Abstract: A method for treating a pulmonary disorder in a subject includes inserting a therapy delivery device into a vessel of the subject, advancing the therapy delivery device to a point adjacent an intraluminal target site of the autonomic nervous system, and activating the therapy delivery device to delivery a therapy signal to the intraluminal target site to treat the pulmonary disorder. The intraluminal target site is in electrical communication with nervous tissue selected from the group consisting of a spinal nerve, a postganglionic fiber of a spinal nerve, a sympathetic chain ganglion, a thoracic sympathetic chain ganglion, a cervical ganglion, a lower cervical ganglion, an inferior cervical ganglion, an intramural ganglion, a splanchnic nerve, an esophageal plexus, a cardiac plexus, a pulmonary plexus, an anterior pulmonary plexus, a posterior pulmonary plexus, a celiac plexus, a hypogastric plexus, an inferior mesenteric ganglion, a celiac ganglion, and a superior mesenteric ganglion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for treating sleep apnea, snoring, and the like using an implant within an oropharyngeal region adjacent an anterior longitudinal ligament. The implant includes an endless loop defining a curved central region between first and second regions in a horizontal plane. The central region is vertically narrow relative to the first and second regions, and the first and second regions are compressible vertically to allow the first region to be directed through or behind the ligament adjacent the oropharyngeal region such that the central region is disposed within or behind the ligament. The first region is resiliently expandable after passing through or behind the ligament to contact tissue adjacent the oropharyngeal region. The first and second regions are compressible into a “C” shape within the horizontal plane, yet biased to expand and apply a force to dilate the tissue adjacent the oropharyngeal region.

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.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a variety of conditions, disorders or diseases with diaphragm/phrenic nerve stimulation is provided.

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.

Abstract: An inspiratory muscle stimulation system uses an implantable medical device to deliver stimulation to control diaphragmatic contractions for slower and deeper breathing, thereby conditioning and strengthening inspiratory muscles. In various embodiments, respiratory and/or cardiac performance are monitored for controlling parameters of the stimulation.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for biasing lung volume by electrically stimulating tissue associated with the diaphragm or phrenic nerve at a low level.

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.

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.

Abstract: A neural stimulation system controls the delivery of neural stimulation using a respiratory signal as a therapy feedback input. The respiratory signal is used to increase the effectiveness of the neural stimulation, such as vagal nerve stimulation, while decreasing potentially adverse side effects in respiratory functions. In one embodiment, the neural stimulation system detects apnea and, in response, adjusts the delivery of the neural stimulation pulses and/or delivers a respiratory therapy treating the detected apnea.

Abstract: A neural stimulation system controls the delivery of neural stimulation using a respiratory signal as a therapy feedback input. The respiratory signal is used to increase the effectiveness of the neural stimulation, such as vagal nerve stimulation, while decreasing potentially adverse side effects in respiratory functions. In one embodiment, the neural stimulation system synchronizes the delivery of the neural stimulation pulses to the respiratory cycles using a respiratory fiducial point in the respiratory signal and a delay interval. In another embodiment, the neural stimulation system detects a respiratory disorder and, in response, adjusts the delivery of the neural stimulation pulses and/or delivers a respiratory therapy treating the detected respiratory disorder.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for biasing lung volume by electrically stimulating tissue associated with the diaphragm or phrenic nerve at a low level.

Abstract: An apnea classification system provides for apnea monitoring and differentiation based on several sleep apnea related parameters for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Monitoring of such sleep apnea related parameters allows the apnea classification system to differentiate among the different types of apnea and hypopnea and to identify an occurrence of periodic respiration. This information may then be used to determine the best method of therapy, or adjust current therapy parameters to more effectively treat a subject.

Abstract: A non-invasive electrical stimulation device shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in which the electrode(s) are in contact. The stimulation device is configured to produce a peak pulse voltage that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve, but not to substantially stimulate other nerves and muscles that lie between the vicinity of the target nerve and patient's skin. Current is passed through the electrodes in bursts of preferably five sinusoidal pulses, wherein each pulse within a burst has a duration of preferably 200 microseconds, and bursts repeat at preferably at 15-50 bursts per second.

