Percutaneously placed electrical gastrointestinal pacemaker stimulatory system, sensing system, and pH monitoring system, with optional delivery port

Abstract

The present invention provides a system for delivering electrical impulses of suitable magnitude and frequency to the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract. The system senses the motor activity of the intestinal tract, thus providing feedback as to the body's response to the imposed electrical stimulation. Further, the system monitors critical parameters of gastrointestinal luminal contents, such as pH. Moreover, the system may include a delivery port for administration of fluids or materials to the gastrointestinal tract, and/or for removing fluids or materials from the gastrointestinal tract. Preferably, the system penetrates the skin surface and the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract, in the stomach, intestine, or colon. The invention provides embodiments which can be adapted for easy removal for placement on a short-term basis, as well as embodiments having a longer-lasting design for placement on a relatively permanent basis.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.