Setpoint Medical Corporation

The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research

Ralph J Zitnik

Jacob Arial Levine

Michael Allen Faltys

Jesse M Simon

Kevin J Tracey

Mauricio Rosas-Ballina

Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) for vagus nerve stimulation, including (but not limited to) sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation. In particular, the methods and apparatuses described herein may be used to stimulate the posterior sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve to treat inflammation and/or inflammatory disorders. The implantable microstimulators described herein may be leadless and batteryless.

Batteryless implantable microstimulators

Diagnostic screening tests that can be used to identify if a patient is a good candidates for an implantable vagus nerve stimulation device. One or more analyte, such as a cytokine or inflammatory molecule, can be measured from a blood sample taken prior to implantation of a vagus nerve stimulator to determine the patient's responsiveness to VNS for treatment of an inflammatory disorder.

Vagus nerve stimulation pre-screening test

Devices and methods for stimulation of the vagus nerve to modulate (e.g., reduce, suppress, etc.) bone erosion. Methods and apparatus for modulating bone erosion may modulate levels of Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor &#x3ba;B Ligand (RANKL), and/or to modulate (increase, enhance, etc.) osteoprotegerin (OPG) and/or OPG/RANKL ratio. Devices may include electrical stimulation devices that may be implanted, and may be activated to apply current for a proscribed duration, followed by a period without stimulation.

Devices and methods for modulation of bone erosion

Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) for vagus nerve stimulation, including (but not limited to) sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation. In particular, the methods and apparatuses described herein may be used to stimulate the posterior sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve to treat inflammation and/or inflammatory disorders. The implantable microstimulators described herein may be inductively charged and/or communicated with using the external charger. The implant may include a receiving antenna wrapped around the battery and/or the housing of the microstimulator/microregulator and/or may include a high magnetic permeability material in order to serve as a magnetic core for the antenna coil. Wearable inductive chargers/communication devices for inductively communicating with (including charging) an implanted microstimulator are described herein, which may include magnetically conductive material to enhance communication with an implant, including sub-diaphragmatic implants. Also described herein are inductive chargers/communication devices, including belts, and pads (e.g., mattresses) able to recharge an implanted neurostimulation device.

Implantable microstimulators and inductive charging systems

Described herein are devices, systems and method of treating inflammation by vagus nerve stimulation and the delivery of an anti-inflammatory drug. In particular, described herein are methods of treating inflammation including the steps of stimulating a subject's inflammatory reflex to inhibit the immune response and administering an anti-inflammatory drug.

Methods and systems for reducing inflammation by neuromodulation and administration of an anti-inflammatory drug

Devices and methods for stimulation of the vagus nerve to modulate (e.g., reduce, suppress, etc.) bone erosion. Methods and apparatus for modulating bone erosion may modulate levels of Receptor Activator for Nuclear Factor &#x3ba; B Ligand (RANKL), and/or to modulate (increase, enhance, etc.) osteoprotegerin (OPG) and/or OPG/RANKL ratio. Devices may include electrical stimulation devices that may be implanted, and may be activated to apply current for a proscribed duration, followed by a period without stimulation.

Growing community of inventors

Santa Barbara, CA, United States of America

Ralph J Zitnik