Importance

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Abstract

An implantable device for inducing salivation by neural stimulation at neurally sensitive location within an oral or perioral tissue of a user. The device includes a housing adapted to be permanently implanted within the oral or perioral tissue. The housing has an enclosure therein for engaging an electrical signal generator. The signal generator includes a power source and at least one electrode operatively associated with the housing and electrically coupled to the signal generator. The electrode is so positioned with respect to the housing so as to form an electrical contact with the oral or perioral tissue and in operative contact with a neurally sensitive location of the oral or perioral tissue, the stimulation of which by electrical energy can induce salivation when the housing is operatively disposed, whereby the electrode applies a signal generated by the signal generator to the sensitive location of the oral or perioral tissue to induce salivation.

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First Claim