Abstract: A coin-sized implantable electroacupuncture (EA) device defines a stimulation paradigm, or stimulation regimen, that controls when EA stimulation pulses are applied to a selected acupoint, or other specified tissue location, to treat hypertension or nondipping. The stimulation regimen is applied when the patient is sleeping in order to minimize or mitigate the occurrence of nondipping or reverse dipping of the patient's blood pressure. In one embodiment, medical personnel, set a timing reference marker at the time of implant that defines how much time should elapse before a nighttime stimulation window opens that allows an EA stimulation session to be applied to the patient. In another embodiment, the patient sets the time when the nighttime stimulation window opens or when the EA stimulation session begins. Typically, an EA stimulation session is applied to the patient at a low duty cycle, e.g., only once a week during the nighttime.

Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats a medical condition of a patient through application of electroacupuncture (EA) stimulation pulses applied at a target tissue location, such as an acupoint. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates EA stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: An implantable electroacupuncture device (IEAD) treats hypertension through application of stimulation pulses applied at at least one of acupoints PC5, PC6, LI4, ST36, ST37, LI11, LR3, and GB34. The IEAD comprises an implantable, coin-sized, self-contained, leadless electroacupuncture device having at least two electrodes attached to an outside surface of its housing. The device generates stimulation pulses in accordance with a specified stimulation regimen. Power management circuitry within the device allows a primary battery, having a high internal impedance, to be used to power the device. The stimulation regimen generates stimulation pulses during a stimulation session of duration T3 minutes applied every T4 minutes. The duty cycle, or ratio T3/T4, is very low, no greater than 0.05. The low duty cycle and careful power management allow the IEAD to perform its intended function for several years.

Abstract: An arteriovenous graft system is described. The arteriovenous graft system includes an arteriovenous graft that is well suited for use during hemodialysis. In order to minimize or prevent arterial steal, at least one valve device is positioned at the arterial end of the arteriovenous graft. In one embodiment, for instance, the arteriovenous graft system includes a first valve device positioned at the arterial end and a second valve device positioned at the venous end. In one embodiment, the valve devices may include an inflatable balloon that, when inflated, constricts and closes off the arteriovenous graft. If desired, a single actuator can be used to open and close both valve devices.

Abstract: Various system embodiments comprise circuitry to determine when an arrhythmia has terminated, and a neural stimulator adapted to temporarily deliver neural stimulation therapy to assist with recovering from the arrhythmia in response to termination of the arrhythmia.

Abstract: Methods for treating a disease condition in a subject are provided. The subject methods are characterizing by enhancing at least one symptom of the disease condition in a manner effective to cause the subject to mount a compensatory response effective to treat the disease condition. Also provided are compositions, kits and systems for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Devices and methods of use for introduction and implantation of an electrode as part of a minimally invasive technique. An implantable baroreflex activation system includes a control system having an implantable housing, an electrical lead, attachable to the control system, and an electrode structure. The electrode structure is near one end of the electrical lead, and includes a monopolar electrode, a backing material having an effective surface area larger than the electrode, and a releasable pivotable interface to mate with an implant tool. The electrode is configured for implantation on an outer surface of a blood vessel and the control system is programmed to deliver a baroreflex therapy via the monopolar electrode to a baroreceptor within a wall of the blood vessel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating contrast nephropathy, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a condition associated with impaired blood pressure and/or heart rate in a subject comprising applying an electrical treatment signal, wherein the electrical treatment signal is selected to at least partially block nerve impulses, or in some embodiments, to augment nerve impulses.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.

Abstract: System and methods for adhering a patch of stimulation electrode(s) to blood vessels to stimulate a target site on the blood vessel are described. In one embodiment, the system includes an adhesion patch and at least one electrode. The adhesion patch includes an active adhesion mechanism that may produce an adhesive force sufficiently strong to adhere the adhesion patch to the exterior of the blood vessel and to operationally position the at least one electrode for use in electrically stimulating a target site of the blood vessel. The adhesion patch may also include a release mechanism that is configured for a user to disengage the patch from the exterior of the blood vessel without significant trauma to the blood vessel. After being released, the adhesion patch may be re-adhered to a different target site of the blood vessel and stimulate the different target site.

