Patient signaling method for treating cardiovascular disease

• US 20060079793A1
• Filed: 11/29/2005
• Published: 04/13/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 01/11/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Brian Mann, James S. Whiting, Neal L. Eigler
• Original Assignee: Brian Mann, James S. Whiting, Neal L. Eigler
• Inventors: Eigler, Neal L., Whiting, James S., Mann, Brian
• Granted Patent: US 7,590,449 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 600/486
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 2560/0209 adapted for power saving
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/0215 by means inserted into the body catheters A61M25/00
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/4839 combined with drug delivery
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/6882 Anchoring means
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3627 for treating a mechanical deficiency of the heart, e.g. congestive heart failure or cardiomyopathy
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36564 controlled by blood pressure

Abstract

A method of treating cardiovascular disease in a medical patient is provided. The method includes the steps of generating a sensor signal indicative of a fluid pressure within the left atrium of the patient'"'"'s heart, and delivering an electrical stimulus to a location in the heart. The electrical stimulus is delivered based at least in part on the sensor signal. The method also includes the steps of generating a proccessor output indicative of a treatment to a signaling device. The processor output is based at least in part on the sensor signal. At least two treatment signals are provided to the medical patient. The treatment signals are distinguishable from one another by the patient, and are indicative of a therapeutic treatment. The treatment signals are based at least in part on the processor output.

Claims

1. A method of treating cardiovascular disease in a medical patient, comprising:

generating a sensor signal indicative of a fluid pressure within the heart of a medical patient;

delivering an electrical pulse to the patient, said delivering based at least in part on the sensor signal;

providing a processor output to a signaling device, wherein the processor output is indicative of a therapeutic treatment, and wherein the processor output is based at least in part on the sensor signal; and

providing at least two instructive treatment signals to the medical patient,

wherein at least one of said instructive treatment signals is based on the processor output, and

wherein at least one of said instructive treatment signals is communicated to the patient at least once during a predetermined interval.

2. A method for treating cardiovascular disease in a medical patient, the method comprising:

generating a pressure signal indicative of a fluid pressure within a heart;

controlling the delivery of an electrical pulse from a pacemaker to the heart, wherein said controlling is based at least in part on said pressure signal;

communicating said pressure signal to a patient signaling apparatus located at least partially external to the medical patient;

processing said pressure signal with the patient signaling apparatus to determine a processor output indicative of a therapeutic treatment, wherein said therapeutic treatment is based at least in part on the fluid pressure within the heart; and

providing at least two instructive treatment signals to the medical patient,

wherein said at least two instructive treatment signals are based on the processor output, and

wherein at least one of said instructive treatment signals comprises information that the patient should not change therapy or should reduce therapy.