Methods and systems of treating pancreatitis pain caused by sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

#The pancreas is a gland located deep in the abdomen between the stomach and the spine. The pancreas performs exocrine and endocrine functions. Its exocrine functions include secreting pancreatic juice containing digestive enzymes into the digestive tract. Its endocrine functions include producing hormones such as insulin glucagon, and somatostatin, for controlled release into the bloodstream.

#The sphincter of Oddi is a muscular structure that encompasses the confluence of the distal common bile duct and the pancreatic duct of the pancreas as they penetrate the wall of the duodenum. The term “sphincter of Oddi dysfunction” describes a clinical syndrome of biliary or pancreatic obstruction related to mechanical or functional abnormalities of the sphincter of Oddi. The sphincter of Oddi is composed of small circular and longitudinal muscular segments that are approximately six to ten millimeters in total length and are contained mostly within the wall of the duodenum. The muscle fibers surround the intraduodenal segment of the common bile duct and the ampulla of Vater.

#Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction has been hypothesized as a cause of idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis and pancreatitis occurring after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). To illustrate, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction may lead to a build-up of pancreatic juices within the pancreatic and bile ducts, thereby causing ductal distension, tissue damage, and pain. Due to the increased pressure in the duct, the fluid may seek alternate, unnatural routes for release, which may lead to the development of fissures in the pancreas. These fissures may leak pancreatic enzymes that digest surrounding tissues and organs and thereby cause severe abdominal pain and organ damage.

#The accompanying drawings illustrate various embodiments of the principles described herein and are a part of the specification. The illustrated embodiments are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.

#FIG. 1A is a front view of an exemplary human pancreas, liver, gallbladder and a portion of the duodenum including the sphincter of Oddi.

#FIG. 1B illustrates a number of nerves that innervate the sphincter of Oddi.

#Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.

#Methods and systems for treating a patient with pancreatitis pain caused by sphincter of Oddi dysfunction are described herein. As used herein, “pancreatitis pain” refers to any type of pain caused by other otherwise associated with pancreatitis resulting from sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

#In some examples, electrical stimulation may be applied to a suitable stimulation site within a patient to control the contraction and relaxation of the sphincter of Oddi. Exemplary stimulation sites may include efferent nerves that innervate the sphincter of Oddi, including the pre-ganglionic cholinergic nerves. The stimulator may be configured to apply at least one stimulus to one or more such stimulation sites in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The stimulus may be used to regulate the function of the sphincter of Oddi and, for example, release pancreatic build-up and reduce ductal hypertension, thereby decreasing the pain associated with pancreatitis and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.