Abstract: System and methods for adhering a patch of stimulation electrode(s) to blood vessels to stimulate a target site on the blood vessel are described. In various embodiments, the system includes an adhesion patch and at least one electrode. The adhesion patch includes a passive adhesion mechanism that may produce an adhesive force sufficiently strong to adhere the adhesion patch to the exterior of the blood vessel and to operationally position the at least one electrode for use in electrically stimulating a target site of the blood vessel. The adhesion patch may also include a release mechanism that is configured for a user to disengage the patch from the exterior of the blood vessel without significant trauma to the blood vessel. After being released, the adhesion patch may be re-adhered to a different target site of the blood vessel and stimulate the different target site.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, is a method for stimulating neural targets in the vicinity of a human ear. According to an embodiment, a device is clipped on a patient ear lobe, the device including a neural stimulation electrode. A neural stimulation signal is applied to the electrode to transcutaneously stimulate neural targets in the vicinity of the ear lobe, according to an embodiment. A physiological parameter is sensed using a sensor connected to the device. According to an embodiment, the neural stimulation signal is adjusted in response to the sensed parameter. The method is used is a variety of treatment regimens, including anti-hypertensive and cardiac improvement therapy.

Abstract: A system embodiment comprises at least one respiration sensor, a neural stimulation therapy delivery module, and a controller. The respiration sensor is adapted for use in monitoring respiration of the patient. The neural stimulation therapy delivery module is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for use in stimulating the autonomic neural target of the patient for the chronic neural stimulation therapy. The controller is adapted to receive a respiration signal from the at least one respiration sensor indicative of the patient's respiration, and adapted to control the neural stimulation therapy delivery module using a respiratory variability measurement derived using the respiration signal.

Abstract: Devices and methods for use of identification, treatment and/or management of heart failure and/or associated conditions. Methods may include providing a baroreflex therapy system, providing an implantable measurement device proximate a blood vessel of a patient, the implantable measurement device including a plurality of electrodes, determining an impedance of the blood vessel with the implantable measurement device over a time period of at least one cardiac cycle, generating at least one signal representative of a pressure waveform based on the impedance, activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the baroreflex therapy system to deliver a therapy to treat heart failure based at least in part on the at least one signal representative of the pressure waveform.

Abstract: An exemplary includes acquiring an electroneurogram of the right carotid sinus nerve or the left carotid sinus nerve, analyzing the electroneurogram for at least one of chemosensory information and barosensory information and calling for one or more therapeutic actions based at least in part on the analyzing. Therapeutic actions may aim to treat conditions such as sleep apnea, an increase in metabolic demand, hypoglycemia, hypertension, renal failure, and congestive heart failure. Other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for determining the state of a neural system. In one embodiment, a plurality of stimuli to the system can be delivered to the system, and then the resulting respective responses can be analyzed to determine whether the system state is static, or whether it is undergoing dynamic changes. In another aspect of the invention, a single stimulus having a plurality of components can be administered, and the responses to each component can be contrasted and compared to determine the state of the neural system. In each case, this information can be used to predict the occurrence of neural perturbations or episodes associated with a change in the state of the neural system.

Abstract: A system for providing baroreflex stimulation comprises a sensor to detect a parameter and provide a signal indicative of the parameter and a baroreflex stimulator. The baroreflex stimulator includes a driver to provide a control signal adapted to deliver a baroreflex therapy and a controller to receive the signal indicative of the parameter and modulate the control signal based on the signal indicative of the parameter to change the baroreflex therapy from a first baroreflex therapy to a second baroreflex therapy.

Abstract: Methods for treating preventing or decreasing the likelihood of a human patient developing hypertension and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to methods for therapeutic renal neuromodulation that partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in renal nerves proximate a renal blood vessel of a human patient. This reduction in sympathetic neural activity is expected to therapeutically treat one or more conditions associated with hypertension or prehypertension of the patient. Renal sympathetic nerve activity can be modulated, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a neuromodulation assembly, e.g., a neuromodulation assembly configured to use electrically-induced, thermally-induced, and/or chemically-induced approaches to modulate the renal nerves.

