprising:selecting an implant dimensioned so as to be implanted at a mucosal layer of said pharyngeal wall, said implant having a longitudinal dimension;said implant having mechanical characteristics for said implant to stiffen said pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse;implanting said implant into said pharyngeal wall with said longitudinal dimension extending at least partially around said pharyngeal wall, transverse to a longitudinal axis of said pharyngeal airway;selecting a particulate material selected for limited migration within a tissue area and for encouraging a fibrotic response of tissue to said particulate material; andinjecting a bolus of said particulate material into said tissue area to stiffen said tissue.2. A method according to wherein said particulate material is carried in a fluid carrier.3. A method according to wherein said particulate material has a multi-modal particle size distribution.4. A method according to wherein said tissue area is a soft palate of said patient.5. A method according to wherein said tissue area is a nasal mucosal surface of said patient.6. A method according to wherein said nasal mucosal surface is a nasal concha of said patient.7. A method according to wherein said ...

CONTROLLED VAGAL BLOCKAGE THERAPY

A method for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders characterized at least in part by vagal activity includes positioning an electrode around a body organ innervated by the vagus. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity. The electrical signal is applied at a frequency selected for the signal to create a neural conduction block to the vagus with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve impulses on the vagus. The application of the electrical signal is discontinued. The application of the signal and the discontinuing of the signal are repeated with durations of the discontinuing and the application selected to treat the disorder. 1. A method for treating obesity comprising:positioning a first electrode on a vagus nerve of an obese patient at a location below a vagal innervation of the heart, with the vagus nerve innervating at least one alimentary tract organ;treating the patient's obesity by applying an electrical treatment signal to the electrode with the electrical treatment signal having:a) a frequency selected for said signal to at least partially downregulate nerve impulses on said vagal nerve, wherein said signal has a frequency in excess of 200 Hz, and without simultaneously applying a neural impulse-inducing secondary electrical signal to the vagus nerve on a proximal side of said location whenever the electrical treatment signal is applied; andb) a plurality of on-times separated by a plurality of off-times, said signal applied during said on-times and not applied during said off-times, wherein the duration of the off-times is selected in response to a signal from a sensing electrode representing at least 50% of the activity of said vagal nerve as compared to baseline.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein application of said electrical signal is variable by a controller to alter a characteristic of said electrical treatment signal.3. A method according to claim 2 , wherein said ...

BULIMIA TREATMENT

At least one of a plurality of disorders of a patient characterized at least in part by vagal activity innervating at least one of a plurality of organs of the patient is treated by a method that includes positioning an electrode on a vagus nerve. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity by an amount selected to treat the disorder. In some embodiments, the disorder is bulimia. The signal may be a blocking or a stimulation signal. In some embodiments, the signal is selected to, at least in part, downregulate neural activity on the vagus nerve. 1. A system for treating obesity comprising:a) a band comprising a first electrode array and a second electrode array;b) a signal generator electrically connected to each of said first, and second electrode array; said signal generator comprising an induction coil, at least one circuit for generating a neural conduction blocking signal connected to at least one of the first or second electrode array, a battery, and a central processing unit comprising program storage and memory;c) an external programmer configured to: communicate at least one parameter for the neural conduction blocking signal to the implantable controller, wherein the parameter is selected for the neuroconduction blocking signal to i) at least partially downregulate the vagus nerve, ii) allow at least partial recovery of the nerve activity following discontinuation of the neural conduction blocking signal, and iii) reduce pancreatic and biliary output via inhibition of pancreo-biliary output, andd) an external coil adapted to be worn by the patient adapted to inductively couple to the induction coil of the implantable controller.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the band is adapted to be placed on an upper portion of the stomach.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the band is adjustable.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first array or second array of electrodes are positioned at an angle to the cylindrical axis of the ...

PHARYNGEAL WALL TREATMENT

A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall. 1. An expander device that treats a patient's pharyngeal airway , the expander device comprising:a spacer bar having first and second free ends;supports located at each of the first and second free ends of the spacer bar; andcompression pads provided on the supports, the spacer bar, the supports, and the pads being dimensioned so as to be inserted into the patient's pharyngeal airway such that the compression pads are positioned within the airway in opposition to an external portion of a pharyngeal wall of the airway;wherein the compression pads expand against the external portion of the pharyngeal wall when activated to outwardly displace the external portion of the pharyngeal wall;wherein the compression pads contract from the external portion of the pharyngeal wall when deactivated to permit removal of the spacer bar, the support, and the pads from the airway after treatment of the pharyngeal wall of the patient's airway.2. The device of claim 1 , wherein the pads include inflatable bladders.3. The device of claim 2 , wherein the inflatable bladders are connected to a tube that activates and deactivates the compression pads.4. The device of claim 3 , wherein the compression pads are activated and deactivated by pressurized fluid.5. The device of claim 3 , further including an applicator located adjacent to each compression pad that administers the treatment ...

