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:
Oct. 20, 2009
Filed:
Sep. 26, 2003
Christy L. Ludlow, Bethesda, MD (US);
Eric Mann, Clarksville, MD (US);
Theresa Burnett, Bloomington, IN (US);
Steven Bielamowicz, McLean, VA (US);
Christy L. Ludlow, Bethesda, MD (US);
Eric Mann, Clarksville, MD (US);
Theresa Burnett, Bloomington, IN (US);
Steven Bielamowicz, McLean, VA (US);
Abstract
Devices and methods were discovered that successfully provided patient autonomous control of both hyolaryngeal elevation, anterior hyoid motion and opening of the upper esophageal sphincter for swallowing by intramuscular stimulation of two muscles. The technology allows patient self stimulation of swallowing and can return oral feeding to dysphagia patients. Indwelling electrode stimulation of only two muscles generated as much as 80 % of normal synergistic movement leading to swallowing. The devices and methods also are useful for control of other upper respiratory muscle groups involved in speech and voice. Calibration techniques may be used in combination for greater freedom in setting and using electrodes over extended implantation time periods. These methods and devices can control complex movements of body solids such as bone and cartilage and tissues by electro stimulation of a minimum set of muscles simultaneously.