U.S. patent application number 10/938114 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-16 for multi-variable feedback control of stimulation for inspiratory facilitation.
Invention is credited to Michael Benser, Steve Koh.
Application Number | 20060058852 10/938114 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35414730 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060058852 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Koh; Steve ; et al. |
March 16, 2006 |
Multi-variable feedback control of stimulation for inspiratory
facilitation
Abstract
An exemplary method includes delivering stimulation according to
one or more stimulation parameters to cause contraction of the
diaphragm, monitoring chest activity related to respiration and, in
response to the monitoring, adjusting one or more of the one or
more stimulation parameters during contraction of the diaphragm and
continuing the delivering. Various other exemplary methods,
devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
Inventors: |
Koh; Steve; (South Pasadena,
CA) ; Benser; Michael; (Valencia, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PACESETTER, INC.
15900 VALLEY VIEW COURT
SYLMAR
CA
91392-9221
US
|
Family ID: |
35414730 |
Appl. No.: |
10/938114 |
Filed: |
September 10, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
607/42 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61N 1/3601
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
607/042 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/08 20060101
A61N001/08 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: delivering stimulation according to one or
more stimulation parameters to cause contraction of the diaphragm;
monitoring chest activity related to respiration; and in response
to the monitoring, adjusting one or more of the one or more
stimulation parameters during contraction of the diaphragm and
continuing the delivering.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the delivering delivers
stimulation to a phrenic nerve.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more stimulation
parameters include pulse width.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more stimulation
parameters include frequency.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more stimulation
parameters include voltage.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the adjusting includes adjusting
a frequency parameter.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the monitoring includes impedance
monitoring.
8. A method comprising: providing an intrinsic inspiratory target;
sensing information related to inspiration; determining an error
using the intrinsic inspiratory target and the information; and
adjusting one or more stimulation parameters based at least in part
on the error.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the providing includes providing
an intrinsic inspiratory target related to an activity state.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the activity state includes an
activity state selected from the group consisting of sleep and
awake states.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensing includes sensing
impedance.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the intrinsic inspiratory target
includes information on lung volume with respect to time.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the intrinsic inspiratory target
includes information on inspiratory flow with respect to time.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the adjusting includes
proportional control.
15. The method of claim 8, wherein the adjusting includes a control
algorithm selected from the group consisting of proportional,
integral and derivative control algorithms.
16. A method comprising: controlling inspiration for a set number
of inspirations using a closed-loop controller that relies on one
or more adjustable stimulation parameters; recording values for the
one or more adjustable parameters; determining an average value for
each of the one or more adjustable parameters; and controlling
inspiration based at least in part on the average value for each of
the one or more adjustable parameters.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein the controlling based at least
in part on the average value for the one or more adjustable
parameters uses open-loop control.
18. A method comprising applying stimulation to a phrenic nerve
wherein the stimulation includes a waveform having a plurality of
frequency components and wherein each of the frequency components
has a frequency greater than approximately 1 Hz.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein each of the frequency
components has a frequency less than approximately 50 Hz.
20. A method comprising: stimulating a phrenic nerve using a
waveform having one or more frequency components; sensing
information related to inspiration; and based at least in part on
the information, adjusting one or more of the frequency components
to achieve a desired inspiratory flow.
21. The method of claim 20 wherein the adjusting includes adjusting
pulse width.
22. A method comprising stimulating a phrenic nerve using a
plurality of electrodes and a plurality of frequencies.
23. The method of claim 22 wherein each of the plurality of
frequencies are greater than approximately 1 Hz.
24. The method of claim 22 wherein each of the plurality of
frequencies are less than approximately 50 Hz.
25. An implantable device comprising: a sensor to sense information
related to inspiration; memory to store information related to
intrinsic inspiration; control logic to determine one or more
stimulation parameters based at least in part on the information
related to intrinsic inspiration wherein the one or more
stimulation parameters include at least one frequency parameter;
and a pulse generator to deliver stimulation according to the one
or more stimulation parameters.