Abstract: A patient monitor system includes a pendant configured to be worn around a neck of a patient. The pendant includes an electrode to sense transthoracic electrical activity and a processor in communication with the electrode. The processor analyzes the transthoracic electrical activity to detect a cardiac event. The pendant also includes a position sensor to determine an orientation of the pendant so as to detect whether the patient is in a horizontal or upright position. The processor determines the accuracy of the detected cardiac event based on data from the position sensor. The patient monitor system may also include additional electrodes connected to the pendant through a necklace. The pendant may also include a verbal verification module to execute verbal communication routines that automatically detect an ability of the patient to communicate verbally so as to further determine the accuracy of the detected cardiac event.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for mapping and ablating renal nerves to treat disease caused by systemic renal nerve hyperactivity, e.g. hypertension, heart failure, renal failure and diabetes. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions.

Abstract: Various approaches to detecting arousals from sleep involve generating signals modulated by muscle tone, brainwave activity, and/or other nervous system activity associated with a patient's autonomic arousal response. Generating the signals and/or detecting autonomic arousals from sleep may be performed using an implantable device. Arousal information may be useful to identify sleep disorder events associated with arousals from sleep, for diagnostic purposes, and/or for therapy adjustment.

Abstract: Devices and methods of use for identification, treatment and/or management of heart failure and/or associated conditions. An exemplary device may include a first sensor configured to monitor a parameter indicative of a fluid level in a pulmonary circulation of a patient, a second sensor configured to monitor a parameter indicative of a fluid level in a non-pulmonary circulation of a patient, and a control system coupled to the first sensor and second sensor. The control system is configured to provide a baroreflex therapy to the patient based at least in part on the parameter indicative of a fluid level in a pulmonary circulation and the parameter indicative of a fluid level in a non-pulmonary circulation. The baroreflex therapy adjusts at least one of the fluid level in the pulmonary circulation and the fluid level in the non-pulmonary circulation.

Abstract: A system embodiment comprises at least one respiration sensor, a neural stimulation therapy delivery module, and a controller. The respiration sensor is adapted for use in monitoring respiration of the patient. The neural stimulation therapy delivery module is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for use in stimulating the autonomic neural target of the patient for the chronic neural stimulation therapy. The controller is adapted to receive a respiration signal from the at least one respiration sensor indicative of the patient's respiration, and adapted to control the neural stimulation therapy delivery module using a respiratory variability measurement derived using the respiration signal.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a vagal stimulation therapy to a vagus nerve, including delivering a neural stimulation signal to non-selectively stimulate both afferent axons and efferent axons in the vagus nerve according to a predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy, and selecting a value for at least one parameter for the predetermined schedule for the vagal stimulation therapy to control the neural stimulation therapy to avoid physiological habituation to the vagal stimulation therapy. The parameter(s) include at least one parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of a predetermined therapy duration parameter for a predetermined therapy period, and a predetermined intermittent neural stimulation parameter associated with on/off timing for the intermittent neural stimulation parameter.

Abstract: A neuromodulation system comprises a sensor configured for sensing a blood pressure of a patient, modulation output circuitry configured for conveying electrical modulation energy to at least one electrode, and a controller/processor coupled to the sensor and the modulation output circuitry. The controller/processor is configured for comparing the blood pressure sensed by the sensor to a first threshold blood pressure, and instructing the modulation output circuitry to convey the electrical modulation energy to the at least one electrode if the sensed blood pressure is greater than the first threshold blood pressure. A method for treating chronic hypertension comprises applying electrical modulation energy to a neural target site, thereby modulating an afferent nerve innervating a patient's kidney, thereby treating the chronic hypertension.

Abstract: Exemplary methods are described for providing responsive vascular control with or without cardiac pacing. An implantable device with responsive vascular and cardiac controllers interprets physiological conditions and responds with an appropriate degree of vascular therapy applied as electrical pulses to a sympathetic nerve. In one implementation, an implantable device is programmed to deliver the vascular therapy in response to low blood pressure or orthostatic hypotension. The device may stimulate the greater splanchnic nerve, to effect therapeutic vasoconstriction. The vascular therapy is dynamically adjusted as the condition improves. In one implementation to benefit impaired physical mobility, vascular therapy comprises vasoconstriction and is timed to coincide with a recurring segment of the cardiac cycle. The vasoconstriction assists circulation and venous return in the lower limbs of inactive and bedridden individuals.

