Neural stimulation devices and systems for treatment of chronic inflammation
Inventors
Faltys, Michael A. • Simon, Jesse M. • Liu, Yiming
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-11110287-B2
Publication Date
2021-09-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system for treating chronic inflammation may include an implantable microstimulator, a wearable charger, and optionally an external controller. The implantable microstimulator may be implemented as a leadless neurostimulator implantable in communication with a cervical region of a vagus nerve. The microstimulator can address several types of stimulation including regular dose delivery. The wearable charger may be worn around the subject's neck to rapidly (<10 minutes per week) charge an implanted microstimulator. The external controller may be configured as a prescription pad that controls the dosing and activity of the microstimulator.
Core Innovation
A leadless, implantable microstimulator comprises a hermetically sealed capsule body containing a resonator configured to resonate at a predetermined frequency range, a battery, and an electronic assembly. An electrode saddle comprises first and second concave regions containing respective electrodes. A microcontroller controls the application of electrical energy between the electrodes to a nerve held against the electrode saddle.
In an independent claim, the hermetically sealed capsule body is cylindrical and the resonator comprises a coil and a capacitor, with the microcontroller controlling battery charging by the resonator. The system also discloses a Protection and Orientation Device, a wearable neck-loop charger, and an external controller supporting inductive charging, telemetry, and dose programming for cervical vagus nerve stimulation. Disclosed drawings further illustrate microstimulator electronics, charging and power-management circuitry, a stimulation bridge, and device geometry.
Claims Coverage
The two independent claims cover two inventive features of a leadless, implantable microstimulator device that applies electrical energy to a nerve through an electrode saddle.
Leadless implantable microstimulator with an electrode saddle
Claim 1 recites a leadless, implantable microstimulator with a hermetically sealed capsule body containing a resonator configured to resonate at a predetermined frequency range, a battery, and an electronic assembly. An electrode saddle comprises first and second concave regions containing respective electrodes, and a microcontroller controls the application of electrical energy between the electrodes to a nerve held against the saddle.
Microstimulator with resonator-controlled battery charging
Claim 11 recites a leadless, implantable microstimulator with a hermetically sealed cylindrical capsule body, a battery, an electronic assembly, and an electrode saddle having first and second concave regions with respective electrodes. A resonator comprises a coil and a capacitor configured to resonate at a predetermined frequency range, and the microcontroller controls electrical energy applied between the electrodes to a nerve and controls charging of the battery by the resonator.
Together, the independent claims cover a leadless implantable device for nerve stimulation via saddle-mounted electrodes, with the second independent claim additionally reciting microcontroller-controlled battery charging by a coil-and-capacitor resonator.
Stated Advantages
Charging intervals are described as intended to reduce patient charging burden.
Documented Applications
Application of electrical energy to a nerve held against the electrode saddle.
Cervical vagus nerve stimulation for inflammatory-reflex modulation.
Resonator-based battery charging, including wireless coupling between an energizer and a microstimulator, and a patient-charger architecture and interface.
Dose and diagnostic programming displays.
Interested in licensing this patent?