26. The device of claim 25, wherein the sensor senses
impedance.
27. The device of claim 25, wherein the control logic includes a
control algorithm selected from the group consisting of
proportional, integral and derivative control algorithms.
28. The device of claim 25, wherein the control logic determines an
error using the information related to intrinsic inspiration and
information related to inspiration sensed during delivery of
stimulation.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application is related to copending U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/769,568, filed Jan. 30, 2004, titled
"Inspiratory and/or Expiratory Control Using Chemical and/or
Mechanical Drive" (Attorney Docket No. A04P1012), which is
incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] Subject matter presented herein generally relates to
therapies to treat respiratory issues wherein the therapies include
artificial diaphragm activation.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Intrinsic respiration depends on occurrence of many events
during a respiratory cycle. Replication of all of these events by
an in vivo device is impractical. Indeed, conventional methods for
artificial activation of the diaphragm typically rely on a fixed
set of parameters that is known to stimulate the phrenic nerve and
cause abrupt inspiration. As such these attempts at in vivo
activation of the diaphragm to achieve or augment respiration have
met with limited success in their ability to mimic intrinsic
respiration. Consequently, a need exists for techniques that can
more closely mimic intrinsic respiration or achieve more desirable
respiration. Various methods, devices, systems, etc., disclosed
herein aim to address this need and/or other needs.
SUMMARY
[0004] An exemplary method includes delivering stimulation
according to one or more stimulation parameters to cause
contraction of the diaphragm, monitoring chest activity related to
respiration and, in response to the monitoring, adjusting one or
more of the one or more stimulation parameters during contraction
of the diaphragm and continuing the delivering. Various other
exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Features and advantages of the described implementations can
be more readily understood by reference to the following
description taken in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary
implantable stimulation device in electrical communication with at
least three leads implanted into a patient's heart and at least one
other lead for delivering stimulation and/or shock therapy.
Exemplary devices may have lesser leads as well.
[0007] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an exemplary
implantable stimulation device illustrating basic elements that are
configured to provide cardioversion, defibrillation, pacing
stimulation and/or autonomic nerve stimulation or other tissue
and/or nerve stimulation. The implantable stimulation device is
further optionally configured to measure position and/or
movement.
[0008] FIG. 3 is an approximate anatomical diagram that includes an
exemplary implantable stimulation device capable of implementing
some degree of respiratory control.
[0009] FIG. 4 is a plot of exemplary inspiratory flow patterns from
intrinsic and phrenic nerve stimulation (PNS).
[0010] FIG. 5 is a series of plots that include data of inspiratory
flow and lung volume versus time for stimulation delivered using a
variety of stimulation parameters.
[0011] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary closed-loop
control method, device and/or system.
[0012] FIG. 7 is a plot of an exemplary control function in a
frequency and voltage parameter space.
[0013] FIG. 8 is a series of waveforms corresponding approximately
to the exemplary control function of the plot of FIG. 7.
[0014] FIG. 9 is a plot of various exemplary control functions with
respect to time in a frequency and voltage parameter space.
[0015] FIG. 10 is a plot of various exemplary control functions
with respect to activity in a frequency and voltage parameter
space.
[0016] FIG. 11 is a plot of an exemplary control function and a
corresponding control envelope in a frequency and voltage parameter
space.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a series of plots of an exemplary control scheme
that includes an intrinsic target and changes in power that aim to
minimize error between information related to actual inspiration
and the intrinsic target.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a block diagram of various exemplary control
scenarios that include a sensor circuit, control logic and a pulse
generator.
[0019] FIG. 14 is a block diagram of an exemplary method for
controlling inspiration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] The following description includes the best mode presently
contemplated for practicing the described implementations. This
description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but rather is
made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of
the implementations. The scope of the described implementations
should be ascertained with reference to the issued claims.
