Patent ID: 6606523
Filing Date: 2003-08-12
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
An apparatus for stimulating neuromuscular tissue of the viscera of a patient by applying electrical pulses to the neuromuscular tissue, the electrical pulses supplied by a pulse generator, comprising:at least two electrodes configured for electrical connection with the pulse generator; an electrode attachment member having a distal surface configured for attachment to a surface of the neuromuscular tissue to be stimulated, wherein the electrode attachment member supports the electrodes adjacent the distal surface thereof to provide an interface between the electrodes and the surface of the neuromuscular tissue to be stimulated when attached to the surface, wherein the distal surface of the electrode attachment member is flexible and has a first configuration which is substantially flat so as to substantially conform to the surface of the neuromuscular tissue to be stimulated when attached to the surface, wherein the distal surface of the electrode attachment member has a second configuration which is substantially cylindrically shaped and reduced in size relative to the first configuration so as to inserted into the patient through a minimally invasive laparoscopic access opening, and wherein the distal surface of the electrode attachment member may be returned to the first configuration once inserted into the patient in order to be attached to the surface of the neuromuscular tissue to be stimulated; and an annular means for receiving the electrode attachment member in the second configuration and for maintaining the electrode attachment member in the second configuration until after insertion into the patient through the minimally invasive laparoscopic access opening.