The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 30, 2006
Filed:
Aug. 13, 2001
Todd K Whitehurst, Sherman Oaks, CA (US);
James P Mcgivern, Stevenson Ranch, CA (US);
Carla M Mann, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Todd K Whitehurst, Sherman Oaks, CA (US);
James P McGivern, Stevenson Ranch, CA (US);
Carla M Mann, Los Angeles, CA (US);
Advanced Bionics Corporation, Valencia, CA (US);
Abstract
An implantable stimulator(s), small enough to be located near or adjacent to an autonomic nerve(s) innervating urinary and/or gastrointestinal structures, uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. Periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The small stimulator provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the stimulator(s) and for the transmission of power, if necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one implant includes at least one sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust stimulation parameters.