Overview
[0021] Artificial or applied diaphragm activation may be achieved
via phrenic nerve stimulation, diaphragm stimulation and/or other
tissue stimulation. Artificial or applied diaphragm activation can
augment and/or act as a replacement to intrinsic means of diaphragm
activation. As described herein, such applied diaphragm activation
may be adjusted in a given parameter space or dimension to more
closely mimic intrinsic inspiration and/or an inspiratory target.
Further, a variety of targets may exist for a given patient wherein
each target corresponds to a particular activity. Various exemplary
methods, devices, systems, etc., optionally use or include feedback
or closed-loop control in an effort to control inspiration. Various
exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., optionally learn over
time and may use learned information to discriminate normal
inspiration and/or changes in patient state.
Exemplary Stimulation Device
[0022] The techniques described below are intended to be
implemented in connection with any stimulation device that is
configured or configurable to stimulate nerves, stimulate muscle
tissue and/or stimulate and/or shock a patient's heart (e.g.,
myocardial muscle tissue).
[0023] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary stimulation device 100 in
electrical communication with a patient's heart 102 by way of three
leads 104, 106, 108, suitable for delivering multi-chamber
stimulation and shock therapy. The leads 104, 106, 108 are
optionally configurable for delivery of stimulation pulses suitable
for stimulation of nerves (e.g., autonomic nerves, phrenic nerves,
etc.) and/or muscle tissue other than myocardial tissue. In
addition, the device 100 includes a fourth lead 110 having, in this
implementation, three electrodes 144, 144', 144'' suitable for
stimulation of nerves (e.g., autonomic nerves, phrenic nerves,
etc.) and/or muscle and/or detection of other physiologic signals
that may be used by the implanted system to modify stimulation
parameters. The lead 110 may be positioned in and/or near a
patient's heart, near a nerve (e.g., an autonomic nerve, a phrenic
nerve, etc.) or near muscle tissue other than myocardial tissue
within a patient's body and remote from the heart. The right atrial
lead 104, as the name implies, is positioned in and/or passes
through a patient's right atrium. The right atrial lead 104
optionally senses atrial cardiac signals and/or provide right
atrial chamber stimulation therapy. As shown in FIG. 1, the
stimulation device 100 is coupled to an implantable right atrial
lead 104 having, for example, an atrial tip electrode 120, which
typically is implanted in the patient's right atrial appendage. The
lead 104, as shown in FIG. 1, also includes an atrial ring
electrode 121. Of course, the lead 104 may have other electrodes as
well. For example, the right atrial lead optionally includes a
distal bifurcation having electrodes suitable for stimulation of
nerves and/or muscle tissue.
[0024] To sense atrial cardiac signals, ventricular cardiac signals
and/or to provide chamber pacing therapy, particularly on the left
side of a patient's heart, the stimulation device 100 is coupled to
a coronary sinus lead 106 designed for placement in the coronary
sinus and/or tributary veins of the coronary sinus. Thus, the
coronary sinus lead 106 is optionally suitable for positioning at
least one distal electrode adjacent to the left ventricle and/or
additional electrode(s) adjacent to the left atrium. In a normal
heart, tributary veins of the coronary sinus include, but may not
be limited to, the great cardiac vein, the left marginal vein, the
left posterior ventricular vein, the middle cardiac vein, and the
small cardiac vein.
[0025] Accordingly, an exemplary coronary sinus lead 106 is
optionally designed to receive atrial and ventricular cardiac
signals and to deliver left ventricular pacing therapy using, for
example, at least a left ventricular tip electrode 122, left atrial
pacing therapy using at least a left atrial ring electrode 124, and
shocking therapy using at least a left atrial coil electrode 126.
