Simultaneous multi-site vagus nerve neuromodulation for improved glycemic control system and methods

Abstract

Various methods and apparatus for treating a condition associated with impaired glucose regulation in a subject comprising in one embodiment, applying a neural conduction block to a target nerve at ablocking site with the neural conduction block selected to at least partially block nerve pulses. In another embodiment, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating with are used to treat impaired glucose regulation. In other embodiments, up-regulation or downregulation of various nerves, such as the vagus and its branches, are used to modify the secretion of insulin and glucagon from thepancreas, thereby controlling glucose levels. In yet further embodiments, combinations of down-regulating and or up-regulating are used to control sensitivity of the liver to plasma insulin and glucagon to treat impaired glucose regulation.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This application was filed as a PCT International Patent Application on April 12, 2019, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application 62 / 656,787, filed April 12, 2018, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein. Background technique [0003] In the United States, an estimated 29 million people have diabetes, a serious lifelong condition. The main forms of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes the destruction of beta cells in the pancreas, which consequently produce little or no insulin. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to survive. The most common form of diabetes is type 2 diabetes. In the United States, about 10 percent of people ages 40 to 59 and 20 percent of people over age 60 have type 2 diabetes. The disease is the sixth leading cause of death and leads to the development of heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, kidney diseas...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, this treatment is not ideal

For example, the onset of hypoglycemia is rapid, on the order of minutes, and the loss of cognitive ability may prevent the subject from obtaining and consuming foods containing simple sugars

Images