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:
Apr. 27, 2010
Filed:
Jul. 28, 2005
Steven E. Maschino, Seabrook, TX (US);
Steven M. Parnis, Pearland, TX (US);
William R. Buras, Friendswood, TX (US);
Albert W. Guzman, League City, TX (US);
Steven E. Maschino, Seabrook, TX (US);
Steven M. Parnis, Pearland, TX (US);
William R. Buras, Friendswood, TX (US);
Albert W. Guzman, League City, TX (US);
Cyberonics, Inc., Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
A method, system, and an apparatus for stimulating a cranial nerve of a patient to treat a disorder, such as a metabolic or an endocrine disorder associated with the thyroid gland with an implantable medical device are provided. The method comprises coupling an electrode to the cranial nerve selected from the group consisting of a vagus nerve, a trigeminal nerve, and a glossopharyngeal nerve. The method further includes generating an electrical signal to treat a disorder associated with the thyroid gland. The electrical signal may be applied to the cranial nerve using the electrode to provide electrical nerve stimulation therapy to the patient. For treating a patient with a metabolic or an endocrine disorder associated with the thyroid gland, a neurostimulator may be adapted to apply an electrical stimulus to the vagus nerve and/or a branch of the vagus nerve associated with the thyroid gland. By balancing hormonal imbalance, the neurostimulator may provide electrical nerve stimulation therapy to the patient, thereby treating a target metabolic or an endocrine disorder associated with the thyroid gland.