NEURAL BLOCKING THERAPY

A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating a variety of conditions include treating a disorder associated with neural activity near a region of a brain. In such condition, the method includes placing an electrode to create a field near said region, creating said field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within said field. For treating a tissue sensation, the method includes identifying a target area of tissue to be treated and placing an electrode to create a field near the target area, and creating the field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within the target area. For treating a condition associated with neural activity of a spinal cord, the method includes placing an electrode to create a field near a nerve associated with the spinal cord, and creating the field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within the nerve. 110-. (canceled)11. A method for treating a condition , comprising:advancing a lead along a patient's spinal cord in a superior direction;placing an electrode carried by the lead on the patient's dorsal root; andcreating an electric field by applying an electrical signal to the electrode with signal parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity at the dorsal root, the parameters including a frequency of about 3,000 Hz or more.12. The method of wherein advancing the lead includes advancing the lead within a catheter claim 11 , and then advancing the lead from the catheter.13. The method of wherein creating the electric field includes creating the electric field with a frequency of about 5 claim 11 ,000 Hz or more.14. The method of wherein placing an electrode includes placing a first electrode claim 11 , and wherein the method further comprises placing a second electrode at a location spaced apart from the first electrode along the patient's spinal cord claim 11 , and wherein creating the electric field includes creating the ...

Electrode Band System and Methods of Using the System to Treat Obesity

At least one of a plurality of disorders of a patient characterized at least in part by vagal activity innervating at least one of a plurality of organs of the patient is treated by a method that includes positioning an electrode on a vagus nerve. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity by an amount selected to treat the disorder. In some embodiments, the disorder is obesity. The signal may be a blocking or a stimulation signal. In some embodiments, the signal is selected to, at least in part, downregulate neural activity on the vagus nerve. 1. A system for treating obesity comprising:a) a band comprising a first electrode array and a second electrode array;b) a signal generator electrically connected to each of said first, and second electrode array; said signal generator comprising an induction coil, at least one circuit for generating a neural conduction blocking signal connected to at least one of the first or second electrode array, a battery, and a central processing unit comprising program storage and memory;c) an external programmer configured to: communicate at least one parameter for the neural conduction blocking signal to the implantable controller, wherein the parameter is selected for the neuroconduction blocking signal to i) at least partially downregulate the vagus nerve, ii) allow at least partial recovery of the nerve activity following discontinuation of the neural conduction blocking signal, and iii) reduce pancreatic and biliary output via inhibition of pancreo-biliary output, andd) an external coil adapted to be worn by the patient adapted to inductively couple to the induction coil of the implantable controller.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the band is adapted to be placed on an upper portion of the stomach.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the band is adjustable.4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first array or second array of electrodes are positioned at an angle to the cylindrical axis of the ...

CONTROLLED VAGAL BLOCKAGE THERAPY

A method for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders characterized at least in part by vagal activity includes positioning an electrode around a body organ innervated by the vagus. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity. The electrical signal is applied at a frequency selected for the signal to create a neural conduction block to the vagus with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve impulses on the vagus. The application of the electrical signal is discontinued. The application of the signal and the discontinuing of the signal are repeated with durations of the discontinuing and the application selected to treat the disorder. 1. A method for treating obesity comprising:positioning a first electrode on a vagus nerve of an obese patient at a location below a vagal innervation of the heart, with the vagus nerve innervating at least one alimentary tract organ;treating the patient's obesity by applying an electrical treatment signal to the electrode with the electrical treatment signal having:a) a frequency selected for said signal to at least partially downregulate nerve impulses on said vagal nerve, wherein said signal has a frequency in excess of 200 Hz, and without simultaneously applying a neural impulse-inducing secondary electrical signal to the vagus nerve on a proximal side of said location whenever the electrical treatment signal is applied; andb) a plurality of on-times separated by a plurality of off-times, said signal applied during said on-times and not applied during said off-times, wherein the duration of the off-times is selected in response to a signal from a sensing electrode representing at least 50% of the activity of said vagal nerve as compared to baseline.2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein application of said electrical signal is variable by a controller to alter a characteristic of said electrical treatment signal.3. A method according to claim 2 , wherein said ...