Abstract: Methods and systems involve coordinating therapies used for treating disordered breathing. Disordered breathing therapies may include cardiac electrical stimulation therapy and external respiratory therapy as well as other therapies for treating disordered breathing in a patient. The therapies delivered to the patient may be coordinated to enhance effectiveness of the therapy, to reduce therapy interactions, to improve patient sleep, or to achieve other therapeutic goals.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy.

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.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue.

Abstract: Devices, systems and instructing methods are disclosed for treating bronchial constriction related to asthma, anaphylaxis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The instructing method for treatment comprises transmitting impulses of energy non-invasively to selected nerve fibers that are responsible for smooth muscle dilation. The transmitted energy impulses, comprising magnetic and/or electrical, mechanical and/or acoustic, and optical and/or thermal energy, stimulate the selected nerve fibers.

Abstract: A system, device and method for neural control of respiration are provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an implantable medical device for sensing and controlling respiration during incidence of central respiratory diseases. According to various embodiments, the device includes a sensing circuit to receive sensed signals representative of an incidence of a central respiratory disease. The device also includes a neural stimulator adapted to generate neural stimulation signals, and a controller to communicate with the sensing circuit and to control the neural stimulator to stimulate a desired neural target in response to the detection of the incidence of a central respiratory disease. In an embodiment, the device includes a plurality of sensors which are adapted to monitor physiological parameters to detect the incidence of a central respiratory disease and to send signals to the sensing circuit. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: An electronic stimulation system has ?a casing (11); electronics (12) inside the casing (11) a first detector (16(1)) arranged to sense whether a human being is breathing or not, a stimulation device (17) arranged to receive a control signal from said electronics (12) and to provide stimuli to a nasal philtre or a human nasopharynx. The electronics (12) generate the control signal in dependence on the breathing signal and the system has a holding device for attaching the stimulation device to the nose.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a continuous monitor of a patient's oxygenation and/or respiration coupled to a device configured to stimulate the patient's respiratory drive and/or summon medical assistance. In embodiments, there are provided systems, devices, and methods to assist in preventing patients from overdosing themselves with narcotics post-surgery. In embodiments, an apnea prevention device (APD) may utilize a commercially available pulse oximeter and/or a respiratory monitor to continuously monitor a patient's level of oxygenation/respiration. Should a patient develop respiratory depression or apnea and begin to desaturate, an APD may, using a proprietary method, trigger a sequence of staged responses to reverse worsening hypoxia.

Abstract: A method for treating asthma in a subject includes inserting a therapy delivery device into a vessel of a subject. The therapy delivery device is advanced to a point substantially adjacent an intraluminal target site of the autonomic nervous system. Next, the therapy delivery device is activated to deliver a therapy signal to the intraluminal target site to treat the asthma. The intraluminal target site is in electrical communication with nervous tissue selected from the group consisting of a spinal nerve, pre- or post-ganglionic autonomic fibers, a sympathetic chain ganglion, a thoracic sympathetic chain ganglion, a cervical ganglion, a lower cervical ganglion, an inferior cervical ganglion, an intramural ganglion, a splanchnic nerve, an esophageal plexus, a cardiac plexus, a pulmonary plexus, an anterior pulmonary plexus, a posterior pulmonary plexus, a celiac plexus, a hypogastric plexus, an inferior mesenteric ganglion, a celiac ganglion, and a superior mesenteric ganglion.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a variety of conditions, disorders or diseases with diaphragm/phrenic nerve stimulation is provided.

Abstract: A system receives signals indicative of cardiopulmonary conditions sensed by a plurality of sensors and provides for monitoring and automated differential diagnosis of the cardiopulmonary conditions based on the signals. Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is detected based on one or more signals sensed by implantable sensors. If the cardiogenic pulmonary edema is not detected, obstructive pulmonary disease and restrictive pulmonary disease are each detected based on a forced vital capacity (FVC) parameter and a forced expiratory volume (FEV) parameter measured from a respiratory signal sensed by an implantable or non-implantable sensor. In one embodiment, an implantable medical device senses signals indicative of the cardiopulmonary conditions, and an external system detects the cardiopulmonary conditions based on these signals by executing an automatic detection algorithm.

