Hypertension Treating Patents (Class 607/44)
  • Patent number: 8290595
    Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling the low-pressure baroreflex system for the treatment and/or management of cardiovascular, renal, and neurological disorders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Kieval, Peter T. Keith, David J. Serdar, Bruce Persson
  • Publication number: 20120232613
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: CVRX, INC.
    Inventors: Robert S. Kieval, Matthew M. Burns, David J. Serdar
  • Patent number: 8265760
    Abstract: Devices and methods of use 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Dimitrios Gerogakopoulos, Eric Grant Lovett
  • Publication number: 20120215279
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter provide an implantable medical device. In various embodiments, the device comprises a baroreflex stimulator and a controller. The baroreflex stimulator is adapted to generate a stimulation signal to stimulate a baroreflex. The controller is adapted to communicate with the baroreflex stimulator and implement a baroreflex stimulation protocol to vary an intensity of the baroreflex stimulation provided by the stimulation signal to abate baroreflex adaptation. According to various embodiments, the controller is adapted to implement the baroreflex stimulation protocol to periodically modulate the baroreflex stimulation to produce an effect that mimics an effect of pulsatile pressure. Other aspects are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Imad Libbus
  • Patent number: 8249711
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Andrew P. Kramer
  • Patent number: 8233988
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: ElectroCore LLC
    Inventors: Joseph P. Errico, Bruce J. Simon, Steven Mendez
  • Patent number: 8224436
    Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method for delivering a unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation treatment. A test neural stimulation is delivered, and a physiologic response to the test neural stimulation is monitored. At least one neural stimulation parameter for the test neural stimulation is adjusted if the test neural stimulation does not elicit a desired physiologic response. If the test neural stimulation does elicit the desired physiologic response, at least one treatment parameter for a unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation is determined using the at least one neural stimulation parameter for the test neural stimulation that provided the desired physiologic response. The unidirectional afferent nerve stimulation is delivered using the at least one treatment parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Avram Scheiner
  • Publication number: 20120172741
    Abstract: A device embodiment is configured to deliver vagal stimulation therapy (VST) to a vagus nerve of a patient. The device embodiment includes a neural stimulator, an implantable pressure sensor, and a pressure analyzer. The neural stimulator is configured to deliver the VST to the vagus nerve in a cervical region of the patient. The implantable pressure sensor is configured to be implanted in the cervical region and to detect pressure changes in the cervical region caused by laryngeal vibrations. The pressure sensor is configured to generate sensed pressure values. The pressure analyzer is configured to analyze the sensed pressure values generated by the pressure sensor. The analyzer is configured to detect laryngeal vibrations or cough from the sensed pressure values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Shantha Arcot-Krishnamurthy, Barun Maskara
  • Publication number: 20120172742
    Abstract: A device embodiment is configured to deliver vagal stimulation therapy (VST) to a vagus nerve of a patient. The device embodiment includes a neural stimulator, an implantable impedance sensor and an impedance analyzer. The neural stimulator is configured to deliver the VST to the vagus nerve in a cervical region of the patient. The implantable impedance sensor is configured to detect impedance changes in a cervical region of the patient caused by laryngeal vibrations. The impedance sensor is configured to generate sensed impedance values. The impedance analyzer is configured to analyze the sensed impedance values generated by the sensor. The analyzer is configured to detect laryngeal vibrations or cough from the sensed impedance values.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventors: Shantha Arcot-Krishnamurthy, Yi Zhang, John D. Hatlestad
  • Patent number: 8214050
    Abstract: Improved methods for obtaining physiological parameters of a patient in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention can be used to monitor patient status and/or in conjunction with patient therapy. Physiological parameters can be monitored with an implantable device including a first lead and a second lead. Physiological parameters can be measured along at least three distinct vectors defined by the first lead and second lead, the first lead and an electrode located on the device body, and the second lead an the electrode. An output indicative of the physiological parameter can then be provided. Therapy, such as baroreflex therapy, can optionally be optimized based on the physiological measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Kieval
  • Publication number: 20120158090
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Abhi Chavan, Anthony Caparso, Avram Scheiner