NERVE STIMULATION AND BLOCKING FOR TREATMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

At least one of a plurality of gastrointestinal disorders is treated by stimulating an enteric nervous system of a patient to enhance a functional tone of the enteric nervous system. A treatment includes electrically stimulating a vagus nerve of the patient at a stimulation site proximal to at least one site of vagal innervation of a gastrointestinal organ. The electrical stimulation includes applying a stimulation signal at the stimulation site. An optional proximal electrical blocking signal is applied to the vagus nerve at a proximal blocking site proximal to the stimulation site. The proximal blocking signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses at the proximal blocking site. 1. A method of treating conditions associated with low vagal tone comprising:Positioning at least one electrode on a vagal nerve below the innervation of the heart; andTreating conditions associated with low vagal tone by applying an electrical signal intermittently in a 24 hour period, wherein the electrical signal is selected to enhance pancreobilliary output, is not timed to trigger muscle contraction, does not have sufficient energy to drive peristaltic contractions.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal has a frequency of 12 Hz or less.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal is applied at 10 minute intervals.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal is not applied in response to a sensed event.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal is applied during awake hours.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the electrical signal is applied during discrete intervals in the morning claim 5 , afternoon and evening. This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/188,293, filed Jul. 21, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/721,603, filed Mar. 11, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,010,204, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/891,770, filed Aug ...

Neural blocking therapy

A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating a variety of conditions include treating a disorder associated with neural activity near a region of a brain. In such condition, the method includes placing an electrode to create a field near said region, creating said field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within said field. For treating a tissue sensation, the method includes identifying a target area of tissue to be treated and placing an electrode to create a field near the target area, and creating the field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within the target area. For treating a condition associated with neural activity of a spinal cord, the method includes placing an electrode to create a field near a nerve associated with the spinal cord, and creating the field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within the nerve.

NERVE STIMULATION AND BLOCKING FOR TREATMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

At least one of a plurality of gastrointestinal disorders is treated by stimulating an enteric nervous system of a patient to enhance a functional tone of the enteric nervous system. A treatment includes electrically stimulating a vagus nerve of the patient at a stimulation site proximal to at least one site of vagal innervation of a gastrointestinal organ. The electrical stimulation includes applying a stimulation signal at the stimulation site. An optional proximal electrical blocking signal is applied to the vagus nerve at a proximal blocking site proximal to the stimulation site. The proximal blocking signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses at the proximal blocking site. 16.-. (canceled)7. A method for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders of a gastrointestinal tract of a patient where the disorders are characterized at least in part by hyper-tonal vagal activity the method comprises applying at least one electrode adapted to be placed on a vagus nerve below a vagal innervation of the heart; delivering an electrical signal to the vagus nerve having a frequency of at least 500 Hz and having at least one parameter selected to i) at least partially downregulate efferent or afferent nerve activity of the vagus nerve , and ii) allow at least partial recovery of the nerve activity following discontinuation of the electrical signal.8. The method of claim 7 , further comprising parameters selected to reduce pancreobilliary output.9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the electrical signal delivered is only a downregulating signal.10. The method of claim 7 , wherein the timing of the electrical signal is intermittent.11. The method of claim 7 , wherein the at least one electrode is adapted to be placed on a vagal trunk.12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the vagal trunk innervates an organ selected from the group consisting of an esophagus claim 11 , stomach claim 11 , pancreas claim 11 , duodenum claim 11 , jejunum claim 11 , and ileum.13 ...

Neural blocking therapy

A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating a variety of conditions include treating a disorder associated with neural activity near a region of a brain. In such condition, the method includes placing an electrode to create a field near said region, creating said field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within said field. For treating a tissue sensation, the method includes identifying a target area of tissue to be treated and placing an electrode to create a field near the target area, and creating the field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within the target area. For treating a condition associated with neural activity of a spinal cord, the method includes placing an electrode to create a field near a nerve associated with the spinal cord, and creating the field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within the nerve.

