Systems and methods for modulation of circulatory perfusion by electrical and/or drug stimulation

• US 20040082978A1
• Filed: 08/30/2001
• Published: 04/29/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 09/28/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Corporation (Boston Scientific Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Advanced Bionics Corporation (Sonova Holding AG)
• Inventors: Whitehurst, Todd K., Harrison, William Vanbrooks
• Granted Patent: US 6,845,267 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/48
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/32 alternating or intermittent currents applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling A61N1/40; microwave apparatus A61N5/02

Abstract

One or more implantable system control units (SCU) apply one or more stimulating drugs and/or electrical pulses to one or more predetermined areas affecting circulatory perfusion. The SCU preferably includes a programmable memory for storing data and/or control parameters, and preferably uses a power source/storage device, such as a rechargeable battery. If necessary, periodic recharging of such a power source/storage device is accomplished, for example, by inductive coupling with an external appliance. The SCU provides a means of stimulating a nerve(s) or other tissue with electrical and/or infusion pulses when desired, without the need for external appliances during the stimulation session. When necessary, external appliances are used for the transmission of data to and/or from the SCU(s) and/or for the transmission of power. In a preferred embodiment, the system is capable of open- and closed-loop operation. In closed-loop operation, at least one SCU includes a sensor, and the sensed condition is used to adjust electrical and/or drug stimulation parameters.

Claims

1. A method for modulating circulatory perfusion, comprising:

implanting at least one system control unit in the body of the patient,

wherein the unit controls the delivery of at least one stimulus to at least a first predetermined area affecting circulatory perfusion; and

applying the at least one stimulus to the at least first predetermined area in order to modulate circulatory perfusion in at least a second area of the patient being treated,

wherein the at least first predetermined area is at least one of smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, and vascular tissue.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the first area and the second area are the same area.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the stimulus is electrical stimulation delivered to at least one of a smooth muscle and a skeletal muscle at greater than about 50 to 100 Hz to relax the at least one smooth muscle and skeletal muscle.

4. The method of claim 1 wherein the stimulus is electrical stimulation delivered to at least one of a smooth muscle and a skeletal muscle at less than about 50 to 100 Hz to excite the at least one smooth muscle and skeletal muscle.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the stimulus is electrical stimulation delivered to at least one smooth muscle at less than about 1-10 mA to relax the at least one smooth muscle.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the stimulus is at least one stimulating drug delivered to the bloodstream from at least one of an artery and a vein.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the stimulus is electrical stimulation and at least one stimulating drug.

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising applying the stimulus in coordination with delivery of a medication, wherein the at least second predetermined area includes tissue targeted to receive the medication.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein the medication is delivered locally, and wherein the stimulus is applied to cause hypoperfusion.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the medication is delivered systemically, and wherein the stimulus is applied to cause hyperperfusion.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising implanting more than one system control unit.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising sensing a condition and using the sensed condition to automatically determine the stimulus to apply.

13. A method for modulating circulatory perfusion, comprising:

implanting at least one system control unit in the body of the patient,

wherein the unit controls the delivery of at least one stimulating drug to at least a first predetermined area affecting circulatory perfusion;

applying the at least one stimulating drug to the at least first predetermined area in order to modulate circulatory perfusion in at least a second area of the patient being treated,

wherein the at least first predetermined area is at least one of smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, autonomic neural tissue, and vascular tissue.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the first area and the second area are the same area.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein the at least one stimulating drug causes hyperperfusion.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the at least one stimulating drug is at least one of a sympathetic antagonist, a parasympathetic agonist, a inhibitory neurotransmitter agonist applied to at least one sympathetic neural tissue, an inhibitory neurotransmitter antagonist applied to at least one parasympathetic neural tissue, nitric oxide, nitroglycerin, and a prostaglandin.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein the at least one stimulating drug causes hypoperfusion.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein the at least one stimulating drug is at least one of a sympathetic agonist, a parasympathetic antagonist, a inhibitory neurotransmitter antagonist applied to at least one sympathetic neural tissue, an inhibitory neurotransmitter agonist applied to at least one parasympathetic neural tissue, indomethacin, and glibenclamid.

19. The method of claim 13 further comprising implanting more than one system control unit.

20. The method of claim 13 further comprising sensing a condition and using the sensed condition to automatically determine the stimulus to apply.

21. A method for modulating circulatory perfusion, comprising:

implanting at least one system control unit in the body of the patient,

wherein the unit controls the delivery of electrical stimulation to at least a first predetermined area affecting circulatory perfusion; and

applying the electrical stimulation to the at least first predetermined area in order to modulate circulatory perfusion in at least a second area of the patient being treated,

wherein the at least first predetermined area is at least one of smooth muscle, skeletal muscle, parasympathetic neural tissue, and vascular tissue.

22. The method of claim 21 wherein the first area and the second area are the same area.

23. The method of claim 21 wherein the electrical stimulation excites parasympathetic neural activity.

24. The method of claim 21 wherein the electrical stimulation inhibits sympathetic neural activity.

25. The method of claim 21 wherein the electrical stimulation is delivered at less than about 1-10 mA.

26. The method of claim 21 further comprising sensing a condition and using the sensed condition to automatically determine the stimulus to apply.