公开(公告)号：US08798754B2

公开(公告)日：2014-08-05

申请号：US12045394

申请日：2008-03-10

Applicant: Mark B. Knudson ,  Adrianus P. Donders ,  Timothy R. Conrad

Inventor： Mark B. Knudson ,  Adrianus P. Donders ,  Timothy R. Conrad

IPC: A61N1/36

CPC classification number: A61N1/36071 ,  A61N1/0531 ,  A61N1/0534 ,  A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/36064 ,  A61N1/36067

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for treating a variety of conditions include treating a disorder associated with neural activity near a region of a brain. In such condition, the method includes placing an electrode to create a field near said region, creating said field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within said field. For treating a tissue sensation, the method includes identifying a target area of tissue to be treated and placing an electrode to create a field near the target area, and creating the field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within the target area. For treating a condition associated with neural activity of a spinal cord, the method includes placing an electrode to create a field near a nerve associated with the spinal cord, and creating the field with parameters selected to at least partially block neural activity within the nerve.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于治疗各种病症的方法和装置，包括治疗与脑区域附近的神经活动相关的病症。 在这种情况下，该方法包括放置电极以在所述区域附近产生场，产生具有选择以至少部分地阻止所述场内的神经活动的参数的所述场。 为了治疗组织感觉，所述方法包括识别待治疗的组织的靶区域并放置电极以在目标区域附近产生场，以及创建具有选择以至少部分阻断目标区域内的神经活动的参数的场。 为了治疗与脊髓的神经活动相关的病症，所述方法包括放置电极以产生与脊髓相关的神经附近的场，以及创建具有选择以至少部分阻断神经内的神经活动的参数的场。

公开(公告)号：US08538533B2

公开(公告)日：2013-09-17

申请号：US13276638

申请日：2011-10-19

Applicant: Mark B. Knudson ,  Richard R. Wilson ,  Katherine S. Tweden ,  Timothy R. Conrad

Inventor： Mark B. Knudson ,  Richard R. Wilson ,  Katherine S. Tweden ,  Timothy R. Conrad

IPC: A61N1/36

CPC classification number: A61N1/36085 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/321 ,  A61N1/36007 ,  A61N1/36053 ,  A61N1/36071 ,  A61N1/36114 ,  A61N1/36178

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders characterized at least in part by vagal activity. In embodiments, a method for treating obesity comprises positioning a first electrode on a vagus nerve of an obese patient at a location below a vagal innervation of the heart; treating the patient's obesity by applying an electrical treatment signal to the electrode with the electrical treatment signal having: a frequency selected for the signal to at least partially downregulate nerve impulses on the vagal nerve, wherein the signal has a frequency in excess of 200 Hz, and without simultaneously applying a neural impulse-inducing secondary electrical signal to the vagus nerve on a proximal side of the location whenever the electrical treatment signal is applied; and b) a plurality of on-times separated by a plurality of off-times, the signal applied during the on-times and not applied during the off-times, wherein the duration of the off-times is selected in response to a signal from a sensing electrode representing at least 50% of the activity of the vagal nerve as compared to baseline.

Abstract translation: 用于治疗至少部分地由迷走神经活性表征的多种疾病中的至少一种的系统和方法。 在实施方案中，治疗肥胖症的方法包括将第一电极定位在心脏的迷走神经支配下方的肥胖患者的迷走神经上; 通过向电极施加电治疗信号来治疗患者的肥胖，其中电治疗信号具有：为信号选择的频率至少部分地下调迷走神经上的神经冲动，其中信号具有超过200Hz的频率， 并且每当施加电治疗信号时，不同时在该位置的近端侧向迷走神经施加神经脉冲诱导次级电信号; 以及b）由多个关闭时间分离的多个接通时间，在接通时间期间施加的信号，并且在关闭时间期间不施加，其中响应于信号选择关闭时间的持续时间 来自感测电极，与基线相比，代表迷走神经的活性的至少50％。

