Abstract: Methods and systems for external baroreflex activation allow a physician to characterize a patient's response to baroreflex activation prior to providing baroreflex activation therapy. Methods generally include applying a baroreflex activation stimulus to a patient, measuring one or more physiological parameters of the patient, and determining the extent to which the baroreflex activation causes a baroreflex response. Multiple stimuli of different intensities and/or from different locations may be compared. Systems include one or more external baroreflex activation devices and one or more physiological parameter measuring devices. Optionally, a system may also include one or more fully or partially implantable devices for providing baroreflex activation therapy.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: Electrode structures for implantation include an electrode, an elastic backing attached to the electrode, and a sequestered drug on the backing or the electrode which is released to control and/or limit the growth of scar tissue. The elastic backing includes a tissue contacting side which contacts a tissue structure, and an exposed side away from the tissue contacting side. The electrode structure can be used to activate baroreceptors, and the backing is elastic and can stretch and retract with the tissue structure, for example the carotid sinus. The electrode and the sequestered drug can be positioned on the tissue contacting side so the drug is released near the electrode. The backing can be made from an insulating material and limit diffusion of the drug toward the exposed side, permitting scar tissue to grow near the exposed side to maintain positioning of the electrode.

Abstract: A method for treating heart failure in a patient involves activating a baroreflex system of the patient with at least one baroreflex activation device and resynchronizing the patient's heart with a cardiac resynchronization device. Activating the baroreflex system and resynchronizing the heart may be performed simultaneously or sequentially, in various embodiments. In some embodiments, one or more patient conditions are sensed, and such condition(s) may be used for setting and/or modifying the baroreflex activation and/or heart resynchronization. A device for treating heart failure includes a baroreflex activation member coupled with a cardiac resynchronization member. Some embodiments further include one or more sensors and a processor. In some embodiments, the device is fully implantable.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods provide baroreflex activation to prevent, or at least reduce the likelihood of occurrence of, cardiac arrhythmias. Various embodiments may additionally or alternatively promote recovery from arrhythmias. In one embodiment, a device for preventing or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of arrhythmias includes one or more baroreflex activation devices, one or more sensors coupled to the baroreflex activation device(s), and a processor for processing information from the sensor and activating and/or modulation the baroreflex activation device. Sensors, such as electrocardiogram devices, generally sense factors indicative of a potential, ensuing arrhythmia.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods 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, for example a baroreceptor 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.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

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: Devices, systems and methods are described for controlling, preventing and/or treating epileptic seizures by activating baroreceptors. By selectively and controllably activating baroreceptors, the present invention reduces seizure activity, thereby minimizing the effects of epilepsy. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor on the patient's arterial or venous vasculature, for example in the carotid sinus, aortic arch, inferior vena cava, or the like. One or more optional sensors, such as EEG sensors, detect neurological activity to help determine when to activate baroreceptors to reduce or prevent seizures.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distracting, in a given direction, and supporting two tissue surfaces. A plurality of wafers are consecutively inserted between the two tissue surfaces to create a column of wafers. The column of wafers is oriented between the tissue surfaces so as to expand in the given direction as the wafers are consecutively added to the column.