DEVICES AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING ELECTRODE PLACEMENT FOR ANTI-INFLAMATORY STIMULATION

• US 20100125304A1
• Filed: 11/17/2009
• Published: 05/20/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 11/18/2008
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Setpoint Medical Corporation
• Original Assignee: Setpoint Medical Corporation
• Inventors: Faltys, Michael A.
• Granted Patent: US 8,412,338 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36053 adapted for vagal stimulation A61N1/36114 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36132 using patient feedback
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36135 using physiological parameters

Abstract

Described herein are methods, devices and system for selecting an optimum position of a stimulation electrode, and particularly methods, devices and systems for optimizing the position of a stimulation electrode for stimulating the inflammatory reflex and thereby inhibiting inflammation. The methods, devices and systems described herein may generally include the analysis of one or more artifact modalities arising after the application of a stimulation pulse. One or more of these artifact modalities (e.g., EMG, ECG, etc.) may be detected and used to generate a comparable indicator of the fitness of the position of the electrode relative to a target, such as a portion of the inflammatory reflex like the vagus nerve.

Claims

1. A method of optimizing the position of an electrode relative to a subject'"'"'s inflammatory reflex, the method comprising:

implanting an electrode in electrical communication with either the vagus nerve, the splenic nerve, the hepatic nerve or the trigeminal nerve so the electrode can be stimulated to inhibit inflammation;

applying an electrical stimulus to electrode;

detecting a stimulation artifact;

determining an indicator of the power of the stimulation artifact;

adjusting the position of the position of the stimulation electrode based on the indicator of the power of the stimulation artifact.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of detecting the stimulation artifact comprises detecting the stimulation artifact between the applied stimulation.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the stimulation artifact is selected from the group consisting of:

EMG, EKG, and evoked potentials.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising detecting a second stimulation artifact.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining an indicator of the power of the stimulation artifact includes calculating the power of the stimulation artifact and a second stimulation artifact.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising repeating the steps of applying an electrical stimulus to the electrode and detecting the stimulation artifact;

further wherein the step of determining the indicator of the power of the stimulation artifact comprises averaging the detected stimulation artifacts to determine the indicator of the power of the stimulation artifact.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying an indicator of the power of the stimulation artifact.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of implanting the electrode comprises implanting a probe having a plurality of electrodes thereon.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising applying an electrical stimulus to a second electrode and detecting a second stimulation artifact associated with the stimulus from the second electrode;

further comprising determining an indicator of the power of the second stimulation artifact.

10. A system for optimizing the position of an electrode relative to a subject'"'"'s inflammatory reflex, the system comprising:

an electrode configured to apply stimulation and to detect electrical activity;

a controller configured to apply a stimulation protocol, wherein the controller is adjustable so that the intensity, duration, and/or frequency of the stimulation may be adjusted;

an analysis module configured to receive input from the electrode and the controller, and to detect a stimulation artifact, wherein the analysis module is further configured to remove the applied stimulation and filter the detected electrical activity; and

an output configured to present an indicator of the power of the stimulation artifact.

11. The system of claim 10, further comprising an engageable anchor configured to secure the electrode in a first position.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the anchor is adjustable so that it may be controllably disengaged and re-engaged.

13. The system of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of electrodes arranged on a probe body.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the analysis module further comprises an amplifier configured to amplify the detected electrical activity.