Patent ID: 7020526

Claim:
A non-invasive percutaneously acting apparatus for relieving constipation and stimulating peristaltic movement in the human gastro-intestinal (GI) tract comprising: a housing having an open central area generally defined by concentric outside and inside diameters of a generally toroidal-like configuration having a ring-shaped working surface on one side thereof; a multi-point electrode generally coextensive with said working surface and including a plurality of point electrodes each separately mounted at said working surface; said working surface and said electrodes adapted for positioning against substantially the perimeter area of the GI track along with said point electrodes; a d.c. pulse generator selectively and sequentially connectable to said point electrodes wherein, when said working surface is positioned against the skin over the GI tract, said pulse generator connects to said electrodes to deliver electrical pulses percutaneously and sequentially moving from one said point electrode to the next adjacent said point electrode repeatedly around said working surface for stimulating peristaltic movement and controlling either diarrhea or relieving constipation.