Patent US6243607B1 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6243607B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Gastro-intestinal electrical pacemaker
Assignee: University Technologies International Inc
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Filing: 1997-09-04
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Granted: 2001-06-05
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Expires: 2017-09-04
Abstract
Abstract A device and method for electrical stimulation of a portion of the gastro-intestinal tract, defining a longitudinal axis. A proximal and at least one distal electrode set are arranged circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and in axially spaced relationship relative to each other. At least one power source provides an electrical stimulus to the electrode sets sufficient to stimulate the smooth muscle to produce a local circumferential contraction at each electrode set. A timing mechanism phase locks the electrical stimulus such that it is applied to the electrode sets successively and repetitively. The axially spaced relationship between the electrode sets and the timing of the electrical stimulus are selected such that the local circumferential contractions are artificially propagated distally through the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Inventors
- 👤 Martin P. Mintchev
- 👤 Kenneth L. Bowes
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 22:01
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61N; A61N1/00; A61N1/18; A61N1/32; A61N1/36; A61N1/36007
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 62
Claim 1
Independent Claim
286 words
A device for electrical stimulation of smooth muscle comprising a portion of the gastro-intestinal tract, wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract defines a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the device comprising: (a) a proximal electrode set for arrangement circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that the smooth muscle may be stimulated thereby to produce a local circumferential contraction of the smooth muscle at the location of the proximal electrode set, wherein the proximal electrode set is comprised of at least one active electrode and at least one ground electrode; (b) at least one distal electrode set for arrangement circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and in axially spaced relationship relative to the proximal electrode set such that the smooth muscle may be stimulated thereby to produce a local circumferential contraction of the smooth muscle at the location of the distal electrode set, wherein each distal electrode set is comprised of at least one active electrode and at least one ground electrode; (c) at least one power source for providing an electrical stimulus to the proximal and distal electrode sets sufficient to stimulate the smooth muscle to produce the local circumferential contractions; (d) a timing mechanism, associated with the power source, for phase locking the electrical stimulus such that the electrical stimulus is applied to the proximal and distal electrode sets successively and repetitively; wherein the axially spaced relationship between the electrode sets and the timing of the electrical stimulus applied to the electrode sets are selected such that the local circumferential contractions are artificially propagated distally through the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
286 words
A device for electrical stimulation of smooth muscle comprising a portion of the gastro-intestinal tract, wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract defines a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the device comprising: (a) a proximal electrode set for arrangement circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that the smooth muscle may be stimulated thereby to produce a local circumferential contraction of the smooth muscle at the location of the proximal electrode set, wherein the proximal electrode set is comprised of at least one active electrode and at least one ground electrode; (b) at least one distal electrode set for arrangement circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and in axially spaced relationship relative to the proximal electrode set such that the smooth muscle may be stimulated thereby to produce a local circumferential contraction of the smooth muscle at the location of the distal electrode set, wherein each distal electrode set is comprised of at least one active electrode and at least one ground electrode; (c) at least one power source for providing an electrical stimulus to the proximal and distal electrode sets sufficient to stimulate the smooth muscle to produce the local circumferential contractions; (d) a timing mechanism, associated with the power source, for phase locking the electrical stimulus such that the electrical stimulus is applied to the proximal and distal electrode sets successively and repetitively; wherein the axially spaced relationship between the electrode sets and the timing of the electrical stimulus applied to the electrode sets are selected such that the local circumferential contractions are artificially propagated distally through the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract is comprised of the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, the large intestine, the anal sphincter and combinations thereof.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract is comprised of the stomach.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
The device as claimed in claim 3 comprising at least three distal electrode sets located distally to the proximal electrode set and in an axially spaced relationship with each other such that the phase-locked electrical stimulus produces a local circumferential contraction at the proximal electrode set and each distal electrode set in succession.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The device as claimed in claim 4 comprising three distal electrode sets.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
27 words
The device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the artificial propagation of local contractions through the stomach is sufficient to facilitate at least a partial emptying thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device as claimed in claim 6 wherein the proximal electrode set is located in about the mid-corpus of the stomach.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
39 words
The device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the active electrodes are connected to the power source in a manner such that the electrical stimulus is provided concurrently to each of the active electrodes included in an electrode set.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The device as claimed in claim 3 wherein the distance between the electrodes in each of the proximal and distal electrode sets is between about 2 to 4 centimeters.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the number of active electrodes is greater than or equal to the number of ground electrodes in each of the proximal and distal electrode sets.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device as claimed in claim 9 wherein the electrical stimulus is provided by an alternating current source.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device as claimed in claim 11 wherein the alternating current source is a bipolar alternating current source.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device as claimed in claim 12 wherein the alternating current source is a rectangular alternating current source or a square alternating current source.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the frequency of the alternating current source is between about 5 to 500 Hertz.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device as claimed in claim 14 wherein the frequency of the alternating current source is between about 5 to 50 Hertz.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device as claimed in claim 15 wherein the frequency of the alternating current source is about 50 Hertz.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device as claimed in claim 16 wherein the voltage provided by the alternating current source is less than or equal to about 20 Volts, peak to peak.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device as claimed in claim 17 wherein the voltage provided by the alternating current source is between about 10 to 20 Volts, peak to peak.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device as claimed in claim 18 wherein the voltage provided by the alternating current source is between about 14 to 15 Volts, peak to peak.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
59 words
The device as claimed in claim 18 wherein the timing mechanism applies the electrical stimulus such that the electrical stimulus is applied to the electrode set for an interval of between about 2 to 4 seconds, following which there is an equivalent interval of no stimulation before the application of the electrical stimulus to the next successive electrode set.
