Transneuronix, Inc.

Medtronic, Inc.

Valerio Cigaina

David A Jenkins

Systems and methods are provided for modulating the autonomic nervous system by the electrical stimulation of the neuro-muscular system of a patient, and include an implantable electrical system for gastrointestinal stimulation which incorporates a heart rate sensor to indicate the neurovegetative patient condition, to initiate and terminate stimulation at specific locations, and an algorithm to automatically control electrical stimulation frequency, interval, amplitude, or a combination of such parameters for adaptive treatment of obesity, anorexia, other eating disorders, diseases related with the so called 'metabolic syndrome' (e.g., impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes type 2, GERD, systemic hypertension, early arterovascular degeneration, early senility, and the like), and disorders related to a pathologic inbalance of the autonomic nervous system.

Treatment of the autonomic nervous system

The anti-gastroesophageal reflux valvular prosthesis has a body presenting a seat of substantially semicircular shape engageable with the gastric wall of the stomach connected to the body through connectors and inflatable for the variation of this volume to accentuate the angle of His (cardiac incisure) and to improve the natural valvular anti-reflux system.

Anti-gastroesophageal reflux valvular prosthesis

The device () for controlling the extent of intra-abdominal fat in the monitoring of an individual's slimming, comprises one electrical signal generator () connected to at least one first pole (), associable to the stomach surface, and a second pole (), associable to the abdominal wall. The poles () are connected to detection means () and means () for processing said electrical signals, adapted to provide a signal indicating the extent of intra-abdominal fat. The control procedure of the entity of the intra-abdominal fat in the monitoring of an individual's slimming, consists in detecting the impedance of the abdominal fat tissues, and hence, in calculating the extent of intra-abdominal fat is obtained.

Device and procedure for controlling the extent of intra-abdominal fat in the monitoring of an individual's slimming

An improved process using electrostimulation for treating obesity, especially morbid obesity, and other syndromes related to motor disorders of the stomach is provided. The improved method of this invention provides electrostimulation on the lesser curvature of the stomach, preferably on the lower or distal end of the lesser curvature, which provides improved control of obesity and other syndromes related to motor disorders of the stomach. In one embodiment, the process employs stimulation of the lesser curvature at a rate of about 2 to about 14 pulses/minute with each pulse lasting about 0.5 to about 4 seconds such that there is a pause of about 3 to about 30 between the pulses. Preferably, the pulse rate is about 12 pulses/minute with each pulse lasting about 2 seconds with a pause of about 3 seconds between pulses. Preferably, the pulse amplitude is about 0.5 to about 15 milliamps. More preferable, each pulse consists of a train of micro-bursts with a frequency of about 5 to about 100 sec .

Process for electrostimulation treatment of morbid obesity

The present invention provides an apparatus and process which can stimulate a state of complete continence of the neosphincter in the preparation of continent neostomies. More specifically, the present invention provides an apparatus and process for the stimulation of a state of complete continence of the neosphincter in the preparation of continent neostomies, comprising an electrocatheter with an electrode inserted above the neostomy near, and in electrical contact with, transplanted muscle tissue (i.e., a strip of antral gastric musculature) which has been transplanted to the distal segment of the intestine or other organ where an ostomy has been created. The apparatus and process can restore the organic continence in a subject who has undergone therapeutic alteration of an indispensable segment of the visceral anatomy (i.e., the anus or the urinary bladder), thereby significantly improving quality of life.

Apparatus and process for stimulation of a state of complete continence in the neospincter in the preparation of continent neostomies

An implant device specifically for electrostimulation and/or electrical monitoring of endo-abdominal tissue or viscera is provided. The implant device has an elongated body equipped with devices to secure it to the tissue to be treated and two or more electric poles that are electrically connected to an electric connection terminal for connection to a power source to penetrate the tissue to be treated, and quick-release connecting devices to separate the penetration device from the elongated body.

Implant device for electrostimulation and/or monitoring of endo-abdominal cavity tissue

An improved handle for a medical device used in laparoscopic surgery is provided. This handle is especially adapted for use with an implant device specifically for electrostimulation and/or electrical monitoring of endo-abdominal tissue or viscera is provided. The implant device has an elongated body equipped with devices to secure it to the tissue to be treated and two or more electric poles that are electrically connected to an electric connection terminal for connection to a power source, means to penetrate the tissue to be treated, and quick-release connecting devices to separate the penetration device from the elongated body. The handle, which is an elongated body, is attached to the proximal end of the implant device or other medical device and has a grasping means at its opposite end for manipulation with laparoscopic forceps.

Medical device handle for use in laparoscopic surgery

The present invention provides laparoscopic forceps which can grasp surgical and/or laparoscopic implements and automatically orient the surgical and/or laparoscopic implements to a predetermined orientation. The forceps are fashioned specifically for grasping the laparoscopic implement, and include grasping mechanisms located at one end of the shaft. The grasping mechanisms include orienting mechanisms effective to orient the implement in a predetermined orientation with respect to the forceps. In favorable embodiments, the grasping mechanism is effective to orient the implement automatically in the predetermined orientation, and consists of two jaws, each jaw including a flat surface and a recessed seat for receiving a portion of the implement defined on the flat surface of at least one of the jaws.

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Villorba, Italy

Valerio Cigaina