Systems and methods for stimulating or blocking a nerve using an electrode device with a sutureless closure

Abstract

System and methods for stimulating or blocking a nerve are provided. The system may include an implantable pulse generator configured to generate a current and an electrode device in communication with the implantable pulse generator and configured to surround the nerve. The electrode device may include a housing comprising an inner surface, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge; at least one electrode disposed on the inner surface and configured to apply the current to the nerve; and at least one closure configured to couple the first edge to the second edge to form a seal.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for stimulating or blocking a nerve comprising:
 an implantable pulse generator configured to generate a current; and   an electrode device in communication with the implantable pulse generator and configured to surround the nerve, the electrode device comprising:
 a housing comprising an inner surface, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge; 
 at least one electrode disposed on the inner surface and configured to apply the current to the nerve; and 
 at least one closure configured to couple the first edge to the second edge to form a seal. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the closure comprises at least one of a kiss-lock, a twist lock, a magnetic snap closure, or hook and loop fabric. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is cylindrical. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrode extends around an inner perimeter of the housing from the first edge to the second edge. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one electrode comprises a plurality of electrodes each spaced apart along a center axis of the housing. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one closure comprises a plurality of closures, each closure positioned adjacent to a corresponding electrode. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each closure comprises a first closure component and a second closure component, the first closure component positioned on the first edge and the second closure component positioned on the second edge, wherein the first closure component and the second closure component are configured to lock together. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode device is implanted during a laparoscopic procedure. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one closure is in communication with the implantable pulse generator and is configured to apply the current to the nerve. 
     
     
         10 . An electrode device configured to surround a nerve comprising:
 a housing comprising an inner surface, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge;   at least one electrode disposed on the inner surface and configured to apply a current to the anatomical element; and   at least one closure configured to couple the first edge to the second edge to form a seal, the at least one closure comprising a first closure component and a second closure component configured to lock together, the first closure component positioned on the first edge and the second closure component positioned on the second edge, wherein the first edge and the second edge are coupled together when the first closure component and the second closure component lock together.   
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the closure comprises at least one of a kiss-lock, a twist lock, a magnetic snap closure, or hook and loop fabric. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the housing is cylindrical. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one electrode extends around an inner perimeter of the housing from the first edge to the second edge. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one electrode comprises a plurality of electrodes each spaced apart along a center axis of the housing. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 14 , wherein the at least one closure comprises a plurality of closures, each closure positioned adjacent to a corresponding electrode. 
     
     
         16 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the electrode device is implanted during a laparoscopic procedure. 
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 10 , wherein the at least one closure is configured to apply a current to the nerve. 
     
     
         18 . A system for stimulating or blocking a nerve comprising:
 an implantable pulse generator configured to generate a current; and   an electrode device in communication with the implantable pulse generator and configured to surround the nerve, the electrode device comprising:
 a housing comprising an inner surface, a first edge, and a second edge opposite the first edge; 
 at least one electrode disposed on the inner surface and configured to apply the current to the nerve; and 
 at least one closure configured to couple the first edge to the second edge to form a seal; 
   a processor; and   a memory storing data for processing by the processor, the data, when processed, causes the processor to:
 begin a treatment by causing the at least one electrode to apply the current to the nerve; and 
 end the treatment. 
   
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the closure comprises at least one of a kiss-lock, a twist lock, a magnetic snap closure, or hook and loop fabric. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein each closure comprises a first closure component and a second closure component, the first closure component positioned on the first edge and the second closure component positioned on the second edge, wherein the first closure component and the second closure component are configured to lock together.