公开(公告)号：US20120031412A1

公开(公告)日：2012-02-09

申请号：US13276146

申请日：2011-10-18

Applicant: Anja K. Metzger ,  Brian J. Erickson ,  John P. Sopp ,  Mark B. Knudson ,  Timothy R. Conrad

Inventor： Anja K. Metzger ,  Brian J. Erickson ,  John P. Sopp ,  Mark B. Knudson ,  Timothy R. Conrad

IPC: A61F5/56

CPC classification number: A61F5/56 ,  A61F2/04 ,  A61F2/20 ,  A61F2002/046 ,  A61M31/002 ,  A61M37/00

Abstract: A pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining the airway is treated by selecting an implant dimensioned so as to be implanted at or beneath a mucosal layer of the pharyngeal wall and extending transverse to said wall. The implant has mechanical characteristics for the implant, at least in combination with a fibrotic tissue response induced by the implant, to stiffen said pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse. The implant is implanted into the pharyngeal wall transverse to a longitudinal axis of the airway.

Abstract translation: 具有至少部分地围绕和限定气道的患者的咽壁的咽气道通过选择尺寸设置成植入在咽壁的粘膜层上或下方并且横向于所述壁延伸的植入物来治疗。 植入物具有用于植入物的机械特征，至少与由植入物引起的纤维化组织反应相结合，以加强所述咽壁以抵抗径向塌陷。 将植入物植入到垂直于气道纵轴的咽壁中。

公开(公告)号：US20110282411A1

公开(公告)日：2011-11-17

申请号：US13188293

申请日：2011-07-21

Applicant: Mark B. Knudson ,  Richard R. Wilson ,  Katherine S. Tweden ,  Timothy R. Conrad

Inventor： Mark B. Knudson ,  Richard R. Wilson ,  Katherine S. Tweden ,  Timothy R. Conrad

IPC: A61N1/36

CPC classification number: A61N1/36007 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/321 ,  A61N1/36053 ,  A61N1/3606 ,  A61N1/36071

Abstract: At least one of a plurality of gastrointestinal disorders is treated by stimulating an enteric nervous system of a patient to enhance a functional tone of the enteric nervous system. A treatment includes electrically stimulating a vagus nerve of the patient at a stimulation site proximal to at least one site of vagal innervation of a gastrointestinal organ. The electrical stimulation includes applying a stimulation signal at the stimulation site. An optional proximal electrical blocking signal is applied to the vagus nerve at a proximal blocking site proximal to the stimulation site. The proximal blocking signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses at the proximal blocking site.

Abstract translation: 通过刺激患者的肠神经系统来治疗多种胃肠道疾病中的至少一种，以增强肠神经系统的功能性色调。 治疗包括在靠近胃肠器官的迷走神经支配的至少一个部位的刺激部位电刺激患者的迷走神经。 电刺激包括在刺激部位施加刺激信号。 在靠近刺激部位的近端阻塞位置，将可选的近端电阻塞信号施加到迷走神经。 选择近端阻塞信号以至少部分阻断近端阻塞部位处的神经冲动。

公开(公告)号：US08027718B2

公开(公告)日：2011-09-27

申请号：US11370967

申请日：2006-03-07

Applicant: Robert J. Spinner ,  David P. Martin ,  Timothy R. Conrad

Inventor： Robert J. Spinner ,  David P. Martin ,  Timothy R. Conrad

IPC: A61N1/30 ,  A61N1/00

CPC classification number: A61M19/00 ,  A61B18/02 ,  A61B2018/0212 ,  A61N1/36017 ,  A61N1/36021

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for anesthetizing a region of a patient's body. The method includes identifying a target nerve which, upon activation, anesthetizes a region of a patient's body including a surgical site. The target nerve is located and an active site of a nerve blocking apparatus is placed in proximity to the nerve. The nerve blocking apparatus is activated to block neural propagation along the nerve. The activation of the nerve blocking apparatus is maintained during a surgical procedure at the surgical site.

