Stimulus regimens for cardiovascular reflex control

• US 20050251212A1
• Filed: 07/20/2005
• Published: 11/10/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 09/27/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
• Original Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
• Inventors: Keith, Peter T., Serdar, David J., Persson, Bruce J., Kieval, Robert S.
• Granted Patent: US 7,840,271 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 607/2
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36117 for treating hypertension

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods 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, for example a baroreceptor 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.

Claims

1. A method of inducing a baroreceptor signal to effect a change in the baroreflex system in a patient, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a baroreceptor activation device having a first electrode and a second electrode;

positioning the first electrode at a first anatomical location proximate a baroreceptor;

positioning the second electrode at a second anatomical location proximate a baroreceptor, wherein the first location is different than the second location;

alternatively activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the electrodes of the baroreceptor activation device.

2. A method as in claim 1, wherein the first anatomical location comprises a right carotid sinus, and wherein the second anatomical location comprises a left carotid sinus.

3. A method as in claim 1, wherein the first anatomical location is disposed immediately adjacent the second anatomical location.

4. A method of inducing a baroreceptor signal to effect a change in the baroreflex system in a patient, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a baroreceptor activation device;

positioning the baroreceptor activation device proximate a baroreceptor;

generating a control signal to activate, deactivate or otherwise modulate the baroreceptor activation device to induce a baroreceptor signal; and

changing the control signal to promote long term efficacy of inducing baroreceptor signals.

5. A method as in claim 4, wherein the baroreceptor activation device mechanically, electrically, thermally, chemically, or biologically induces the baroreceptor signal.

6. A method as in claim 5, wherein the baroreceptor activation device is activated, deactivated or otherwise modulated for a period of time having a start time and a duration, and wherein the start time and/or duration are changed to promote long term efficacy.

7. A method as in claim 6, wherein the start time is triggered by an event, and wherein the event is changed to promote long term efficacy.

8. A method as in claim 6, wherein the start time is triggered by an event with a delay between the event and the start time, and wherein the delay is changed to promote long term efficacy.

9. A method of inducing a baroreceptor signal to effect a change in the baroreflex system in a patient, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a baroreceptor activation device;

positioning the baroreceptor activation device proximate a baroreceptor;

generating an electrical signal from the baroreceptor activation device to electrically induce a baroreceptor signal; and

changing the electrical signal to promote long term efficacy of inducing baroreceptor signals.

10. A method as in claim 9, wherein the electrical signal has a frequency, and wherein the step of changing the electrical signal comprises changing the frequency.

11. A method as in claim 9, wherein the electrical signal has a voltage, and wherein the step of changing the electrical signal comprises changing the voltage.

12. A method as in claim 9, wherein the electrical signal has a polarity, and wherein the step of changing the electrical signal comprises changing the polarity.

13. A method as in claim 9, wherein the electrical signal has a waveform, and wherein the step of changing the electrical signal comprises changing the waveform.

14. A method as in claim 9, wherein the electrical signal has a phase, and wherein the step of changing the electrical signal comprises changing the phase.

15. A system for inducing a baroreceptor signal to effect a change in the baroreflex system in a patient, the system comprising:

a baroreceptor activation device positioned proximate a baroreceptor such that activation of the baroreceptor activation device induces a baroreceptor signal; and

a control system connected to the baroreceptor activation device, the control system including a processor and a memory, wherein the memory includes software defining a stimulus regimen, the control system generating a control signal as a function of the stimulus regimen, the stimulus regimen causing a change in the control signal to promote long term efficacy of inducing baroreceptor signals.