NERVE STIMULATION AND BLOCKING FOR TREATMENT OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS

At least one of a plurality of gastrointestinal disorders is treated by stimulating an enteric nervous system of a patient to enhance a functional tone of the enteric nervous system. A treatment includes electrically stimulating a vagus nerve of the patient at a stimulation site proximal to at least one site of vagal innervation of a gastrointestinal organ. The electrical stimulation includes applying a stimulation signal at the stimulation site. An optional proximal electrical blocking signal is applied to the vagus nerve at a proximal blocking site proximal to the stimulation site. The proximal blocking signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses at the proximal blocking site. 1. A method of treating conditions associated with low vagal tone comprising:Positioning at least one electrode on a vagal nerve below the innervation of the heart; andTreating conditions associated with low vagal tone by applying an electrical signal intermittently in a 24 hour period, wherein the electrical signal is selected to enhance pancreobilliary output, is not timed to trigger muscle contraction, does not have sufficient energy to drive peristaltic contractions.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal has a frequency of 12 Hz or less.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal is applied at 10 minute intervals.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal is not applied in response to a sensed event.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrical signal is applied during awake hours.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the electrical signal is applied during discrete intervals in the morning claim 5 , afternoon and evening. This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/019,126, filed Sep. 5, 2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/188,293, filed Jul. 21, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,538,542, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/721,603, filed Mar. ...

High frequency obesity treatment

A method for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders characterized at least in part by vagal activity includes positioning an electrode around a body organ innervated by the vagus. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity. The electrical signal is applied at a frequency selected for the signal to create a neural conduction block to the vagus with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve impulses on the vagus. The application of the electrical signal is discontinued. The application of the signal and the discontinuing of the signal are repeated with durations of the discontinuing and the application selected to treat the disorder.

Gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment method and apparatus

The method of the invention includes accessing a juncture of an esophagus and a stomach of the patient on a distal side of a diaphragm. The esophagus and a fundus of the stomach intersect at a cardiac notch located at an original cardiac notch position. A reducing element is placed at the junction with the reducing element selected to reposition the cardiac notch to a position more distal to a lower esophageal sphincter of the patient.

Obesity treatment with electrically induced vagal down regulation

At least one of a plurality of disorders of a patient characterized at least in part by vagal activity innervating at least one of a plurality of organs of the patient is treated by a method that includes positioning a neurostimulator carrier around a body organ of the patient where the organ is innervated by at least a vagal trunk. An electrode is disposed on the carrier and positioned at the vagal trunk. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity by an amount selected to treat the disorder. The signal may be a blocking or a stimulation signal.

Implanatable stimulation device for snoring treatment

The present disclosure relates to methods and apparatuses for treating snoring by implanting a stimulating electrode into a patient. The electrode is placed in stimulating contact with an airway passage-controlling muscle of the patient. The electrode is energized to contract the muscle and alter the airway passage.

Pancreatic exocrine secretion diversion apparatus and method

A method and apparatus for treating a patient's health condition by diverting pancreatic exocrine secretions include a flow diverter of material compatible with chronic residence within a small intestine of the patient. The flow diverter has a cover end and a discharge end. The flow diverter is sized to be placed within the small intestine with the discharge end placed distally from said cover end and with said flow diverter further sized so permit passage of chyme through the small intestine and past the flow diverter. The cover end is sized to cover a discharge papilla of the pancreatic duct. The diverter is adapted to divert at least a portion of pancreatic exocrine secretion from the papilla to the distal discharge end.

Nerve blocking for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

A system comprising: at least one electrode adapted to be placed on a vagus nerve below a vagal innervation of the heart; an implantable controller comprising an induction coil, at least one circuit for generating a neural conduction blocking signal connected to the at least one electrode, a battery, and a central processing unit comprising program storage and memory; and an external programmer configured to: communicate at least one parameter for the neural conduction blocking signal to the implantable controller, wherein the parameter is selected for the neural conduction blocking signal to i) at least partially downregulate the vagus nerve, ii) allow at least partial recovery of the nerve activity following discontinuation of the neural conduction blocking signal, and iii) reduce pancreatic and biliary output via inhibition of pancreo-biliary output; and an external coil adapted to be worn by the patient, wherein the external coil is connected to the external programmer, and is adapted to inductively couple to the induction coil of the implantable controller.

Implants and methods for snoring treatment

An apparatus for use in treating snoring of a patient suffering from snoring includes an implant (20) of bio-compatible material sized to be embedded within the soft palate (SP). When implanted, the implant (20) is able to alter a dynamic response of the soft palate (SP) to airflow past the soft palate (SP).

