Patent ID: 7072720
Filing Date: 2006-07-04
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A device for electrically stimulating the vagus nerve of a patient, comprising: an elongated body member of sufficient length to extend from a point outside of a patient to a location within one of the trachea, esophagus, and internal jugular vein of said patient, said elongated body member having a proximal end and a distal end, said body member having an outer diameter adjacent said distal end of said body member smaller than the inner diameter of said one of said trachea, said esophagus, and said internal jugular vein; an expandable support member adjacent said distal end of said body member, said expandable support member normally being contracted to an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of said one of said trachea, said esophagus, and said internal jugular vein, and said expandable support member being selectively expandable when said distal end of said body member is inserted into said one of said trachea, said esophagus, and said internal jugular vein to contact the wall of said one of said trachea, said esophagus, and said internal jugular vein around substantially the entire circumference of said expandable support member; and an electrode mounted on said expandable support member, at least a portion of said electrode being disposed on said portion of said expandable support member that contacts said wall of said one of said trachea, said esophagus, and said internal jugular vein when said expandable support member is inserted into said one of said trachea, said esophagus, and said internal jugular vein and expanded; and means for placing said electrode in conductive communication with a source of electrical energy so as to energize said electrode; whereby when said distal end of said body member is inserted into said one of said trachea, said esophagus, and said internal jugular vein, and said expandable support member is expanded, said electrode is firmly imposed against said wall of said one of said trachea, said esophagus, and said internal jugular vein.