Single-pulse activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway to treat chronic inflammation
AssigneeSetPoint Medical Corporation
InventorsJacob A. Levine, Michael A. Faltys
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Abstract
Described herein are methods and systems for applying extremely low duty-cycle stimulation sufficient to treat chronic inflammation. In particular, described herein are single supra-threshold pulses of electrical stimulation sufficient to result in a long-lasting (e.g., >4 hours, greater than 12 hours, greater than 24 hours, greater than 48 hours) inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and/or effects of chronic inflammation. These methods and devices are particularly of interest in treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Claims20
A system for treating chronic inflammation in a patient, the system comprising:
- an implantable microstimulator configured to apply a low duty-cycle stimulation to a vagus nerve, wherein the low duty-cycle stimulation provides no more than a single supra-threshold pulse every four hours;
- and
- a controller configured to set a dose for the microstimulator wherein the dose comprises the single supra-threshold pulse followed by an off-period of at least four hours, wherein the single supra-threshold pulse is configured to reduce a level of inflammation in the patient.
A method of treating chronic inflammation in a patient, the method comprising:
- implanting a microstimulator;
- and
- applying only a single supra-threshold stimulus pulse from the microstimulator to the vagus nerve followed by an off-time of at least 4 hours;
- and
- reducing a level of inflammation in the patient.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.