Batteryless implantable microstimulators
Inventors
ZITNIK, Ralph J. • Faltys, Michael A. • Levine, Jacob A. • Simon, Jesse M.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12296169-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-13
Expiration Date
Abstract
Methods and apparatuses (e.g., devices and systems) for vagus nerve stimulation, including (but not limited to) sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation. In particular, the methods and apparatuses described herein may be used to stimulate the posterior sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve to treat inflammation and/or inflammatory disorders. The implantable microstimulators described herein may be leadless and batteryless.
Core Innovation
Batteryless, leadless implantable microstimulators and microregulators are used for nerve stimulation by modulating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway through vagus nerve stimulation. The invention addresses chronic inflammation and inflammatory disorders and emphasizes safe, effective nerve stimulation with reduced undesirable effects. A particular focus is sub-diaphragmatic, including posterior sub-diaphragmatic, vagus nerve targeting for treating chronic inflammation and inflammatory disorders.
The invention provides a microregulator with a receiver module configured to wirelessly receive a power signal. The microprocessor is powered by electrical energy received by the receiver module, and the microprocessor causes at least one pair of electrodes to deliver electrical stimulation to the nerve only when the power signal is being received. This architecture supports a batteryless implementation for the microregulator in combination with an external charger having a transmitter configured to generate the power signal.
The system includes an electrode cuff configured to secure the at least one pair of electrodes against the nerve, and the cuff may include conduction windows to expose portions of the electrodes for stimulation. Documented structures include inductively powered receiver coils/resonators with modulator/demodulator for information transfer, encapsulation/overmolding using liquid crystal polymer conduction windows, and optional non-volatile memory for dose compliance logging.
Claims Coverage
The partial claims provided include two independent claims. Each independent claim covers a wirelessly powered implantable nerve stimulation system that limits electrode energization to periods when a power signal is being received, and one independent claim further specifies inflammation and/or inflammatory-disorder treatment.
Power-signal-gated implanted microregulator with cuff-secured electrodes and external transmitter charging
A microregulator includes a receiver module configured to wirelessly receive a power signal; at least one pair of electrodes configured to deliver electrical stimulation to a nerve; a microprocessor configured to be powered by electrical energy received by the receiver module and configured to cause the at least one pair of electrodes to deliver the electrical stimulation to the nerve only when the power signal is being received; and a cuff configured to secure the at least one pair of electrodes against the nerve, with a charger including a transmitter configured to generate the power signal receivable by the receiver module.
Inflammation-and/or-inflammatory-disorder treatment using power-signal-gated implanted microregulator
A microregulator configured for implantation into a patient's body includes a receiver module configured to wirelessly receive a power signal; at least one pair of electrodes configured to deliver electrical stimulation to a nerve; a microprocessor configured to be powered by electrical energy received by the receiver module and configured to cause the at least one pair of electrodes to deliver the electrical stimulation to the nerve only when the power signal is being received, wherein the electrical stimulation is configured to treat inflammation and/or an inflammatory disorder; and a cuff configured to secure the at least one pair of electrodes against the nerve; with an external charger configured to charge the microregulator when implanted, including a transmitter configured to generate the power signal receivable by the receiver module.
Across the independent claims, the core coverage is a wirelessly powered microregulator whose stimulation electrodes deliver electrical stimulation only when the receiver module is receiving the power signal, with electrode securement provided by a cuff and charging provided by an external transmitter; the second independent claim additionally ties the electrical stimulation to treating inflammation and/or an inflammatory disorder.
Stated Advantages
Fewer adverse events and undesirable cardiac or laryngeal effects associated with sub-diaphragmatic vagus nerve stimulation.
Reduced muscle stimulation and pain.
A broader therapy window and reduced need for titration.
Documented Applications
Treating chronic inflammation and inflammatory disorders using sub-diaphragmatic, including posterior sub-diaphragmatic, vagus nerve stimulation with an implantable microregulator.
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