Interventional and diagnostic catheter and method for use

Published without an

Controlled vagal blockage therapy

A method for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders characterized at least in part by vagal activity includes positioning an electrode around a body organ innervated by the vagus. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity. The electrical signal is applied at a frequency selected for the signal to create a neural conduction block to the vagus with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve impulses on the vagus. The application of the electrical signal is discontinued. The application of the signal and the discontinuing of the signal are repeated with durations of the discontinuing and the application selected to treat the disorder.

Method and apparatus to treat conditions of the naso-pharyngeal area

A patient's upper airway condition such as snoring and sleep apnea is treated by selecting a particulate material selected for limited migration within tissue and for encouraging a fibrotic response of tissue to the material. A bolus of the particulate material is injected into the tissue area to structurally stiffen the tissue.

APPLIANCES TO TREAT AFFECTIONS OF THE NASOFARÍNGEA AREA.

Un aparato para tratar ronquidos de un paciente que sufre de ronquidos atribuibles, al menos en parte, a un sonido de ronquido que genera la oscilación del paladar blando de dicho paciente en respuesta al paso del flujo del aire por el paladar blando y en el que el paladar blando tiene una respuesta dinámica característica a dicho flujo de aire antes del tratamiento, dicho aparato que comprende: un implante de material biocompatible con el tamaño adecuado para incrustarse en el paladar blando; dicho implante seleccionado para tener una rigidez para tensar el paladar blando después de la implantación para alterar dicha respuesta dinámica sin alterar sustancialmente una función del paladar blando; dicho implante que incluye un bolo (20") de materia particulada (204) adaptado para ser depositado en el paladar blando con dicha materia particulada seleccionada para inducir una respuesta fibrótica para tensar el paladar blando caracterizado porque dicho material particulado tiene una distribución de tamaño de partícula multimodal. An apparatus for treating snoring of a patient suffering from snoring attributable, at least in part, to a snoring sound that generates the oscillation of the patient's soft palate in response to the passage of air flow through the soft palate and in which The soft palate has a characteristic dynamic response to said air flow before the treatment, said apparatus comprising: an implant of biocompatible material with the appropriate size to be embedded in the soft palate; said implant selected to have a stiffness to tension the soft palate after implantation to alter said dynamic response without substantially altering a soft palate function; said implant that includes a bolus (20 ") of particulate matter (204) adapted to be deposited on the soft palate with said particulate matter selected to induce a fibrotic response to tension the soft palate characterized in that said particulate material has a size distribution of multimodal ...

Pancreatic exocrine secretion diversion apparatus and method

A method and apparatus for treating a patient's health condition by diverting pancreatic exocrine secretions include a flow diverter of material compatible with chronic residence within a small intestine of the patient. The flow diverter has a cover end and a discharge end. The flow diverter is sized to be placed within the small intestine with the discharge end placed distally from said cover end and with said flow diverter further sized so permit passage of chyme through the small intestine and past the flow diverter. The cover end is sized to cover a discharge papilla of the pancreatic duct. The diverter is adapted to divert at least a portion of pancreatic exocrine secretion from the papilla to the distal discharge end.

Compliant snoring treatment implant

A method and apparatus for treating snoring include selecting an implant formed of a bio-compatible material having a longitudinal length between a proximal end and a distal end. The material is compliant in response to tensile forces along the length. The material is sized to be inserted into the soft palate with the longitudinal length extending aligned with an anterior-posterior axis of the palate and with the thickness contained within a thickness of the soft palate.

Implants and methods for snoring treatment

An apparatus for use in treating snoring of a patient suffering from snoring includes an implant (20) of bio-compatible material sized to be embedded within the soft palate (SP). When implanted, the implant (20) is able to alter a dynamic response of the soft palate (SP) to airflow past the soft palate (SP).

Stent and delivery system

An intraluminal stent comprises a reticulated tube having an un-deployed diameter and expandable to an enlarged diameter. When the tube is at the un-deployed diameter, the tube has cell-defining portions with opposing surfaces defining an open cell bounded by the cell-defining portions.

Pancreatic exocrine secretion diversion apparatus and method

A method and apparatus for treating a patient's health condition by diverting pancreatic exocrine secretions include a flow diverter of material compatible with chronic residence within a small intestine of the patient. The flow diverter has a cover end and a discharge end. The flow diverter is sized to be placed within the small intestine with the discharge end placed distally from said cover end and with said flow diverter further sized so permit passage of chyme through the small intestine and past the flow diverter. The cover end is sized to cover a discharge papilla of the pancreatic duct. The diverter is adapted to divert at least a portion of pancreatic exocrine secretion from the papilla to the distal discharge end.