Claim 22
Independent Claim
259 words
A method for electrical stimulation of smooth muscle comprising a portion of the gastro-intestinal tract, wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract defines a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and wherein the method is performed using a device comprised of a proximal electrode set and at least one distal electrode set, the method comprising the steps of: (a) arranging the proximal electrode set circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that the smooth muscle may be stimulated thereby to produce a local circumferential contraction of the smooth muscle at the location of the proximal electrode set; (b) arranging each of the distal electrode sets circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and in axially spaced relationship relative to the proximal electrode set such that the smooth muscle may be stimulated thereby to produce a local circumferential contraction of the smooth muscle at the location of the distal electrode set; (c) applying an electrical stimulus to the proximal and distal electrode sets sufficient to stimulate the smooth muscle to produce the local circumferential contractions, wherein the electrical stimulus is phase-locked such that the electrical stimulus is applied to the proximal and distal electrode sets successively and repetitively; wherein the axially spaced relationship between the electrode sets and the timing of the phase-locking of the electrical stimulus applied to the electrode sets are selected such that the local circumferential contractions are artificially propagated distally through the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Claim 23
Independent Claim
259 words
A method for electrical stimulation of smooth muscle comprising a portion of the gastro-intestinal tract, wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract defines a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and wherein the method is performed using a device comprised of a proximal electrode set and at least one distal electrode set, the method comprising the steps of: (a) arranging the proximal electrode set circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that the smooth muscle may be stimulated thereby to produce a local circumferential contraction of the smooth muscle at the location of the proximal electrode set; (b) arranging each of the distal electrode sets circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and in axially spaced relationship relative to the proximal electrode set such that the smooth muscle may be stimulated thereby to produce a local circumferential contraction of the smooth muscle at the location of the distal electrode set; (c) applying an electrical stimulus to the proximal and distal electrode sets sufficient to stimulate the smooth muscle to produce the local circumferential contractions, wherein the electrical stimulus is phase-locked such that the electrical stimulus is applied to the proximal and distal electrode sets successively and repetitively; wherein the axially spaced relationship between the electrode sets and the timing of the phase-locking of the electrical stimulus applied to the electrode sets are selected such that the local circumferential contractions are artificially propagated distally through the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as claimed in claim 21 wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract is comprised of the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, the large intestine, the anal sphincter and combinations thereof.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as claimed in claim 22 wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract is comprised of the stomach.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as claimed in claim 23 wherein the proximal and distal electrode sets are implanted subserosally in the stomach.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method as claimed in claim 24 wherein the device is comprised of at least three distal electrode sets and wherein the distal electrode sets are arranged distally to the proximal electrode set and in an axially spaced relationship with each other such that the phase-locked electrical stimulus produces a local circumferential contraction at the proximal electrode set and at each distal electrode set in succession.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the device is comprised of three distal electrode sets.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as claimed in claim 25 wherein the artificial propagation of local contractions through the stomach is sufficient to facilitate at least a partial emptying thereof.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as claimed in claim 27 wherein the proximal electrode set is arranged in about the mid-corpus of the stomach.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
66 words
The method as claimed in claim 27 wherein each of the proximal and distal electrode sets of the device is comprised of at least one active electrode and at least one ground electrode and wherein the electrical stimulus is applied to the active electrodes in a manner such that the electrical stimulus is applied concurrently to each of the active electrodes included in an electrode set.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as claimed in claim 29 wherein the distance between the electrodes in each of the proximal and distal electrode sets is between about 2 to 4 centimeters.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as claimed in claim 30 wherein the number of active electrodes is greater than or equal to the number of ground electrodes in each of the proximal and distal electrode sets.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as claimed in claim 30 wherein the electrical stimulus applied to the proximal and distal electrode sets is alternating.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as claimed in claim 32 wherein the alternating electrical stimulus is bipolar.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as claimed in claim 33 wherein the shape of the alternating electrical stimulus is rectangular or square.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as claimed in claim 34 wherein the frequency of the alternating electrical stimulus is between about 5 to 500 Hertz.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as claimed in claim 35 wherein the frequency of the alternating electrical stimulus is between about 5 to 50 Hertz.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as claimed in claim 36 wherein the frequency of the alternating electrical stimulus is about 50 Hertz.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as claimed in claim 37 wherein the voltage of the alternating electrical stimulus is less than or equal to about 20 Volts, peak to peak.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as claimed in claim 38 wherein the voltage of the alternating electrical stimulus is between about 10 to 20 Volts, peak to peak.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as claimed in claim 39 wherein the voltage of the alternating electrical stimulus is between about 14 to 15 Volts, peak to peak.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
50 words
The method as claimed in claim 39 wherein the electrical stimulus is applied to the electrode set for an interval of between about 2 to 4 seconds, following which there is an equivalent interval of no stimulation before the application of the electrical stimulus to the next successive electrode set.