Abstract: A system for regulating blood pressure by stimulating an afferent pathway to the brain which produces an efferent output in kidneys includes a electrode device adapted for implantation in the cervical region, a stimulator generator, a cable connecting the electrode device and the stimulator generator, wherein the cervical region is generally located between a pair of common carotid arteries, above an aortic arch and in front of cervical vertebrae C2 and C3.

Abstract: One aspect of the present subject matter relates to an implantable medical device. An embodiment of the device comprises a rechargeable power supply adapted to be recharged through an ultrasound signal, a neural stimulator connected to the rechargeable power supply, and a controller connected to the rechargeable power supply. The neural stimulator is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for delivery to a neural stimulation target through an electrode. The controller is further connected to the neural stimulator to control the neural stimulator according to a neural stimulation protocol. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: Methods for treating a renal associated condition in a subject are provided. Aspects of the subject methods include paradoxically enhancing renal sympathetic bias in the subject in a manner effective to treat the renal associated condition. Also provided are compositions, kits and systems for practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: A device for powering an implant within a body of a subject from a location external to the subject, wherein the implant requires a threshold rate of power increase in order to operate in at least one mode, may include an antenna configured to wirelessly transmit energy to the implant. The device may also include a power storage unit configured to store energy from a power source incapable of delivering the threshold rate of power increase to enable the implant unit to operate in the at least one mode and a power release unit configured to release a pulse of energy from the power storage unit to the antenna after the power storage unit collects an amount of energy sufficient to enable the implant unit to operate in the at least one mode.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for use with an implantable cardiac rhythm management (CRMD) system equipped to deliver neurostimulation to acupuncture sites within anterior regions of the neck, thorax or abdomen of the patient. Parameters associated with the health of the patient are detected, such as parameters indicative of arrhythmia, heart failure and hypertension.

Abstract: A medical device may be configured to transmit energy from a position outside of a subject's body to a position inside the subject's body. The device may include a flexible substrate having a thickness of between 5 and 100 micrometers and a flexible antenna comprising between 10 and 15 windings on a first surface of the flexible substrate, the antenna having a transmission frequency of between 6.4 to 8.3 MHz, and wherein the antenna is configured to transmit energy to a penetration depth of at least 1 cm into the subject's body. The device may also include an adhesive disposed on at least one surface of the flexible substrate for adhering to skin of the subject.

Abstract: One aspect of the present subject matter relates to an implantable medical device. An embodiment of the device comprises a rechargeable power supply adapted to be recharged through an ultrasound signal, a neural stimulator connected to the rechargeable power supply, and a controller connected to the rechargeable power supply. The neural stimulator is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for delivery to a neural stimulation target through an electrode. The controller is further connected to the neural stimulator to control the neural stimulator according to a neural stimulation protocol. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for monopolar neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such monopolar neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, monopolar neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such monopolar neuromodulation is performed bilaterally.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for extravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.

Abstract: A system embodiment comprises at least one respiration sensor, a neural stimulation therapy delivery module, and a controller. The respiration sensor is adapted for use in monitoring respiration of the patient. The neural stimulation therapy delivery module is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for use in stimulating the autonomic neural target of the patient for the chronic neural stimulation therapy. The controller is adapted to receive a respiration signal from the at least one respiration sensor indicative of the patient's respiration, and adapted to control the neural stimulation therapy delivery module using a respiratory variability measurement derived using the respiration signal.

Abstract: An aspect of the present subject matter relates to a baroreflex stimulator. An embodiment of the stimulator includes a pulse generator to provide a baroreflex stimulation signal through an electrode, and a modulator. The modulator modulates the baroreflex stimulation signal to increase the baroreflex stimulation therapy by a predetermined rate of change to lower systemic blood pressure to a target pressure. Other aspects are provided herein.