  • Patent number: 8204599
    Abstract: A system and a method of disposing a second sensor module overlying a first sensor module system is described. A first assembly including an expandable anchor and a sensor module is at least partially overlapped by a second assembly including an expandable anchor and a sensor module. If necessary or desired, the functions of the second sensor module can replace the functions of the first sensor module. The sensor module may include a blood pressure sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Wangcai Liao, Bin Mi, Rodney W. Salo
  • Publication number: 20120143275
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter provide an implantable medical device. In various embodiments, the device comprises a pulse generator, a first monitor and a controller. The pulse generator is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for a neural stimulation therapy. The neural stimulation signal has at least one adjustable parameter. The first monitor is adapted to detect an undesired effect. In some embodiments, the undesired effect is myocardial infarction. The controller is adapted to respond to the first monitor and automatically adjust the at least one adjustable parameter of the neural stimulation signal to avoid the undesired effect of the neural stimulation therapy. Other aspects are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Inventor: Imad Libbus
  • Publication number: 20120130289
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating hypertension, 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Applicant: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Douglas Sutton, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Publication number: 20120130447
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: Stephen L. Bolea, Robert S. Kieval, Bruce J. Persson, David J. Serdar, Peter T. Keith, Eric D. Irwin, Martin A. Rossing
  • Publication number: 20120123494
    Abstract: Various system embodiments comprise a neural stimulation delivery system adapted to deliver a neural stimulation signal for use in delivering a neural stimulation therapy, a side effect detector, and a controller. The controller is adapted to control the neural stimulation delivery system, receive a signal indicative of detected side effect, determine whether the detected side enact is attributable to delivered neural stimulation therapy, and automatically titrate the neural stimulation therapy to abate the side effect. In various embodiments, the side effect detector includes a cough detector. In various embodiments, the controller is adapted to independently adjusting at least one stimulation parameter for at least one phase in the biphasic waveform as part of a process to titrate the neural stimulation therapy. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2012
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Julio C. Spinelli
  • Patent number: 8175712
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods for regulating blood pressure in a subject which include administering a first induction stimulus effective to sensitize brainstem baroreflex neurons of a subject for a period of time in the range of about 10-15 hours thereby producing an enhanced baroreflex in the subject, wherein the enhanced baroreflex is characterized in that a threshold blood pressure for generating a depressor response is lower than prior to induction stimulus administration, the depressor response in the subject is larger than prior to induction stimulus administration or both the threshold blood pressure for generating a depressor response is lower than prior to induction stimulus administration and the depressor response in the subject is larger than prior to induction stimulus administration. An induction stimulus has diminished effectiveness to sensitize neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius of the subject in the presence of an NMDA receptor antagonist.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: The Penn State Research Foundation
    Inventors: Xiaorui Tang, Barry R. Dworkin
  • Patent number: 8175711
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating congestive heart failure, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Douglas Sutton, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Publication number: 20120109250
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Inventors: Adam Cates, Eric Lovett, Loren Murney, Kip Ludwig, Paul Pignato, Brian Soltis
  • Patent number: 8165674
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure by increasing secretion of endogenous naturetic hormones ANP and BNP such as by stimulation of the heart atria. Heart pacing is done at an atrial contraction rate that is increased and can be higher than the ventricular contraction rate. Pacing may include mechanical distension of the right atrial appendage. An implantable device is used to periodically cyclically stretch the walls of the appendage with an implanted balloon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: BackBeat Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Publication number: 20120095523
