Methods and devices for modifying vascular parameters

• US 9,265,930 B2
• Filed: 07/16/2014
• Issued: 02/23/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 07/16/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: MetaCure Limited (MetaCure (USA), Inc.)
• Original Assignee: MetaCure Limited (MetaCure (USA), Inc.)
• Inventors: Ben-Haim, Shlomo, Darvish, Nissim, Mika, Yuval, Fenster, Maier
• Primary Examiner(s): Schaetzle, Kennedy
• Application Number:
  US14/332,700
• Publication Number:
  US 20140330333A1
• Time in Patent Office: 587 Days
• Field of Search: None
• US Class Current: 1/1
• 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 1/20 continuous direct currents
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/205 for promoting a biological process
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/32 alternating or intermittent currents applying electric fields by inductive or capacitive coupling A61N1/40; microwave apparatus A61N5/02
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36007 of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 Pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36117 for treating hypertension
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36564 controlled by blood pressure
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/372 Arrangements in connection with the implantation of stimulators

Abstract

A method of promoting the healing of a lesion in a smooth muscle (200), comprises selecting a smooth muscle portion having a lesion, and applying a non-excitory electric field (210) to the portion, which reduces the mechanical activity of the portion.

Claims

1. A method of controlling blood pressure, the method comprising:

providing at least one electrode adapted to apply a local electric field to at least one blood vessel; and

applying the local electric field to change a diameter of the at least one blood vessel and modify blood pressure, wherein said local electric field is non-excitatory to said at least one blood vessel.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said electric field causes a reduction in blood pressure.

3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said electric field causes an increase in blood pressure.

4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said electric field is applied to the wall of a large blood vessel.

5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said electric field is applied to the wall of an aorta.

6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said electric field is applied to the wall of an artery.

7. A method according to claim 1, wherein said electric field is applied to the wall of a vein.

8. A method according to claim 1, wherein said electric field reduces a diameter of said at least one blood vessel.

9. A method according to claim 1, wherein said electric field increases a diameter of said at least one blood vessel.

10. A method according to claim 1, wherein said electric field is applied to a blood vessel in spasm.

11. A method according to claim 1, comprising reducing a preload to a heart by said applying.

12. A method according to claim 1, comprising reducing a afterload of a heart by said applying.

13. A method according to claim 1, comprising treating an acute ischemic event by said applying.

14. A method according to claim 1, comprising treating angina pectoris by said applying.

15. A method according to claim 1, comprising selecting at least one blood vessel to apply said local electric field from a plurality of blood vessels having an electrode adapted to apply a field thereto.

16. A method according to claim 1, wherein said applying comprises synchronizing said applying to a cardiac rhythm.

17. A method according to claim 1, wherein said electric field includes a DC field.

18. A method according to claim 1, comprising controlling at least one circulatory parameter using a closed loop on said parameter and performing said applying to modify said parameter.

19. A method according to claim 1, comprising measuring a blood pressure using a controller and applying said field in response to said measurement, using said controller.

20. A method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one electrode comprises at least two electrodes arranged and axially spaced apart to apply said field along said blood vessel.

21. A method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one electrode is arranged to apply said field transverse to said blood vessel.

22. Apparatus for controlling at least one circulatory parameter, comprising:

at least one electrode adapted to apply a local electric field to at least one blood vessel; and

a controller configured to apply a local electric field suitable to change a diameter of a blood vessel and modify one or both of blood pressure and heart load, wherein said local electric field is non-excitatory to said at least one blood vessel.

23. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said controller is configured to apply an electric field that causes a reduction in blood pressure.

24. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said at least one electrode is configured to apply said electric field to the wall of a large blood vessel.

25. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said controller is configured to apply said electric field to treat an acute ischemic event.

26. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said controller is configured to apply said electric field to treat angina pectoris.

27. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said electric field includes a DC field.

28. An apparatus according to claim 22, wherein said at least one electrode is configured to apply said field along said blood vessel.

29. An apparatus according to claim 22, comprising at least one sensor and wherein said controller is configured to control at least one circulatory parameter using a closed loop based on a sensing from said sensor.

30. A method of controlling blood pressure, the method comprising:

providing at least one electrode adapted to apply a local electric field to at least one blood vessel; and

applying the local electric field to change a diameter of the at least one blood vessel and modify blood pressure,

wherein said electric field causes an increase in blood pressure.

31. A method of controlling blood pressure, the method comprising:

providing at least one electrode adapted to apply a local electric field to at least one blood vessel; and

applying the local electric field to change a diameter of the at least one blood vessel and modify blood pressure,

wherein said electric field is applied to the wall of a vein.

32. A method of controlling blood pressure, the method comprising:

providing at least one electrode adapted to apply a local electric field to at least one blood vessel; and

applying the local electric field to change a diameter of the at least one blood vessel and modify blood pressure,

wherein said electric field reduces a diameter of said at least one blood vessel.

33. A method of controlling blood pressure, the method comprising:

providing at least one electrode adapted to apply a local electric field to at least one blood vessel; and

applying the local electric field to change a diameter of the at least one blood vessel and modify blood pressure,

wherein said electric field includes a DC field.