Abstract: Methods of improving ARDS by regulating a stellate ganglion is provided herein. Methods of improving a hypercoagulation state are also provided by regulating the sympathetic nervous system.

Abstract: A method for guiding a therapy delivery device to a target tissue in a subject can include a step of providing a needle (12) having a main body that defines an inner lumen. An opening (26) can be located on a distal end portion of the main body. The opening can be in communication with the inner lumen. A ramp (32) can be positioned within the inner lumen and adjacent the opening. The ramp can be axially spaced apart from a distal end portion of the main body. The needle can be percutaneously inserted into the subject. The needle can be advanced to the target tissue. A camera (68) can be advanced through the inner lumen. The camera can be operated to visualize the target tissue. A therapy delivery device (70) can be advanced through the inner lumen. The therapy delivery device, under direct visualization, can be placed into communication with the target tissue.

Abstract: A percutaneous, multi-pronged lead includes a lead body having a multi-pronged distal end portion. At least one of the prongs has an electrode connected thereto. Each of the prongs is configured to transition from a stored configuration into a deployed configuration such that the prongs at least partially wrap around a target tissue.

Abstract: A self-sealing device includes an elastic sheet that is sized and dimensioned to cover a connector that joins a lead and a lead extension. The sheet has a first memory corresponding to an unfurled configuration and a second memory corresponding to a furled configuration. The sheet, when placed about the connector in the unfurled configuration, automatically obtains the furled configuration and covers the connector so that a fluid-tight seal is formed therebetween.

Abstract: A method for treating erectile dysfunction in a subject includes providing an expandable support member for engaging a wall of a blood vessel. The expandable support member includes at least one electrode connected with the expandable support member and arranged to selectively deliver electric current to modulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The expandable support member includes and an insulative material attached to at least a portion of the expandable support member for isolating blood flowing through the vessel from the electric current delivered by the at least one electrode. The expandable support member is implanted intravascularly so that at least a portion of the expandable support member is positioned substantially adjacent a desired location where modulation of the ANS is effective to improve erectile function. After implanting the expandable support member, electric current is delivered to the at least one electrode to effect a change in the ANS.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for treating fibromyalgia. One step of the method can include placing a therapy delivery device into electrical communication with a parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) nerve target, other than the vagus serve, which is associated with the fibromyalgia. Next, the therapy delivery device cars he activated to deliver a therapy signal to the PNS nerve target in an amount and for a time sufficient to effect a change m parasympathetic activity in the subject and thereby treat the fibromyalgia.

Abstract: A method for treating a pulmonary condition in a subject is provided. One step of the method includes providing an apparatus for positioning at a target site innervated by at least one nerve of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The apparatus includes a fluid exchange catheter, an inflatable balloon coupled to the fluid exchange catheter, and an energy delivery mechanism including at least one energy delivery member for delivering electrical energy to the target site. Next, an expansion medium is delivered to the apparatus so that the inflatable balloon is sufficiently inflated to sandwich at least a portion of the at least one energy delivery member between the inflatable balloon and a luminal wall of the tracheo-bronchial tree at the target site. Electrical energy is then delivered to the at least one energy delivery member to effect a change in the ANS of the subject.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning at a target site and for treating a pulmonary condition in a subject includes a fluid exchange catheter for insertion into a tracheo-bronchial tree and an inflatable balloon coupled to the fluid exchange catheter. At least a portion of the inflatable balloon is for engaging a luminal wall of the tracheo-bronchial tree at the target site. The apparatus further includes an energy delivery mechanism operably coupled to the inflatable balloon. The energy delivery mechanism includes at least one energy delivery member for delivering electrical energy to the target site.

Abstract: A method is provided for renal neuromodulation. One step of the method includes providing an expandable support member having a cuff-like configuration and including a main body portion (MBP). The MBP includes a lumen for engaging a wall of a blood vessel including a portion of a renal vasculature. At least one electrode connected with the MBP is arranged to selectively deliver electric current to a desired location. An insulative material is attached to at least a portion of the MBP. Next, the MBP is implanted extravascularly so that the MBP is in direct contact with a portion of the renal vasculature. At least one electrode is positioned substantially adjacent a desired location where modulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is effective to alter renal function. Electric current is then delivered to the at least one electrode to effect a change in the SNS.