Abstract translation: 公开了用于麻醉患者身体区域的方法和装置。 该方法包括识别目标神经，其在激活时麻醉患者身体的包括手术部位的区域。 定位目标神经，将神经阻滞装置的活动部位置于神经附近。 神经阻断装置被激活以阻断沿着神经的神经传播。 在手术部位的手术过程中，保持神经阻滞装置的活化。

公开(公告)号：US20110021968A1

公开(公告)日：2011-01-27

申请号：US12898178

申请日：2010-10-05

Applicant: Mark B. Knudson ,  Timothy R. Conrad

Inventor： Mark B. Knudson ,  Timothy R. Conrad

IPC: A61M1/00

CPC classification number: A61F2/04 ,  A61F5/0003 ,  A61F2002/044

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a patient's health condition by diverting pancreatic exocrine secretions include a flow diverter of material compatible with chronic residence within a small intestine of the patient. The flow diverter has a cover end and a discharge end. The flow diverter is sized to be placed within the small intestine with the discharge end placed distally from said cover end and with said flow diverter further sized so permit passage of chyme through the small intestine and past the flow diverter. The cover end is sized to cover a discharge papilla of the pancreatic duct. The diverter is adapted to divert at least a portion of pancreatic exocrine secretion from the papilla to the distal discharge end.

Abstract translation: 通过转移胰腺外分泌分泌物治疗患者的健康状况的方法和装置包括与患者的小肠内的慢性住院相容的材料的分流器。 分流器具有盖端和排出端。 流量分配器的尺寸设置成放置在小肠内，排出端从所述盖端向远侧放置，并且所述分流器进一步尺寸使得食道通过小肠并经过分流器。 盖端的尺寸设置成覆盖胰管的排出乳头。 分流器适于将至少一部分胰腺外分泌分泌物从乳头转移到远端排出端。

公开(公告)号：US20100137794A1

公开(公告)日：2010-06-03

申请号：US12657945

申请日：2010-01-29

Applicant: Mark B. Knudson ,  Timothy R. Conrad

Inventor： Mark B. Knudson ,  Timothy R. Conrad

IPC: A61M29/00

CPC classification number: A61F5/56 ,  A61F2/0077 ,  A61F2/20 ,  A61M31/002 ,  A61M37/00

Abstract: A patient's pharyngeal wall is treated by inserting an expander member into the airway and positioning an active portion of the expander member in opposition to portions of the pharyngeal wall to be treated. The expander member is activated to urge the wall portions outwardly to an outwardly displaced position. The expander member is then deactivated while leaving the wall portions in the outwardly placed position and the expander member is removed from said airway. A further aspect of the treatment includes stabilization of at least a portion of the pharyngeal wall after compression of portions of the wall.

公开(公告)号：US07630769B2

公开(公告)日：2009-12-08

申请号：US11656122

申请日：2007-01-22

Applicant: Mark B. Knudson ,  Richard R. Wilson ,  Katherine S. Tweden ,  Timothy R. Conrad

Inventor： Mark B. Knudson ,  Richard R. Wilson ,  Katherine S. Tweden ,  Timothy R. Conrad

IPC: A61N1/18

CPC classification number: A61N1/36053 ,  A61F5/0026 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/321 ,  A61N1/36007 ,  A61N1/36071 ,  A61N1/36082 ,  A61N1/37235

Abstract: Methods and an apparatus are described for treating at least one of a plurality of disorders of a patient characterized at least in part by vagal activity innervating at least one of a plurality of organs of the patient. Embodiments include a method for treating a patient having a gastro-intestinal disorder having a inflammatory basis, including positioning an electrode on a vagus nerve below a vagal innervation of a heart of the patient, and treating the patient's gastro-intestinal disorder by applying an electrical signal to the electrode, wherein the signal has a frequency of at least 500 Hz and is selected to down-regulate neural activity on the vagus nerve, allow partial restoration of nerve activity upon discontinuation of the electrical signal, and wherein the signal is configured to reduce pancreatic output and biliary output. An electrical signal is applied to the electrode to modulate vagal activity by an amount selected to treat the disorder. The signal may be blocking or a stimulation signal.