Airway implant

A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating a condition of a patient's airway. The condition is attributed at least in part to a spacing of tissue from opposing surfaces in the airway. In one embodiment, the method and apparatus include placing a tissue contractor within the tissue. The contractor includes a static end (16) and a tissue in-growth engaging end 14). The static end is secured to a bony structure adjacent to tissue to be contracted. The tissue in-growth engaging end is secured to the tissue and spaced from the bony structure. A spacing between the tissue engaging end and a bony end is contracted in order to place the tissue under tension.

Treatment for sleep apnea or snoring

A pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining the airway is treated by selecting an implant dimensioned so as to be implanted at or beneath a mucosal layer of the pharyngeal wall and extending transverse to said wall. The implant has mechanical characteristics for the implant, at least in combination with a fibrotic tissue response induced by the implant, to stiffen said pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse. The implant is implanted into the pharyngeal wall transverse to a longitudinal axis of the airway.

High frequency vagal blockage therapy

A method for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders characterized at least in part by vagal activity includes positioning an electrode at a body organ innervated by the vagus. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity. The electrical signal is applied at a frequency in excess of 3,000 Hz for the signal to create a neural conduction block to the vagus with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve impulses on the vagus.

Nerve stimulation and blocking for treatment of gastrointestinal disorders

At least one of a plurality of gastrointestinal disorders is treated by stimulating an enteric nervous system of a patient to enhance a functional tone of the enteric nervous system. A treatment includes electrically stimulating a vagus nerve of the patient at a stimulation site proximal to at least one site of vagal innervation of a gastrointestinal organ. The electrical stimulation includes applying a stimulation signal at the stimulation site. An optional proximal electrical blocking signal is applied to the vagus nerve at a proximal blocking site proximal to the stimulation site. The proximal blocking signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses at the proximal blocking site.

Stiffening pharyngeal wall treatment

A pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining the airway is treated by selecting an implant (110, 110', 110'') dimensioned so as to be implanted at or beneath a mucosal layer of the pharyngeal wall and extending transverse to said wall. The implant (110, 110', 110'') has mechanical characteristics for the implant, at least in combination with a fibrotic tissue response induced by the implant, to stiffen said pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse. The implant is implanted into the pharyngeal wall transverse to a longitudinal axis of the airway.

Snoring treatment

A method and apparatus for treating snoring of a patient includes providing an implant for altering a dynamic response of a soft palate of the patient to airflow past the soft palate. The implant is embedded in the soft palate to alter the dynamic response. For example, the implant has a mass, stiffness or dampening sufficient to alter the dynamic response following the implantation without substantially impairing a function of the soft palate to close a nasal passage of the patient during swallowing.

Implants and procedures for the treatment of snoring

An apparatus for use in treating snoring of a patient suffering from snoring includes an implant 10, of bio-compatible material sized to be embedded within the soft palate SP. When implanted, the implant is able to alter a dynamic response of the soft palate SP to airflow past the soft palate. The implant may take the form of a fluid-filled bladder, a fibrosis-inducing agent, a mixture of resorbable and non-resorbable fibres which may be braided together or an elongate body of non-resorbable material. Also disclosed is an implantation device comprising a needle and implant in which the needle may define a chamber in which the implant is located.

Regional anesthetic

A method and apparatus are disclosed for anesthetizing a region of a patient's body. The method includes identifying a target nerve which, upon activation, anesthetizes a region of a patient's body including a surgical site. The target nerve is located and an active site of a nerve blocking apparatus is placed in proximity to the nerve. The nerve blocking apparatus is activated to block neural propagation along the nerve. The activation of the nerve blocking apparatus is maintained during a surgical procedure at the surgical site.

Implantate zur anti-schnarch behandlung

Contracting snoring treatment implant

A method and apparatus for treating snoring include selecting an implant formed of a bio-compatible material having dimensions including a longitudinal length, a thickness and a width. The material is sized to be inserted into the soft palate with the longitudinal length extending aligned with an anterior-posterior axis of the palate and with the thickness contained within a thickness of the soft palate. The implant includes a tissue growth-inducing material having a plurality of spaces for accepting tissue growth from the soft palate into the spaces. The material is contractible in at least one of the dimensions in response to implantation of the implant in a body tissue.

Lateral stiffening snoring treatment

Contracting snoring treatment implant