Patent ID: 6230052
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
An implantable device for inducing salivation by neural stimulation at neurally sensitive locations within an oral or perioral tissue of a user, comprising a housing adapted to be permanently implanted within the oral or perioral tissue, said housing having an enclosure therein, an electrical signal generator disposed in said enclosure, said signal generator including a power source, at least one electrode operatively associated with said housing and electrically coupled to said signal generator, said electrode being so positioned with respect to said housing so as to form an electrical contact with the oral or perioral tissue and in operative contact with a neurally sensitive location of the oral or perioral tissue, the stimulation of which by electrical energy can induce salivation when said housing is operatively disposed, whereby said electrode applies a signal generated by said signal generator to the sensitive location of the oral or perioral tissue to induce salivation.