Abstract: A method is provided for renal neuromodulation. One step of the method includes providing an expandable support member having a cuff-like configuration and including a main body portion (MBP). The MBP includes a lumen for engaging a wall of a blood vessel including a portion of a renal vasculature. At least one electrode connected with the MBP is arranged to selectively deliver electric current to a desired location. An insulative material is attached to at least a portion of the MBP. Next, the MBP is implanted extravascularly so that the MBP is in direct contact with a portion of the renal vasculature. At least one electrode is positioned substantially adjacent a desired location where modulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is effective to alter renal function. Electric current is then delivered to the at least one electrode to effect a change in the SNS.

Abstract: An apparatus for renal neuromodulation includes an expandable support member having a main body portion for engaging a wall of a blood vessel proximate a renal vasculature and at least one electrode connected with the main body portion. The at least one electrode is arranged to selectively deliver electric current to a desired location where modulation of the sympathetic nervous system is effective to alter renal function. The apparatus further includes an insulative material attached to at least a portion of the main body portion for isolating blood flow through the vessel from the electric current delivered by the at least one electrode.

Abstract: A method for treating a pulmonary condition in a subject is provided. One step of the method includes providing an apparatus for positioning at a target site innervated by at least one nerve of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The apparatus includes a fluid exchange catheter, an inflatable balloon coupled to the fluid exchange catheter, and an energy delivery mechanism including at least one energy delivery member for delivering electrical energy to the target site. Next, an expansion medium is delivered to the apparatus so that the inflatable balloon is sufficiently inflated to sandwich at least a portion of the at least one energy delivery member between the inflatable balloon and a luminal wall of the tracheo-bronchial tree at the target site. Electrical energy is then delivered to the at least one energy delivery member to effect a change in the ANS of the subject.

Abstract: A method for treating erectile dysfunction in a subject includes providing an expandable support member for engaging a wall of a blood vessel. The expandable support member includes at least one electrode connected with the expandable support member and arranged to selectively deliver electric current to modulate the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The expandable support member includes and an insulative material attached to at least a portion of the expandable support member for isolating blood flowing through the vessel from the electric current delivered by the at least one electrode. The expandable support member is implanted intravascularly so that at least a portion of the expandable support member is positioned substantially adjacent a desired location where modulation of the ANS is effective to improve erectile function. After implanting the expandable support member, electric current is delivered to the at least one electrode to effect a change in the ANS.

Abstract: An apparatus for renal neuromodulation includes an expandable support member having a main body portion for engaging a wall of a blood vessel proximate a renal vasculature and at least one electrode connected with the main body portion. The at least one electrode is arranged to selectively deliver electric current to a desired location where modulation of the sympathetic nervous system is effective to alter renal function. The apparatus further includes an insulative material attached to at least a portion of the main body portion for isolating blood flow through the vessel from the electric current delivered by the at least one electrode.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning at a target site and for treating a pulmonary condition in a subject includes a fluid exchange catheter for insertion into a tracheo-bronchial tree and an inflatable balloon coupled to the fluid exchange catheter. At least a portion of the inflatable balloon is for engaging a luminal wall of the tracheo-bronchial tree at the target site. The apparatus further includes an energy delivery mechanism operably coupled to the inflatable balloon. The energy delivery mechanism includes at least one energy delivery member for delivering electrical energy to the target site.

Abstract: A method for treating a pulmonary condition in a subject includes one step of providing an implantable electrode assembly. The implantable electrode assembly includes a flexible member, at least one electrode operably secured to the flexible member, and an attachment mechanism for securing the at least one electrode to the flexible member. The implantable electrode assembly is implanted at a target site including an intraluminal location innervated by at least one nerve of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The implantable electrode assembly is positioned at the target site such that the flexible member conforms to a portion of the inner surface of the target site, and the at least one electrode is positioned substantially adjacent the at least one nerve. Next, electric current is delivered to the at least one electrode to effect a change in the ANS of the subject.

Abstract: An endotracheal apparatus includes a stent member including first and second ends and a lumen extending between the ends. The lumen defines an inner surface opposite an outer surface. The apparatus also includes an electrode assembly operably coupled to the stent member. The electrode assembly includes a flexible member having first and second end portions and oppositely disposed first and second surfaces, at least one electrode is operably connected to a portion of at least one of the first or second surfaces, and an attachment mechanism for securing the at least one electrode to at least one of the first or second surfaces. The at least one electrode is adapted to selectively deliver electric current to the target site and effect a change in the autonomic nervous system of the subject.