Transneuronix, Inc.

Medtronic Transneuronix, Inc.

Pat L Gordon

David A Jenkins

Apparatus and method for stimulating neuromuscular tissue in the stomach. The neuromuscular stimulator stimulates the neuromuscular tissue by applying current-controlled electrical pulses. A voltage sensor detects the voltage across the neuromuscular tissue to determine if the voltage meets a predetermined voltage threshold. A control circuit adjusts the current-controlled pulse if the voltage is found to meet the voltage threshold, such that the voltage does not exceed the voltage threshold. A voltage-controlled pulse may also be applied to the tissue. A current sensor would then detect whether the current on the neuromuscular tissue meets a predetermined current threshold, and a control circuit adjusts the voltage-controlled pulse such that the current does not exceed the current threshold. A real time clock may be provided which supplies data corresponding to the time of day during the treatment period. A programmable calendar stores parameters of the stimulating pulse, wherein the parameters have a reference to the time of day.

Gastric stimulator apparatus and method for use

An improved medical implant device is provided which has a plurality of micro-electrodes. The use of a plurality of micro-electrodes allows a clinically effective electrical stimulation pathway to be selected once the implant is positioned within or adjacent to the tissue to be treated even if the implant is not optimally placed or located. Thus, in cases where the implant is not optimally placed, it is not necessary to remove the implant and then reposition it within or adjacent to the tissue to be treated, thereby reducing stress to the patient caused by additional surgery. Moreover, using the micro-electrodes of this invention, directional electrostimulation can be provided to the tissue to be treated. Implant devices with a plurality of micro-electrodes are provided which are especially adapted for use in reducing the frequency and/or severity of neurological tremors. Other implant devices having micro-electrodes are provided which are especially adapted for electrostimulation and/or electrical monitoring of endo-abdominal tissue or viscera.

Medical implant device for electrostimulation using discrete micro-electrodes

Apparatus and method for stimulating neuromuscular tissue in the stomach. The neuromuscular stimulator stimulates the neuromuscular tissue by applying current-controlled electrical pulses. A voltage sensor detects the voltage across the neuromuscular tissue to determine if the voltage meets a predetermined voltage threshold. A control circuit adjusts the current-controlled pulse if the voltage is found to meet the voltage threshold, such that the voltage does not exceed the voltage threshold. A voltage-controlled pulse may also be applied to the tissue. A current sensor would then detect whether the current on the neuromuscular tissue meets a predetermined current threshold, and a control circuit adjusts the voltage controlled pulse such that the current does not exceed the current threshold. A real time clock may be provided which supplies data corresponding to the time of day during the treatment period. A programmable calendar stores parameters of the stimulating pulse, wherein the parameters have a reference to the time of day.

Apparatus for stimulating neuromuscular tissue of the gastrointestinal tract and methods for installing the apparatus to the neuromuscular tissue. The pulse generator is provided with a switching matrix, and may stimulate the tissue in a time-varying manner by selecting pairs of electrodes and altering the polarities thereof while stimulating the tissue. In addition, a real-time clock allowing a trigger for on and off modes, the time clock could also allow for a trigger to change parameters. Such parameters that could be changed are pulse width, amplitude, duty cycle (amount of time of pulse and time between pulses, or series of pulses), frequency, polarity, choice of unipolar versus bi-polar, and electrode on-off. The electrical stimulation utilizes a plurality of electrodes connected to at least one organ in the gastrointestinal tract of a patient along a peristaltic flow path with each of the electrodes being connected at a different location along the peristaltic flow path. Electrical pulses are provided to the organ from a first set of the plurality of electrodes and second electrical pulses are provided to the organ from a second set of electrodes. The electrical pulses provided are in an independent non-phased relationship for maintaining therapeutic regulation of peristaltic flow through the at least one organ in the gastrointestinal tract while defeating the body's natural tendency for adaption.

Gastric stimulator apparatus and method for installing

Apparatus for stimulating neuromuscular tissue of the gastrointestinal tract and methods for installing the apparatus to the neuromuscular tissue. Four electrodes are supported by an electrode assembly for attachment to the neuromuscular tissue. The electrodes are oriented substantially equidistantly with respect to the tissue and provide an electrical interface with the neuromuscular tissue. The pulse generator is provided with a switching matrix, and may stimulate the tissue in a time-varying manner by selecting pairs of electrodes and altering the polarities thereof while stimulating the tissue.

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Wyzata, MN, United States of America

Pat L Gordon