Patent ID: 9162062
Filing Date: 2015-10-20
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method for treating obesity comprising: positioning a first electrode on a vagus nerve of an obese patient at a location below a vagal innervation of the heart, with the vagus nerve innervating at least one alimentary tract organ; treating the patient's obesity by applying an electrical treatment signal to the electrode with the electrical treatment signal having: a) a frequency selected for said signal to at least partially downregulate nerve impulses on said vagal nerve, wherein said signal has a frequency in excess of 200 Hz, and without simultaneously applying a neural impulse-inducing secondary electrical signal to the vagus nerve on a proximal side of said location whenever the electrical treatment signal is applied; and b) a plurality of on-times separated by a plurality of off-times, said signal applied during said on-times and not applied during said off-times, wherein a duration of the off-times is selected in response to a signal from a sensing electrode representing at least 50% of an activity of said vagal nerve as compared to baseline.