Mapping methods for cardiovascular reflex control devices

• US 20030060848A1
• Filed: 09/26/2001
• Published: 03/27/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
• Original Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
• Inventors: Keith, Peter T., Serdar, David J., Kieval, Robert S., Perrson, Bruce J.
• Granted Patent: US 6,850,801 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36117 for treating hypertension

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably in the carotid sinus. A mapping method permits the baroreceptor activation device to be precisely located to maximize therapeutic efficacy.

Claims

1. A method of inducing a baroreceptor signal to affect a change in the baroreflex system of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a baroreceptor activation device;

positioning the baroreceptor activation device proximate a baroreceptor at a first location;

activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the baroreceptor activation device to induce a baroreceptor signal;

measuring the degree of baroreceptor activation at the first location;

repositioning the baroreceptor activation device proximate a baroreceptor at a second location;

activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the baroreceptor activation device to induce a baroreceptor signal;

measuring the degree of baroreceptor activation at the second location;

comparing the degree of baroreceptor activation at the first and second locations;

selecting a final location for the baroreceptor activation device based on the comparison;

positioning the baroreceptor activation device proximate a baroreceptor at the final location; and

activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the baroreceptor activation device to induce a baroreceptor signal.

2. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of measuring the degree of baroreceptor activation at the first location comprises measuring blood pressure.

3. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of measuring the degree of baroreceptor activation at the first location comprises measuring heart rate.

4. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of repositioning the baroreceptor activation device proximate a baroreceptor at the second location comprises rotating the baroreceptor activation device around a carotid artery.

5. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of repositioning the baroreceptor activation device proximate a baroreceptor at the second location comprises longitudinally displacing the baroreceptor activation device along a carotid artery.

6. A method as in claim 1, wherein the first location is on an artery, and the second location is on the same artery.

7. A method as in claim 1, wherein the first location is on an artery, and the second location is on a different artery.

8. A method as in claim 1, wherein the first and second locations are extravascular.

9. A method of mapping baroreceptor responsiveness, comprising the steps of:

providing a baroreceptor activation device;

positioning the baroreceptor activation device proximate a baroreceptor at a plurality of locations;

activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the baroreceptor activation device at each location;

measuring the degree of baroreceptor activation at each location; and

comparing the degree of baroreceptor activation at each location.

10. A method as in claim 9, wherein the step of measuring the degree of baroreceptor activation comprises measuring blood pressure.

11. A method as in claim 9, wherein the step of measuring the degree of baroreceptor activation comprises measuring heart rate.

12. A method as in claim 9, wherein the plurality of locations are on the same artery.

13. A method as in claim 9, wherein the plurality of locations are not all on the same artery.

14. A method as in claim 9, wherein the plurality of locations are extravascular.

15. A method of inducing a baroreceptor signal to affect a change in the baroreflex system of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a baroreceptor activation device;

selecting a location proximate a baroreceptor for implantation based on a comparison of baroreceptor responsiveness;

positioning the baroreceptor activation device proximate a baroreceptor at the selected location; and

activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the baroreceptor activation device to induce a baroreceptor signal.