Systems and methods for stimulating an anatomical element using an electrode device

Abstract

Systems and methods for stimulating an anatomical element are provided. The system may comprise an implantable pulse generator configured to generate a current and an electrode device comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to apply the current to the anatomical element. Each of the plurality of electrodes may comprise at least one of an anode or a cathode. The electrode device may be customized by assigning each of the plurality of electrodes as at least one of an anode or a cathode and at least one of active or inactive. The current may be applied to the anatomical element in a predetermined pattern using the plurality of electrodes.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for stimulating an anatomical element comprising:
 an implantable pulse generator configured to generate a current;   an electrode device comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to apply the current to the anatomical element, wherein each of the plurality of electrodes comprises at least one of an anode or a cathode;   a processor; and   a memory storing data for processing by the processor, the data, when processed, causes the processor to:
 customize the electrode device by assigning each of the plurality of electrodes as at least one of an anode or a cathode and each of the plurality of electrodes as at least one of active or inactive; and 
 apply the current to the anatomical element in a predetermined pattern using the plurality of electrodes. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the anatomical element comprises a celiac vagal trunk and a hepatic vagal trunk. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode device is implantable using a laparoscopic technique. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the electrode device is configured to target dual nerve branches. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode device is configured to apply the current to the anatomical element and record data resulting from the applied current. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein at least two electrodes of the plurality of electrodes applies a current to the anatomical element and one of the electrodes of the plurality of electrodes measures and stores data resulting from the applied current. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the electrode device comprises a body and the plurality of electrodes are coupled to the body, the body configured to couple to the anatomical element such that the plurality of electrodes is in contact with the anatomical element. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the body comprises a T-shaped body, the T-shaped body configured to wrap around the anatomical element. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the body comprises a spiral-shaped body, the spiral-shaped body configured to wrap around and conform to a shape of the anatomical element. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the body comprises a carbon nanotube thin film and the plurality of electrodes comprise one or more yarn electrodes disposed on the carbon nanotube thin film. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the body is three-dimensionally printed. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the body is formed from injecting epoxy on the anatomical element. 
     
     
         13 . A system for stimulating an anatomical element comprising:
 an implantable pulse generator configured to generate a current;   an electrode device comprising:   a body;   a plurality of electrodes disposed on the body and configured to apply the current to the anatomical element, wherein each of the plurality of electrodes comprises at least one of an anode or a cathode;   a processor; and   a memory storing data for processing by the processor, the data, when processed, causes the processor to:
 apply the current from the implantable pulse generator to the anatomical element in a predetermined pattern using the plurality of electrodes. 
   
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 13 , wherein the electrode device is configured to apply the current to the anatomical element and record data resulting from the applied current. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 14 , wherein at least two electrodes of the plurality of electrodes applies a current to the anatomical element and one of the electrodes of the plurality of electrodes measures and stores data resulting from the applied current. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 14 , further comprising:
 a processor; and   a memory storing data for processing by the processor, the data, when processed, causes the processor to:
 apply the current to the anatomical element in a predetermined pattern using the plurality of electrodes. 
   
     
     
         17 . A system for stimulating an anatomical element comprising:
 an implantable pulse generator configured to generate a current;   an electrode device comprising a plurality of electrodes configured to apply the current to the anatomical element, wherein each of the plurality of electrodes comprises at least one of an anode or a cathode;   a processor; and   a memory storing data for processing by the processor, the data, when processed, causes the processor to:
 assign each of the plurality of electrodes to be at least one of the anode or the cathode, and 
 apply the current to the anatomical element in a predetermined pattern using the plurality of electrodes. 
   
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the electrode device is configured to apply the current to the anatomical element and record data resulting from the applied current. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein at least two electrodes of the plurality of electrodes applies a current to the anatomical element and one of the electrodes of the plurality of electrodes measures and stores data resulting from the applied current. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the electrode device comprises a body and the plurality of electrodes are coupled to the body, the body configured to couple to the anatomical element such that the plurality of electrodes is in contact with the anatomical element.