Inventors:
Ravinder K. Mittal - Chiville VA
Robert Ross - Charlottesville VA
Bruce Schirmer - Charlottesville VA
Assignee:
University of Virginia - Charlottesville VA
International Classification:
A61N 136
Abstract:
An electronic pacemaker is used to counter-act crural diaphragm relaxation thereby preventing and/or treating gastroesophageal reflux. The pacemaker can be implantable, or be connected to the skeletal muscles of the crural diaphragm through the skin. A sensor is used to identify spontaneous intermittent relaxations of the diaphragm. During these spontaneous intermittent relaxations, one or more electrodes are used to stimulate the skeletal muscles of the crural diaphragm to cause contraction of the lower esophageal sphincter.