For a complete description of a coronary sinus lead, the reader is
directed to U.S. Pat. No. 5,466,254, "Coronary Sinus Lead with
Atrial Sensing Capability" (Helland), which is incorporated herein
by reference. The coronary sinus lead 106 further optionally
includes electrodes for stimulation of autonomic nerves, other
nerves and/or tissue. Such a lead may include cardiac pacing, nerve
and/or muscle stimulation functionality and may further include
bifurcations or legs. For example, an exemplary coronary sinus lead
includes pacing electrodes capable of delivering pacing pulses to a
patient's left ventricle and at least one electrode capable of
stimulating a nerve (e.g., autonomic nerve, a phrenic nerve, etc.)
and/or other tissue.
[0026] The stimulation device 100 is also shown in electrical
communication with the patient's heart 102 by way of an implantable
right ventricular lead 108 having, in this exemplary
implementation, a right ventricular tip electrode 128, a right
ventricular ring electrode 130, a right ventricular (RV) coil
electrode 132, and an SVC coil electrode 134. Typically, the right
ventricular lead 108 is transvenously inserted into the heart 102
to place the right ventricular tip electrode 128 in the right
ventricular apex so that the RV coil electrode 132 will be
positioned in the right ventricle and the SVC coil electrode 134
will be positioned in the superior vena cava. Accordingly, the
right ventricular lead 108 is capable of sensing or receiving
cardiac signals, and delivering stimulation in the form of pacing
and shock therapy to the right ventricle. An exemplary right
ventricular lead may also include at least one electrode capable of
stimulating a nerve and/or other tissue; such an electrode may be
positioned on the lead or a bifurcation or leg of the lead. For
example, an exemplary right ventricular lead includes pacing
electrodes capable of delivering pacing pulses to a patient's left
ventricle and at least one electrode capable of stimulating a nerve
(e.g., autonomic nerve, a phrenic nerve, etc.) and/or other
tissue.
[0027] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary, simplified block diagram
depicting various components of stimulation device 100. The
stimulation device 100 can be capable of treating both fast and
slow arrhythmias with stimulation therapy, including cardioversion,
defibrillation, and pacing stimulation. The stimulation device can
be solely or further capable of delivering stimuli to nerves (e.g.,
autonomic nerves, phrenic nerves, etc.) and/or muscle tissues.
While a particular multi-chamber device is shown, it is to be
appreciated and understood that this is done for illustration
purposes only. Thus, the techniques and methods described below can
be implemented in connection with any suitably configured or
configurable stimulation device. Accordingly, one of skill in the
art could readily duplicate, eliminate, or disable the appropriate
circuitry in any desired combination to provide a device capable of
treating the appropriate chamber(s) or regions of a patient's heart
with cardioversion, defibrillation, pacing stimulation, and/or
autonomic nerve stimulation and/or treating respiratory issues via
cardiac, nerve and/or muscle stimulation.
[0028] Housing 200 for stimulation device 100 is often referred to
as the "can", "case" or "case electrode", and may be programmably
selected to act as the return electrode for all "unipolar" modes.
Housing 200 may further be used as a return electrode alone or in
combination with one or more of the coil electrodes 126, 132 and
134 for shocking purposes. Housing 200 further includes a connector
(not shown) having a plurality of terminals 201, 202, 204, 206,
208, 212, 214, 216, 218, 221 (shown schematically and, for
convenience, the names of the electrodes to which they are
connected are shown next to the terminals).
[0029] To achieve right atrial sensing, pacing and/or autonomic
stimulation, the connector includes at least a right atrial tip
terminal (AR TIP) 202 adapted for connection to the atrial tip
electrode 120. A right atrial ring terminal (A.sub.R RING) 201 is
also shown, which is adapted for connection to the atrial ring
electrode 121. To achieve left chamber sensing, pacing, shocking,
and/or autonomic stimulation, the connector includes at least a
left ventricular tip terminal (V.sub.L TIP) 204, a left atrial ring
terminal (A.sub.L RING) 206, and a left atrial shocking terminal
(A.sub.L COIL) 208, which are adapted for connection to the left
ventricular tip electrode 122, the left atrial ring electrode 124,
and the left atrial coil electrode 126, respectively. Connection to
suitable nerve and/or muscle stimulation electrodes is also
possible via these and/or other terminals (e.g., via a stimulation
terminal S ELEC 221).
