Patent ID: 9539048
Date: 2017-01-10
CPC Classifications: A61B,A61N

Claim:
1. A system, comprising: an implantable signal generator configured to generate energy to be delivered to nerve tissue proximate a bronchus or trachea of a patient; and an electrode configured to be positioned proximate the bronchus or trachea so as to at least partially extend circumferentially about at least a portion of an inner or outer surface of the bronchus or trachea, the electrode operatively coupled to the implantable signal generator and configured to deliver energy from the implantable signal generator to the nerve tissue, wherein the implantable signal generator is programmed to control delivery of energy through the electrode to the nerve tissue so as to have an effect on the patient, the effect being selected from the group consisting of: relieving bronchial smooth muscle contraction, inhibiting cough, facilitating nerve signal traffic to and/or from the lung of the patient to provide pulmonary maintenance, and combinations thereof.