    Abstract: Devices and methods of use identification, treatment, and/or management of heart failure and/or associated conditions. Methods may include providing a baroreflex therapy system including a blood pressure sensor and a heart rate sensor, providing an implantable measurement device proximate a blood vessel of a patient, the implantable measurement device including an electrode, providing a control system coupled to the baroreflex therapy system and the implantable measurement device, the control system programmed to automatically determine an impedance of the blood vessel with the implantable measurement device over a time period of at least one cardiac cycle, determine arterial stiffness of the blood vessel based on the impedance, determine blood pressure and heart rate, and activate, deactivate or otherwise modulate the baroreflex therapy system to deliver a baroreflex therapy based on the blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Nadim Yared
  • Patent number: 8153599
    Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides which are highly biologically and pharmacologically active as therapeutic drug for the treatment of diseases related to hypertension, especially in medical interventions involving dilatation and remodeling of arterial blood vessels, either in the pulmonary or in the systemic circulation. The peptides which can be used according to the invention for the treatment of said diseases comprise at least one specific highly conservative amino acid residue sequence which seem to play an important role in connection with pulmonary and arteriolar hypertension events. It could be shown that the known naturally occurring peptides “vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)” and “pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP)”, having these specific sequences are potent drugs which can be successfully used for treatment of primary pulmonary hypertension (PPH), secondary pulmonary hypertension (SPH), and hypertension of the systemic circulation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Mondobiotech AG
    Inventor: Lutz-Henning Block
  • Patent number: 8150519
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for bilateral renal neuromodulation, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Douglas Sutton, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Patent number: 8150520
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating end-stage renal disease, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Douglas Sutton, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Patent number: 8150521
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for controlling an implantable pulse generator for activation of a nerve or receptor are provided. In particular, the method, devices, and systems embodying features of the present invention control the energy output of a battery in an implantable pulse generator for stimulation of the baroreflex system of the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Patrick Crowley, Jeffrey J. Hagen
  • Patent number: 8150518
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Publication number: 20120078319
    Abstract: The present application relates to a new stimulation design which can be utilized to treat neurological conditions. The stimulation system produces a burst mode stimulation which alters the neuronal activity of the predetermined site, thereby treating the neurological condition or disorder. The burst stimulus comprises a plurality of groups of spike pulses having a maximum inter-spike interval of 100 milliseconds. The burst stimulus is separated by a substantially quiescent period of time between the plurality of groups of spike pulses. This inter-group interval may comprise a minimum of 5 seconds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Applicant: ADVANCED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: Dirk De Ridder
  • Patent number: 8145316
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Deem, Denise Demarais, Douglas Sutton, Hanson Gifford, III, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand, Benjamin J. Clark
  • Patent number: 8145317
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating hypertension, 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Denise Demarais, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Douglas Sutton, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Patent number: 8131373
    Abstract: An embodiment of a baroreflex stimulator comprises a pulse generator to provide a baroreflex stimulation signal through an electrode, and a modulator to modulate the baroreflex stimulation signal based on a circadian rhythm template. According to an embodiment of a method for operating an implantable medical device, comprising a baroreflex stimulation therapy is applied at a stimulation intensity using a baroreflex stimulator in the implantable medical device, and the baroreflex stimulation therapy is modulated based on a circadian rhythm template stored within the implantable medical device. Modulating the baroreflex stimulation therapy includes using the circadian rhythm template to change the stimulation intensity to mimic natural blood pressure fluctuations during the day.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Imad Libbus
  • Patent number: 8131372
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure, hypertension and renal failure by stimulating the renal nerve. The goal of therapy is to reduce sympathetic activity of the renal nerve. Therapy is accomplished by at least partially blocking the nerve with drug infusion or electrostimulation. Apparatus can be permanently implanted or catheter based.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand
  • Patent number: 8131371
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: Ardian, Inc.