[0030] To support right chamber sensing, pacing, shocking, and/or
autonomic nerve stimulation, the connector further includes a right
ventricular tip terminal (V.sub.R TIP) 212, a right ventricular
ring terminal (V.sub.R RING) 214, a right ventricular shocking
terminal (RV COIL) 216, and a superior vena cava shocking terminal
(SVC COIL) 218, which are adapted for connection to the right
ventricular tip electrode 128, right ventricular ring electrode
130, the RV coil electrode 132, and the SVC coil electrode 134,
respectively. Connection to suitable nerve and/or muscle
stimulation electrodes is also possible via these and/or other
terminals (e.g., via the stimulation terminal S ELEC 221).
[0031] At the core of the stimulation device 100 is a programmable
microcontroller 220 that controls the various modes of stimulation
therapy. As is well known in the art, microcontroller 220 typically
includes a microprocessor, or equivalent control circuitry,
designed specifically for controlling the delivery of stimulation
therapy, and may further include RAM or ROM memory, logic and
timing circuitry, state machine circuitry, and I/O circuitry.
Typically, microcontroller 220 includes the ability to process or
monitor input signals (data or information) as controlled by a
program code stored in a designated block of memory. The type of
microcontroller is not critical to the described implementations.
Rather, any suitable microcontroller 220 may be used that carries
out the functions described herein. The use of microprocessor-based
control circuits for performing timing and data analysis functions
are well known in the art.
[0032] Representative types of control circuitry that may be used
in connection with the described embodiments can include the
microprocessor-based control system of U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,052
(Mann et al.), the state-machine of U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,555
(Thornander et al.) and U.S. Pat. No. 4,944,298 (Sholder), all of
which are incorporated by reference herein. For a more detailed
description of the various timing intervals used within the
stimulation device and their inter-relationship, see U.S. Pat. No.
4,788,980 (Mann et al.), also incorporated herein by reference.
[0033] FIG. 2 also shows an atrial pulse generator 222 and a
ventricular pulse generator 224 that generate pacing stimulation
pulses for delivery by the right atrial lead 104, the coronary
sinus lead 106, and/or the right ventricular lead 108 via an
electrode configuration switch 226. It is understood that in order
to provide stimulation therapy in each of the four chambers of the
heart (or to nerves and/or other muscle tissue) the atrial and
ventricular pulse generators, 222 and 224, may include dedicated,
independent pulse generators, multiplexed pulse generators, or
shared pulse generators. The pulse generators 222 and 224 are
controlled by the microcontroller 220 via appropriate control
signals 228 and 230, respectively, to trigger or inhibit the
stimulation pulses.
[0034] Microcontroller 220 further includes timing control
circuitry 232 to control the timing of the stimulation pulses
(e.g., pacing rate, atrio-ventricular (AV) delay, interatrial
conduction (A-A) delay, or interventricular conduction (V-V) delay,
etc.) as well as to keep track of the timing of refractory periods,
blanking intervals, noise detection windows, evoked response
windows, alert intervals, marker channel timing, etc., which is
well known in the art.
[0035] Microcontroller 220 further includes, for example, an
arrhythmia detector 234, a morphology discrimination module 236, a
capture detection and/or autosensitivity module 237, a minute
ventilation (MV) response module 238 and a respiratory analysis
and/or response module 239. These components can be utilized by the
stimulation device 100 for determining desirable times to
administer various therapies. The aforementioned components may be
implemented in hardware as part of the microcontroller 220, or as
software/firmware instructions programmed into the device and
executed on the microcontroller 220 during certain modes of
operation. Various exemplary methods described herein are
optionally implemented as logic, which may be embodied in software
and/or hardware.