Abstract: A neural stimulation system controls the delivery of neural stimulation using a respiratory signal as a therapy feedback input. The respiratory signal is used to increase the effectiveness of the neural stimulation, such as vagal nerve stimulation, while decreasing potentially adverse side effects in respiratory functions. In one embodiment, the neural stimulation system detects apnea and, in response, adjusts the delivery of the neural stimulation pulses and/or delivers a respiratory therapy treating the detected apnea.

Abstract: A first chamber minute ventilation rate is determined based on a first transthoracic impedance signal received from a first chamber of a heart and a second chamber minute ventilation rate is determined based on a second transthoracic impedance signal received from a second chamber of the heart. A processor compares the minute ventilation rates to determine a rate. In one embodiment, an accelerometer sensor provides data for evaluating propriety of a rate. Before implementing a rate change, signals from multiple sensors are cross-checked.

Abstract: A laryngeal stimulation system including a sensor for detecting an occurrence of a respiratory signal in a subject and a laryngeal stimulator adapted for coupling to a laryngeal muscle and operable to stimulate the laryngeal muscle in response to the sensor detecting the occurrence of the respiratory signal is provided. A method for laryngeal stimulation including detecting an occurrence of a respiratory signal in a subject and then stimulating a laryngeal muscle in response to detecting the occurrence of the respiratory signal is also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically implementing a therapy for treating sleep disordered breathing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of affecting physiological disorders by stimulating a specific location along the sympathetic nerve chain. Preferably, the present invention provides a method of affecting a variety of physiological disorders or pathological conditions by placing an electrode adjacent to or in communication with at least one ganglion along the sympathetic nerve chain and stimulating the at least one ganglion until the physiological disorder or pathological condition has been affected.

Abstract: A method of performing a medical procedure, such as surgery, is provided. A nerve is stimulated in order to adjust the beating of the heart to a first condition, such as a stopped or slowed condition. The medical procedure is performed on the heart or another organ. The stimulation of the nerve is stopped in order to adjust the beating of the heart to a second condition, such as a beating condition. The heart itself may also be stimulated to a beating condition, such as by pacing. The stimulation of the nerve may be continued in order to allow the medical procedure to be continued. A sensor to sense a characteristic of a fluid or tissue, such as an impending contraction, may be also used during the medical procedure. Systems and devices for performing the medical procedure are also provided.

Abstract: A system, device and method for neural control of respiration are provided. One aspect of this disclosure relates to an implantable medical device for sensing and controlling respiration during incidence of central respiratory diseases. According to various embodiments, the device includes a sensing circuit to receive sensed signals representative of an incidence of a central respiratory disease. The device also includes a neural stimulator adapted to generate neural stimulation signals, and a controller to communicate with the sensing circuit and to control the neural stimulator to stimulate a desired neural target in response to the detection of the incidence of a central respiratory disease. In an embodiment, the device includes a plurality of sensors which are adapted to monitor physiological parameters to detect the incidence of a central respiratory disease and to send signals to the sensing circuit. Other aspects and embodiments are provided herein.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a subject is provided where electrical stimulation may be separately provided to each hemidiaphragm to cause diaphragm contraction. Fatigue may be avoided among other possible benefits. Each hemidiaphragm may also be stimulated with different stimulation parameters. Stimulation may be smoothly transitioned between hemidiaphragms. Such stimulation may provide an increase in functional residual capacity or other therapeutic effects.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a mask is used to position electrodes on a user so current traveling between the electrodes can stimulate nerves that control the geometry of the mask user's airway (e.g., pharynx, neck, throat, mouth, trachea, and the like). In an embodiment, a collar is used to position electrodes on a user so current travelling between the electrodes can stimulate nerves that control the geometry of the collar user's airway. Any of the above current may help treat apnea via direct or indirect stimulation of muscles or nerves.

