Endostim, Inc.

Endostim (abc), LLC

Metacure Limited

Ofer Glasberg

Paul V Goode, Jr

Virender K Sharma

Shai Policker

Bevil J Hogg

Shlomo Ben-Haim

Ricardo Aviv

Shlomo Ben Haim

A method of laparoscopically implanting an electrically stimulating lead proximate the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) of a patient includes delivering the lead through a port of a laparoscope inserted into the abdominal cavity of the patient through an incision in the abdominal wall. The stimulating electrode is implanted in or proximate the muscularis layer of the lower esophageal wall to treat esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The lead includes a needle and suture at its distal end for pulling the electrode into the muscular wall of the LES. Clips are applied to the suture attached to the distal end of the lead to prevent retrograde movement of the electrode. The lead also includes an anchoring member for anchoring the portion of the lead proximal to the electrode. The method and lead used with the method allow the surgeon to work within the confined anatomy present at the gastroesophageal junction and prevents backwards movement and dislodgment of the electrode. The implantation procedure can be combined with a hiatal hernia repair to repair the hernia and prevent recurrence of a hiatal hernia.

Laparoscopic lead for esophageal sphincter implantation

Methods for electrically stimulating body tissues to improve function or reduce symptoms provide an electrical stimulation system having two or more electrodes that are capable of being switched independently from a hyperpolarizing (depolarizing) state to a hypopolarizing state. Multiple combinations of hyperpolarizing electrodes and hypopolarizing electrodes are created by polarity switching to determine a polarity configuration having the best performance as determined by symptom reporting and clinical diagnostic tests. Polarity switching is triggered manually or is programmed to be switched automatically. Determining the configuration providing electrical stimulation resulting in the greatest benefit allows the system to be operated with one or more electrodes in a hypopolarizing state, thereby reducing energy requirements, tissue tolerance, and tissue fatigue.

Methods and systems of electrode polarity switching in electrical stimulation therapy

Laparoscopic lead implantation method

An implantable electrical stimulation lead for the treatment of biological conditions includes a lead body with an electrical connector at one end and a pair of monopolar branches at the other end. The lead body has a length ranging from 390 mm to 490 mm to allow for implantation from an incision site further removed from the final positioning site of the electrodes. The branches have lengths ranging from 50 mm to 120 mm for the both branches. These lengths facilitate successful laparoscopic implantation at sites with confined anatomy, such as, near the gastroesophageal junction. The branches include needles and sutures at their ends for suturing anchors positioned on the branches to surrounding tissue. The needles have curves designed to facilitate maneuvering in confined anatomy. A separate lead includes a suture loop connecting the ends of the first and second branches rather than needles. The loop is used to pull the lead through the working channel of an endoscope. The anchors on the lead are porous and allow for the ingrowth of surrounding tissue for fixing the branches in place.

Implantable electrical stimulation leads

A method is provided for detecting a change in posture of a subject. An electrical impedance is measured between two or more sites on a stomach () of the subject, and an impedance signal is generated responsive thereto. The change in posture is detected by performing a posture analysis of the impedance signal. A method is also provided for treating a subject. The method includes applying an electrical signal to a site of the subject selected from the list consisting of: a colon () of the subject, and a distal small intestine () of the subject. The signal is configured to stimulate cells of the subject to increase secretion of glucagon-like-peptide-1 (GLP-1) or PYY, or to decrease secretion of ghrelin, in order to treat the subject.

Gastrointestinal methods and apparatus for use in treating disorders

Growing community of inventors

Zichron Yaakov, Israel

Ofer Glasberg