[0036] The electronic configuration switch 226 includes a plurality
of switches for connecting the desired electrodes to the
appropriate I/O circuits, thereby providing complete electrode
programmability. Accordingly, switch 226, in response to a control
signal 242 from the microcontroller 220, determines the polarity of
the stimulation pulses (e.g., unipolar, bipolar, etc.) by
selectively closing the appropriate combination of switches (not
shown) as is known in the art.
[0037] Atrial sensing circuits 244 and ventricular sensing circuits
246 may also be selectively coupled to the right atrial lead 104,
coronary sinus lead 106, and the right ventricular lead 108,
through the switch 226 for detecting the presence of cardiac
activity in each of the four chambers of the heart. Accordingly,
the atrial (ATR. SENSE) and ventricular (VTR. SENSE) sensing
circuits, 244 and 246, may include dedicated sense amplifiers,
multiplexed amplifiers, or shared amplifiers. Switch 226 determines
the "sensing polarity" of the cardiac signal by selectively closing
the appropriate switches, as is also known in the art. In this way,
the clinician may program the sensing polarity independent of the
stimulation polarity. The sensing circuits (e.g., 244 and 246) are
optionally capable of obtaining information indicative of tissue
capture. The sensing circuits 244, 246, via switches, etc., may
also be used to sense information related to respiration (e.g.,
chest movement monitoring, etc.).
[0038] Each sensing circuit 244 and 246 preferably employs one or
more low power, precision amplifiers with programmable gain and/or
automatic gain control, bandpass filtering, and a threshold
detection circuit, as known in the art, to selectively sense the
cardiac signal of interest. The automatic gain control enables the
device 100 to deal effectively with the difficult problem of
sensing the low amplitude signal characteristics of atrial or
ventricular fibrillation.
[0039] The outputs of the atrial and ventricular sensing circuits
244 and 246 are connected to the microcontroller 220, which, in
turn, is able to trigger or inhibit the atrial and ventricular
pulse generators 222 and 224, respectively, in a demand fashion in
response to the absence or presence of cardiac activity in the
appropriate chambers of the heart. Furthermore, as described
herein, the microcontroller 220 is also capable of analyzing
information output from the sensing circuits 244 and 246 and/or the
data acquisition system 252 to determine or detect whether and to
what degree tissue capture has occurred and to program a pulse, or
pulses, in response to such determinations. The sensing circuits
244 and 246, in turn, receive control signals over signal lines 248
and 250 from the microcontroller 220 for purposes of controlling
the gain, threshold, polarization charge removal circuitry (not
shown), and the timing of any blocking circuitry (not shown)
coupled to the inputs of the sensing circuits, 244 and 246, as is
known in the art.
[0040] For arrhythmia detection, the device 100 utilizes the atrial
and ventricular sensing circuits, 244 and 246, to sense cardiac
signals to determine whether a rhythm is physiologic or pathologic.
Other features for arrhythmia detection, confirmation, etc. are
discussed below and may be suitable as appropriate. In reference to
arrhythmias, as used herein, "sensing" is reserved for the noting
of an electrical signal or obtaining data (information), and
"detection" is the processing (analysis) of these sensed signals
and noting the presence of an arrhythmia. The timing intervals
between sensed events (e.g., P-waves, R-waves, and depolarization
signals associated with fibrillation which are sometimes referred
to as "F-waves" or "Fib-waves") are then classified by the
arrhythmia detector 234 of the microcontroller 220 by comparing
them to a predefined rate zone limit (i.e., bradycardia, normal,
low rate VT, high rate VT, and fibrillation rate zones) and various
other characteristics (e.g., sudden onset, stability, physiologic
sensors, and morphology, etc.) in order to determine the type of
remedial therapy that is needed (e.g., bradycardia pacing,
anti-tachycardia pacing, cardioversion shocks or defibrillation
shocks, collectively referred to as "tiered therapy"). Similar
rules can be applied to the atrial channel to determine if there is
an atrial tachyarrhythmia or atrial fibrillation with appropriate
classification and intervention.
