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US 7,373,204 B2Granted
Implantable device and method for treatment of hypertension
AssigneeLifestim, Inc.
InventorsMark Gelfand, Howard R. Levin
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for treatment of hypertension with electrostimulation of peripheral nerves. Treatment is performed by periodically stimulating a nerve such as a median nerve. Apparatus for stimulation is permanently implanted in the body. The nerve is stimulated by electric current applied to electrodes that are placed near the target nerve or the muscle innervated by the target nerve.
Claims15
A method for treating hypertension in a human patient comprising:
- implanting a nerve stimulation device proximate to at least one peripheral nerve in an extremity of the patient, wherein the implanting is at least partially performed by inserting a lead into the fascia surrounding the nerve;
- and
- applying a stimulation signal generated by the device to the peripheral nerve to control hypertension so as to avoid pain or twitching of a muscle in the extremity caused by the stimulation, the signal being applied repeatedly over a period of time to reduce blood pressure.
A method for treating hypertension in a human patient comprising:
- implanting a nerve stimulation device proximate to a median nerve in a wrist of the patient, wherein the implanting is at least partially performed by inserting a lead between tendons of the wrist in proximity to the nerve;
- and
- applying a stimulation signal generated by the device to the peripheral nerve to control hypertension so as to avoid pain or twitching of a muscle in the extremity caused by the stimulation, the signal being applied repeatedly over a period of time to reduce blood pressure.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.