    Inventors: Denise Demarals, Hanson Gifford, III, Mark Deem, Howard R. Levin, Mark Gelfand, Nicolas Zadno
  • Patent number: 8126560
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end having a biased portion having an outer diameter dimensioned to abut a wall of a pulmonary artery, an electrode coupled proximate the distal end, and an implantable pulse generator electrically coupled to the electrode. The implantable pulse generator is adapted to deliver a baroreflex stimulation signal to a baroreceptor in the pulmonary artery via the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Avram Scheiner, Ronald W. Heil, Jr., Peter T. Kelley
  • Patent number: 8126561
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Abhi V. Chavan, Anthony V. Caparso, Avram Scheiner
  • Patent number: 8126559
    Abstract: Various aspects of the present subject matter provide an implantable medical device. In various embodiments, the device comprises a pulse generator, a first monitor and a controller. The pulse generator is adapted to generate a neural stimulation signal for a neural stimulation therapy. The neural stimulation signal has at least one adjustable parameter. The first monitor is adapted to detect an undesired effect. In some embodiments, the undesired effect is myocardial infarction. The controller is adapted to respond to the first monitor and automatically adjust the at least one adjustable parameter of the neural stimulation signal to avoid the undesired effect of the neural stimulation therapy. Other aspects are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Imad Libbus
  • Patent number: 8121693
    Abstract: An aspect of the present subject relates to an implantable medical system. An embodiment of the system includes a baroreflex stimulator, a myocardial infarction detector, and a controller. The baroreflex stimulator applies a baroreflex stimulation signal through an electrode. The myocardial infarction detector detects an event indicative of myocardial infarction. The controller is connected to the baroreflex stimulator and to the myocardial infarction detector, and is adapted to apply a baroreflex therapy in response to a detected event indicative of myocardial infarction. Other aspects are provided herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventor: Imad Libbus
  • Patent number: 8116873
    Abstract: A method of determining one or more physiological parameter of a patient by providing a plurality of implantable electrodes proximate a blood vessel of the patient, applying a measurement signal through the plurality of electrodes, the measurement signal having a known parameter, obtaining a resultant signal through the plurality of electrodes, the resultant signal having a resultant parameter, calculating vascular impedance based on the measurement signal and the resultant signal, and calculating a physiological parameter based on the vascular impedance. In some embodiments, the physiological parameter is utilized to modify a therapy signal controlling therapy delivered to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventors: Russell Eugene Anderson, Nadim Yared, John Charles Stroebel, Robert S. Kieval, Steve Check, Eric Lovett
  • Publication number: 20120035679
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including identifying a subject as suffering from a condition selected from the group consisting of congestive heart failure, diastolic heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, and hypertension. In response to the identifying, an electrode is placed on the subject's aorta at an aortic site that is between a bifurcation of the aorta with the subject's left subclavian artery and a bifurcation of the aorta with the subject's fifth intercostal artery. The subject is treated by electrically stimulating the aortic site by driving a current into the aortic site, via the electrode. Other applications are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: RAINBOW MEDICAL LTD.