Abstract: An aspect relates to a system for providing baroreflex stimulation. An embodiment of the system comprises a cardiac activity monitor to sense cardiac activity and provide a signal indicative of the cardiac activity, and a baroreflex stimulator. The stimulator includes a pulse generator and a modulator. The pulse generator provides a baroreflex stimulation signal adapted to provide a baroreflex therapy. The modulator receives the signal indicative of the cardiac activity and modulates the baroreflex stimulation signal based on the signal indicative of the cardiac activity to change the baroreflex therapy from a first baroreflex therapy to a second baroreflex therapy.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided, including an electrode that is placed in contact with an artery of a subject. A control unit drives the electrode to perform a function with respect to the artery, the function selected from the group consisting of: driving a current into the artery, and sensing an electrical parameter of the artery. A transmitter is placed in a vein of the subject that is in a vicinity of the artery, the transmitter being wiredly connected to the control unit. The control unit is configured to drive the electrode by wirelessly transmitting a signal via the transmitter. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues. In some embodiments, thermally-induced renal neuromodulation is achieved via delivery of a pulsed thermal therapy.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treatment of heart arrhythmia via renal neuromodulation. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, ablation, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of an electric field. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of neuromodulatory agents, of thermal energy and/or of high intensity focused ultrasound. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and devices for treating hypotension, such as in cases of shock, including septic shock, anaphylactic shock and hypovolemia. The method includes the step of applying at least one electrical impulse to at least one selected region of a parasympathetic nervous system of the patient. The electrical impulse is sufficient to modulate one or more nerves of the parasympathetic nervous system to increase the ratio of blood pressure to heart rate and relieve the condition and/or extend the patient's life.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of hypertension and heart failure by increasing secretion of endogenous atrial hormones by pacing of the heart atria. Atrial pacing is done during the ventricular refractory period resulting in premature atrial contraction that does not result in ventricular contraction. Pacing results in the atrial wall stress, peripheral vasodilation, ANP secretion. Concomitant reduction of the heart rate is monitored and controlled as needed with backup pacing.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a medical device having a baroreflex stimulator to generate a stimulation signal, the stimulation signal being adapted to stimulate a baroreflex, and a controller to communicate with the baroreflex stimulator and implement a baroreflex stimulus regimen to vary an intensity of the baroreflex stimulation provided by the stimulation signal to maintain stimulation efficacy.

Abstract: Devices and methods of use are described for identification, treatment, and/or management of heart failure and/or associated conditions. An exemplary system may include a baroreflex activation device configured to be implantable proximate a blood vessel of a patient, a measurement device configured to be implantable proximate a blood vessel, and a control system coupled to the baroreflex activation device and the measurement device and in communication with a blood pressure sensing means. The control system is programmed to automatically determine pressure waveform data from the measurement device over a time period of at least a portion of one cardiac cycle, determine a patient physiological parameter based on the pressure waveform data, and compare the patient physiological parameter to a blood pressure measurement taken from the blood pressure sensing means.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for using the same for activating (stimulating) the baroreflex system of a patient using a baroreflex activation system with incrementally changing therapy intensity by sensing/monitoring/interpreting sensed data.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. An intravascularly implantable medical device may include a sleeve formed at least in part of an expandable member configured to be movably attachable about at least a portion of an outer surface of an expandable intravascular stent, and one or more electrodes disposed on the sleeve and coupled to a control system and configured to selectively activate baroreceptors within a wall of a vessel when the expandable intravascular stent is implanted within the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a first stimulation circuit and a control circuit. The stimulation circuit is configured to be electrically coupled to a first electrode assembly that is configured to deliver electrical sub-myocardial activation stimulation to a coronary baroreceptor from a location within a left atrial appendage of a heart. The stimulation circuit is further configured to generate the electrical stimulation for delivery to the coronary baroreceptor via the first electrode assembly. The control circuit is wirelessly or conductively coupled to the first stimulation circuit and is configured to control delivery of the electrical stimulation.

Abstract: Neuromodulation for controlling hypertension and other cardio-renal disorders of a patient is disclosed. A neuromodulation device is configured to be delivered to a patient's body and to apply an electric activation to decrease renal sympathetic hyperactivity of the patient based on monitored blood pressure of the patient, substantially without thermal energization of the patient's body by applying the electric activation. The electric activation may also depend on monitored blood volume of the patient. A feedback control module may be used to provide feedback control information for adjusting the electric activation based on the monitored blood pressure and volume of the patient.