Abstract translation: 描述了用于治疗患者的多种疾病中的至少一种的方法和装置，其特征在于至少部分地由支配患者的多个器官中的至少一个的迷走神经活动。 实施方案包括用于治疗患有炎症基础的胃肠道疾病的患者的方法，包括将电极定位在患者心脏的迷走神经支配以下的迷走神经上，并通过施加电气来治疗患者的胃肠道疾病 信号到所述电极，其中所述信号具有至少500Hz的频率并且被选择为下调迷走神经的神经活动，允许在停止电信号时部分恢复神经活动，并且其中所述信号被配置为 减少胰腺输出和胆汁输出。 将电信号施加到电极，以通过选择用于治疗病症的量来调节迷走神经活性。 信号可能是阻塞或刺激信号。

公开(公告)号：US07489969B2

公开(公告)日：2009-02-10

申请号：US10674330

申请日：2003-09-29

Applicant: Mark B. Knudson ,  Richard R. Wilson ,  Katherine S. Tweden ,  Timothy R. Conrad

Inventor： Mark B. Knudson ,  Richard R. Wilson ,  Katherine S. Tweden ,  Timothy R. Conrad

IPC: A61N1/18

CPC classification number: A61N1/36007 ,  A61N1/05 ,  A61N1/0551 ,  A61N1/321 ,  A61N1/36053 ,  A61N1/3606 ,  A61N1/36071

Abstract: Obesity is treated by applying a non-ablative, non-systemic therapy to a vagus nerve of an obese patient at a site below a vagal innervation of a heart. The therapy is selected to at least partially down-regulate a neural activity on the vagus nerve of the obese patient. The therapy is applied in a manner to down-regulate at least afferent signals on the vagus nerve.

Abstract translation: 肥胖症是通过将非烧蚀性非全身性治疗应用于低于迷走神经支配位置的肥胖患者的迷走神经。 选择该疗法至少部分地下调肥胖患者的迷走神经的神经活动。 该疗法的应用方式是至少下调迷走神经上的传入信号。

公开(公告)号：US07322993B2

公开(公告)日：2008-01-29

申请号：US10825483

申请日：2004-04-14

Applicant: Anja K. Metzger ,  Brian J. Erickson ,  John P. Sopp ,  Mark B. Knudson ,  Timothy R. Conrad

Inventor： Anja K. Metzger ,  Brian J. Erickson ,  John P. Sopp ,  Mark B. Knudson ,  Timothy R. Conrad

IPC: A61B17/08

CPC classification number: A61F5/56 ,  A61F2/04 ,  A61F2/20 ,  A61F2002/046 ,  A61M31/002 ,  A61M37/00

Abstract: A pharyngeal airway having a pharyngeal wall of a patient at least partially surrounding and defining the airway is treated by selecting an implant dimensioned so as to be implanted at or beneath a mucosal layer of the pharyngeal wall and extending transverse to said wall. The implant has mechanical characteristics for the implant, at least in combination with a fibrotic tissue response induced by the implant, to stiffen said pharyngeal wall to resist radial collapse. The implant is implanted into the pharyngeal wall transverse to a longitudinal axis of the airway.

Abstract translation: 具有至少部分地围绕和限定气道的患者的咽壁的咽气道通过选择尺寸设置成植入在咽壁的粘膜层上或下方并且横向于所述壁延伸的植入物来治疗。 植入物具有用于植入物的机械特征，至少与由植入物引起的纤维化组织反应相结合，以加强所述咽壁以抵抗径向塌陷。 将植入物植入到垂直于气道的纵向轴线的咽壁中。