Claim 44
Independent Claim
226 words
A method for electrical stimulation of smooth muscle comprising a portion of the gastro-intestinal tract, wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract defines a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the method comprising the steps of: (a) applying an electrical stimulus at a proximal location to the smooth muscle circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the electrical stimulus is sufficient to stimulate the smooth muscle to produce a local circumferential contraction at the proximal location; (b) applying an electrical stimulus at at least one distal location to the smooth muscle circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the distal location is in axially spaced relationship relative to the proximal location and wherein the electrical stimulus is sufficient to stimulate the smooth muscle to produce a local circumferential contraction at the distal location; and (c) phase-locking the electrical stimulus applied at the proximal and distal locations such that the electrical stimulus is applied at the proximal and distal locations successively and repetitively; wherein the axially spaced relationship between the proximal and distal locations and the timing of the phase-locking of the electrical stimulus applied to the locations are selected such that the local circumferential contractions are artificially propagated distally through the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Claim 45
Independent Claim
226 words
A method for electrical stimulation of smooth muscle comprising a portion of the gastro-intestinal tract, wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract defines a longitudinal axis extending therethrough, the method comprising the steps of: (a) applying an electrical stimulus at a proximal location to the smooth muscle circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the electrical stimulus is sufficient to stimulate the smooth muscle to produce a local circumferential contraction at the proximal location; (b) applying an electrical stimulus at at least one distal location to the smooth muscle circumferentially about the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract in a plane substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, wherein the distal location is in axially spaced relationship relative to the proximal location and wherein the electrical stimulus is sufficient to stimulate the smooth muscle to produce a local circumferential contraction at the distal location; and (c) phase-locking the electrical stimulus applied at the proximal and distal locations such that the electrical stimulus is applied at the proximal and distal locations successively and repetitively; wherein the axially spaced relationship between the proximal and distal locations and the timing of the phase-locking of the electrical stimulus applied to the locations are selected such that the local circumferential contractions are artificially propagated distally through the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as claimed in claim 42 wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract is comprised of the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, the large intestine, the anal sphincter and combinations thereof.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as claimed in claim 43 wherein the portion of the gastro-intestinal tract is comprised of the stomach.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as claimed in claim 44 wherein the electrical stimulus is applied at the proximal and distal locations subserosally in the stomach.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
63 words
The method as claimed in claim 45 wherein the electrical stimulus is applied at at least three distal locations and wherein the distal locations are located distally to the proximal location and in an axially spaced relationship with each other such that the phase-locking of the electrical stimulus produces a local circumferential contraction at the proximal location and each distal location in succession.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method as claimed in claim 46 wherein the electrical stimulus is applied at three distal locations.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as claimed in claim 46 wherein the artificial propagation of local contractions through the stomach is sufficient to facilitate at least a partial emptying thereof.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as claimed in claim 48 wherein the proximal location is located in about the mid-corpus of the stomach.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as claimed in claim 48 wherein the electrical stimulus applied at the proximal and distal locations is alternating.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method as claimed in claim 50 wherein the alternating electrical stimulus is bipolar.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as claimed in claim 51 wherein the shape of the alternating electrical stimulus is rectangular or square.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as claimed in claim 52 wherein the frequency of the alternating electrical stimulus is between about 5 to 500 Hertz.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as claimed in claim 53 wherein the frequency of the alternating electrical stimulus is between about 5 to 50 Hertz.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as claimed in claim 54 wherein the frequency of the alternating electrical stimulus is about 50 Hertz.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as claimed in claim 55 wherein the voltage of the alternating electrical stimulus is less than or equal to about 20 Volts, peak to peak.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as claimed in claim 56 wherein the voltage of the alternating electrical stimulus is between about 10 to 20 Volts, peak to peak.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as claimed in claim 57 wherein the voltage of the alternating electrical stimulus is between about 14 to 15 Volts, peak to peak.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method as claimed in claim 57 wherein the electrical stimulus is phase-locked such that the electrical stimulus is applied to the location for an interval of between about 2 to 4 seconds, following which there is an equivalent interval of no stimulation before the application of the electrical stimulus to the next successive location.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-06-04 | 2004-12-04 | 2005-06-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-06-04 | 2008-12-04 | 2009-06-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-06-04 | 2012-12-04 | 2013-06-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |