Abstract: An optical lead can include a cuff body having an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the cuff body defines a nerve channel for receiving a portion of a nerve; a lead body coupled, or coupleable, to the cuff body; at least one light emitter disposed on or within the cuff body or the lead body; and at least one reflective element disposed on, within, or beneath the interior surface of the cuff body, wherein the at least one reflective element is configured to reflect light emitted from the at least one light emitter. Alternatively or additionally, the cuff lead can include a receptacle for removably receiving a distal end portion of the lead body. Another system includes a cuff body with at least one light emitter, an electronic subassembly for operation, and an antenna to receive power from an external source.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modulating neural activity within brainstem circuitry to evoke a certain bodily function (e.g., cardiorespiratory response) in a patient. A controller can configure a light signal (such as an infrared light signal) to deliver an amount of radiant exposure to a specific portion of the brainstem for a time. The specific portion of the brainstem can include brainstem circuitry that is the control center for the certain bodily function. The configured light signal can be delivered to the specific portion of the brainstem by an optrode for the time. During application, the light signal can deliver the amount of radiant exposure to the specific portion of the brainstem to evoke the certain bodily function.