Abstract: A method of treating sleep disordered breathing in a patient includes the steps of monitoring the patient for a pre-inspiratory drive signal indicative of the breathing cycle by sensing electroneurogram activity of a hypoglossal nerve of the patient; and electrically stimulating the hypoglossal nerve of the patient following each detection of the pre-inspiratory drive signal. An implantable apparatus for stimulating a hypoglossal nerve of a patient for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing includes an electrode positioned at least partially around the hypoglossal nerve with a monitoring contact and a stimulation contact and a controller operatively coupled to the monitoring contact and the stimulation contact. The monitoring contact monitors the electroneurogram activity of the hypoglossal nerve for a pre-inspiratory drive signal indicative of the onset of inspiration and sends a signal to the controller which in turn causes the stimulating electrode to electrically stimulate the hypoglossal nerve.

Abstract: A system used for controlling a position of a patient's tongue includes an implant having at least one electrode configured to deliver selective stimulation to particular fascicles of the Hypoglossal nerve to stimulate at least one muscle of the tongue and a controller coupled to the implant.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating anaphylaxis, anaphylactic shock, bronchial constriction, and/or asthma include providing an electrical impulse to a selected region of the vagus nerve of a patient suffering from anaphylaxis to block and/or modulate nerve signals that would regulate the function of, for example, myocardial tissue, vasodilation/constriction and/or pulmonary tissue.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for nerve stimulation for OSA therapy.

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.

Abstract: This relates to treating an asthmatic lung and more particularly, relates to advancing a treatment device into the lung and treating the lung with the device. This also includes additional steps of treating the airway wall, applying energy or heat to the airway wall in an asthmatic lung.

Abstract: Featured is an apparatus an apparatus including a monitoring and sensing means, an electrode patch and a control device operably coupled to each of the sensing means and the electrodes and outputs signals to the electrodes for purposes of stimulating the phrenic nerve to thereby cause breathing by natural contraction of the diaphragm. The control device is configured and arranged to initially localize the phrenic nerve with respect to a given set of electrodes that is effective, when appropriately energized, for stimulating the phrenic nerve to establish negative pressure induced respiration in the body, based on the output signal(s) from the monitoring and sensing means. After such initially localizing; the control device thereafter repetitively outputs stimulation signals via the given set of electrodes so as to thereby continuously stimulate negative pressure induced respiration. Also featured are methods related thereto.

Abstract: A method is presented for evaluating whether an episode of sleep apnea is occurring in a patient suffering from chronic sleep apnea disorder, for delivery of appropriate therapy. The method, performed by an implantable device, includes sensing the patient's EKG signal and using electrical energy generated by the heart to power subsequent signal processing. This signal is applied as the sole input to a differential signal processing circuit for passage through both a high impedance path and a substantially lower impedance path and amplification of the difference in magnitude between the resulting two signals, to determine changes in the patient's thoracic impedance. Based on such changes, the presence or absence of patient ventilation is detected, to enable an assessment of whether an episode of sleep apnea is occurring. An actual episode of sleep apnea is deemed to have occurred if lack of ventilation exceeds a predetermined interval of time between otherwise regular respiratory cycles.

Abstract: Systems and methods to treat a pulmonary disorder are provided. A particular method includes positioning an electrode in a patient's body at a location proximate a branch of a vagus nerve. The branch of the vagus nerve includes at least one of a bronchial branch of the vagus nerve and a pulmonary plexus. The method also includes activating the electrode such that energy is delivered from the electrode to the branch of the vagus nerve so as to block intrinsic neural activity in the branch of the vagus nerve to treat the pulmonary disorder.

Abstract: Provided is an implantable RFID-enabled micro-electronic neurostimulator system for treating obstructive sleep apnea, comprising an implant having a top and a bottom layer, the bottom layer serving as an attachment mechanism such that the bottom layer of the implant encompasses the hypoglossal nerve and attaches to the top layer of the implant; a printed circuit board (PCB) attached to the top layer of the implant, the PCB having a first and a second opposing sides; a neural interface attached to the second side of the PCB; a core subsystem (CSS) attached to the first side of the PCB and electrically connected to the neural interface; and a radio frequency (RF) interface attached to the first side of the PCB and electrically connected to the CSS, wherein the implant is powered and controlled by an external programmable controller.

Abstract: A device and method is provided for controlling breathing of a subject by electrically stimulating tissue associated with the diaphragm or phrenic nerve of the subject.