    Inventors: Amir Dagan, Yotam Reisner, Offer Glasberg, Nitai Hanani, Gal Ariav
  • Publication number: 20120010677
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: January 12, 2012
    Inventors: Brian Jeffrey Wenzel, Taraneh Ghaffari Farazi
  • Publication number: 20110319960
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a flexible lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end, an expandable electrode coupled proximate the distal end, the expandable electrode having an expanded diameter dimensioned to abut a wall of a pulmonary artery, and an implantable pulse generator electrically coupled to the expandable electrode. The expandable electrode includes a plurality of electrode zones. The implantable pulse generator is adapted to deliver a baroreflex stimulation signal to a baroreceptor in the pulmonary artery via the electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Ronald W. Heil, JR., Avram Scheiner
  • Patent number: 8086314
    Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are described which control blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity by activating baroreceptors. By selectively and controllably activating baroreceptors, the present invention reduces excessive blood pressure, sympathetic nervous system activity and neurohormonal activity, thereby minimizing their deleterious effects on the heart, vasculature and other organs and tissues. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a low-pressure baroreceptor, preferably in the venous system, heart, or pulmonary vasculature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: CVRx, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Kieval
  • Patent number: 8086315
    Abstract: A method that electrically stimulates a heart muscle to alter the ejection profile of the heart, to control the mechanical function of the heart and reduce the observed blood pressure of the patient. The therapy may be invoked by an implantable blood pressure sensor associated with a pacemaker like device. In some cases, where a measured pretreatment blood pressure exceeds a treatment threshold, a patient's heart may be stimulated with an electrical stimulus timed relative to the patient's cardiac ejection cycle. This is done to cause dyssynchrony between at least two cardiac chambers, which alters the patient's cardiac ejection profile from a pretreatment cardiac ejection profile. This has the effect of reducing the patient's blood pressure from the measured pretreatment blood pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: ASAP Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Schwartz, Robert A. van Tassel
  • Publication number: 20110307025
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Andrew P. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20110301659
    Abstract: One or more temporal stimulation parameters of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) are selected to substantially modulate one or more target physiological functions without substantially modulating one or more non-target physiological functions. In one embodiment, a stimulation duty cycle is selected such that VNS is delivered to the cervical vagus nerve trunk to modulate a cardiovascular function without causing laryngeal muscle contractions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Inventors: Paul B. Yoo, Warren M. Grill, Juan Gabriel Hincapie Ordonez
  • Patent number: 8060206
    Abstract: The present invention is a baroreceptor stimulator, including, a pulse generator to provide a baroreceptor stimulation signal through an electrode and a modulator to modulate the baroreceptor stimulation signal to increase the baroreceptor stimulation therapy by a predetermined rate of change to lower systemic blood pressure to a target pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: CVRX, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. Kieval, Matthew M. Burns, David J. Serdar
  • Patent number: 8041428
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ElectroCore LLC
    Inventors: Joseph P. Errico, Bruce Simon, Steven Mendez
  • Publication number: 20110251656
    Abstract: An active implantable medical device for vagal stimulation with optimization of ventricular filling is disclosed. The device delivers stimulation pulses to the vagal nerve of the patient with an adjustable energy level. The device includes a hemodynamic sensor for measuring hemodynamic parameters of the patient's cardiac cycles and delivering a timing parameter representative of the ventricular filling time. The energy level of the vagal stimulation pulses is adjusted dynamically and repeatedly over several cardiac cycles. The energy level is varied during successive cardiac correlative changes in the filling time (FT1, FT2) are assessed (46), and the energy level is set to a level that maximizes the ventricular filling time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Marcel Limousin
  • Publication number: 20110238128
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for treating metabolic syndrome and/or Type 2 diabetes, and/or one or more of their attendant conditions, by neural stimulation. In one embodiment, an implantable pulse generator is electrically coupled to a peripheral nerve, such as the splanchnic nerve. Neural stimulation configured to either block transmission or stimulate transmission of the peripheral nerve may be used to treat metabolic syndrome and Type 2 diabetes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: John D. Dobak, III
  • Patent number: 8010199
    Abstract: A blood pressure regulating system uses a native regulation rule to estimate at least one nerve activity in response to blood pressure changes, comprising at least one blood pressure sensing means which senses blood pressure and outputs a input blood pressure signal, a calculating means which receives the input blood pressure signal, calculates a transfer function by computing a Fourier transform of a normal blood pressure signal and a normal sympathetic nerve activity from normal cardiovascular system, calculates an impulse response by computing an inverse Fourier transform of the transfer function, calculates a sympathetic nerve stimulation signal using a convolution integral between the input blood pressure signal and the impulse response, and outputs the sympathetic nerve stimulation signal, and a stimulating means which receives the sympathetic nerve stimulation signal, and stimulates the sympathetic nerve innervating vascular beds based on the sympathetic nerve stimulation signal such that blood pressur
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignees: National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, Fujikin Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Sunagawa, Masaru Sugimachi, Takayuki Sato
  • Patent number: 8010198
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Imad Libbus, Andrew P. Kramer