IMPLANTABLE VASCULAR STRUCTURES AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE

• US 20090228065A1
• Filed: 01/23/2009
• Published: 09/10/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 09/26/2001
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
• Original Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
• Inventors: Keith, Peter T., Bolea, Stephen L., Serdar, David J., Persson, Bruce J., Rossing, Martin A., Kieval, Robert S., Irwin, Eric D.
• Application Number:
  US12/359,209
• Publication Number:
  US 20090228065A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/44
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 5/02028 Determining haemodynamic parameters not otherwise provided for, e.g. cardiac contractility or left ventricular ejection fraction
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/056 Transvascular endocardial electrode systems
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36053 adapted for vagal stimulation A61N1/36114 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3611 Respiration control stimulating respiratory organs A61N1/3601
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36114 Cardiac control, e.g. by vagal stimulation stimulating the heart A61N1/362
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36117 for treating hypertension
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36125 Details of circuitry or electric components
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36135 using physiological parameters
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36185 Selection of the electrode configuration
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/3702 Physiological parameters A61N1/365 takes precedence; evoked response A61N1/371

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods are described 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 a baroreceptor located in the carotid sinus. A control system may be used to modulate the baroreceptor activation device. The control system may utilize an algorithm defining a stimulus regimen which promotes long term efficacy and reduces power requirements/consumption. The baroreceptor activation device may utilize electrodes to activate the baroreceptors. The electrodes may be adapted for connection to the carotid arteries at or near the carotid sinus, and may be designed to minimize extraneous tissue stimulation.

Claims

1. An implantable vascular pressure measuring assembly comprising:

an elastic base adapted to be mounted on the outer wall of a blood vessel under circumferential tension; and

a strain measurement sensor mounted on the elastic base so that changes in circumferential stress resulting from changes in blood pressure within the vessel may be detected.

2. An implantable assembly as in claim 1, wherein the base is sufficiently elastic to conform to the outer wall of the blood vessel.

3. An implantable assembly, as in claim 2, wherein the base comprises a silicone sheet.

4. An implantable assembly as in claim 1, wherein the elastic base is adapted to be wrapped around the entire circumference of the blood vessel.

5. An implantable assembly as in claim 2, wherein only a portion of the base is elastic.

6. An implantable assembly as in claim 1, wherein the base is secured to a patch on the wall of the blood vessel.

7. An implantable assembly as in claim 6, wherein the base is adapted to be secured by stapling, gluing, or clipping to the blood vessel wall.

8. An implantable assembly as in claim 1, wherein the base is a silicone base wrapped around the blood vessel.

9. An implantable assembly as in claim 1, wherein the base is adapted to be wrapped around an artery.

10. An implantable assembly as in claim 9, wherein the base is adapted to be wrapped around a carotid artery.

11. An implantable assembly as in claim 1, wherein the strain measurement sensor comprises a foil strain gauge or a force-sensing resistor.

12. An implantable assembly as in claim 1, wherein the strain measurement sensor comprises a strain gauge or a micro machined sensor.

13. A system comprising:

an implantable vascular pressure measuring assembly as in claim 1; and

a physiologic transducer comprising any one of a piezoelectric pressure transducer;

an ultrasonic flow velocity transducer, an ultrasonic volumetric flow rate transducer, a thermodilution flow velocity transducer, and a capacitive pressure transducer, wherein said physiologic transducer is adapted to be implanted in or on a blood vessel or within a chamber of the heart; and

a control system connected to the pressure measuring assembly and the physiologic transducer.

14. A system as in claim 13, further comprising a baroreceptor activation device.

15. A system as in claim 14, wherein the baroreflex activation device comprises:

a base having a length sufficient to extend around at least a substantial portion of the circumference of the carotid sinus, wherein said base is sufficiently elastic to conform to said circumference; and

one or more electrodes connected to the base, the electrodes having a length which is at least partly in the circumferential direction and which is sufficiently stretchable to conform to the carotid sinus with the base.