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: 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.

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.

Abstract: Devices and methods of use are described for detecting and treating an undesirable level of fluid in a pulmonary circulation of a patient. An exemplary system may include an implantable baroreflex activation device including an electrode configured to be implanted proximate a baroreptor within a patient, an implantable sensor configured to provide an indication of a fluid level within the patient, and a control system coupled to the baroreflex activation device and the sensor. The control system may be programmed to automatically detect a level of a fluid in a pulmonary circulation of the patient with the sensor and upon detecting an undesirable level of the fluid in the pulmonary circulation, delivering a therapy via the electrode of the baroreflex activation device to reduce the level of fluid in the pulmonary circulation.

Abstract: Devices and methods of use for 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.

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.

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.

Abstract: Baroreflex activation is achieved by providing suitable control signals to a baroreflex activation device. A method comprises establishing a therapy interval within the therapy interval, establishing a plurality of dose intervals, and generating an electrical output signal. The electrical output signal has a time dependence such that the average electrical power applied to the baroreflex activation device differs between first and second portions of at least some dose intervals. Another method comprises establishing a series of therapy interval portions, during at least some therapy intervals, establishing a plurality of burst intervals, and generating an electrical output signal. The electrical output signal has a time dependence such that the average electrical power applied to the baroreflex activation device differs between first and second portions of the therapy intervals and also differs between first and second portions of at least some burst intervals.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for improving left ventricular function in a patient with systolic heart failure with left ventricular dysfunction using baroreflex activation therapy. In general the systems have at least one electrode and a control system in communication with the electrode, the control system including a processor and memory, wherein the memory includes software defining a stimulus regime configured to effect improvement in left ventricular function. The methods for improving left ventricular function in a subject typically include identifying a patient in need of left ventricular function improvement and stimulating a baroreceptor with a baroreceptor activation device to improve left ventricular function.

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.

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: Devices and methods for controlling the low-pressure baroreflex system for the treatment and/or management of cardiovascular, renal, and neurological disorders.

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: 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.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for improving left ventricular function in a patient with systolic heart failure with left ventricular dysfunction using baroreflex activation therapy. In general the systems have at least one electrode and a control system in communication with the electrode, the control system including a processor and memory, wherein the memory includes software defining a stimulus regime configured to effect improvement in left ventricular function. The methods for improving left ventricular function in a subject typically include identifying a patient in need of left ventricular function improvement and stimulating a baroreceptor with a baroreceptor activation device to improve left ventricular function.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide baroreflex activation to treat or reduce pain and/or to cause or enhance sedation or sleep. Methods involve activating the baroreflex system to provide pain reduction, sedation, improved sleep or some combination thereof. Systems include at least one baroreflex activation device, at least one sensor for sensing physiological activity of the patient, and a processor coupled with the baroreflex activation device(s) and the sensor(s) for processing sensed data received from the sensor and for activating the baroreflex activation device. In some embodiments, the system is fully implantable within a patient, such as in an intravascular, extravascular or intramural location.

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.

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.

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.

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.