Patent ID: 6216039
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
An apparatus for providing electrical stimulation to the GI tract, comprising:a sensor for sensing a first interval of intrinsic gastrointestinal electrical activity between the frequency of 1 to 15 cycles/min. (0.017-0.25 Hz) and a second interval of intrinsic gastrointestinal electrical activity between the frequency of 1 to 15 cycles/min. (0.017-0.25 Hz);a signal processor to process the sensed intrinsic gastrointestinal electrical activity and generate an abnormal gastrointestinal electrical activity trigger signal when the first interval differs from the second interval by an abnormal amount;a pulse generator, the pulse generator coupled to the signal processor so as to receive the abnormal gastrointestinal electrical activity trigger signal, the pulse generator coupled to at least one medical electrical lead, the pulse generator emitting stimulation pulse trains at a first rate, wherein the first rate is a multiple of an average of a sensed intrinsic gastrointestinal electrical activity rate, and the multiple is about three times the average of a sensed intrinsic gastrointestinal electrical activity rate.