[0041] Nerve, muscle and/or cardiac signals are also optionally
applied to inputs of an analog-to-digital (A/D) data acquisition
system 252. The data acquisition system 252 is, for example,
configured to acquire intracardiac electrogram signals, convert the
raw analog data into a digital signal, and store the digital
signals for later processing and/or telemetric transmission to an
external device 254. The data acquisition system 252 is coupled to
the right atrial lead 104, the coronary sinus lead 106, the right
ventricular lead 108 and/or the nerve and/or muscle stimulation
lead through the switch 226 to sample signals across any of desired
electrode (e.g., unipolar) or electrodes (e.g., multipolar).
[0042] The microcontroller 220 is further coupled to a memory 260
by a suitable data/address bus 262, wherein the programmable
operating parameters used by the microcontroller 220 are stored and
modified, as required, in order to customize the operation of the
stimulation device 100 to suit the needs of a particular patient.
Such operating parameters define, for example, pacing pulse
amplitude, pulse duration, electrode polarity, rate, sensitivity,
automatic features, arrhythmia detection criteria, and the
amplitude, waveshape, number of pulses, and vector of each shocking
pulse to be delivered to the patient's heart 102 within each
respective tier of therapy. One feature of the described
embodiments is the ability to sense and store a relatively large
amount of data (e.g., from the data acquisition system 252), which
data may then be used for subsequent analysis to guide the
programming of the device.
[0043] Advantageously, the operating parameters of the implantable
device 100 may be non-invasively programmed into the memory 260
through a telemetry circuit 264 in telemetric communication via
communication link 266 with the external device 254, such as a
programmer, transtelephonic transceiver, or a diagnostic system
analyzer. The microcontroller 220 activates the telemetry circuit
264 with a control signal 268. The telemetry circuit 264
advantageously allows intracardiac electrograms and status
information relating to the operation of the device 100 (as
contained in the microcontroller 220 or memory 260) to be sent to
the external device 254 through an established communication link
266.
[0044] The stimulation device 100 can further includes one or more
physiologic sensors 270. For example, a physiologic sensor commonly
referred to as a "rate-responsive" sensor is optionally included
and used to adjust pacing stimulation rate according to the
exercise state of the patient. However, one or more of the
physiologic sensors 270 may further be used to detect changes in
cardiac output (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,314,323, entitled "Heart
stimulator determining cardiac output, by measuring the systolic
pressure, for controlling the stimulation", to Ekwall, issued Nov.
6, 2001, which discusses a pressure sensor adapted to sense
pressure in a right ventricle and to generate an electrical
pressure signal corresponding to the sensed pressure, an integrator
supplied with the pressure signal which integrates the pressure
signal between a start time and a stop time to produce an
integration result that corresponds to cardiac output), changes in
the physiological condition of the heart, diurnal changes in
activity (e.g., detecting sleep and wake states), etc. Accordingly,
the microcontroller 220 responds by adjusting the various pacing
parameters (such as rate, AV Delay, V-V Delay, etc.) at which the
atrial and ventricular pulse generators, 222 and 224, generate
stimulation pulses.
[0045] While shown as being included within the stimulation device
100, it is to be understood that the one or more physiologic
sensors 270 may also be external to the stimulation device 100, yet
still be implanted within or carried by the patient.
[0046] In particular, the one or more physiologic sensors 270
optionally include a position and/or movement sensor mounted within
the housing 200 of the stimulation device 100 to detect movement in
the patient's position or the patient's position. Such a sensor may
operate in conjunction with a position and/or movement analysis
module (e.g., executable in conjunction with the microcontroller
220). The position and/or movement sensor may be implemented in
many ways. In one particular implementation, the position sensor is
implemented as an accelerometer-based sensor capable of measuring
acceleration, position, etc. For example, such a sensor may be
capable of measuring dynamic acceleration and/or static
acceleration. In general, movement of the patient will result in a
signal from the accelerometer. For example, such an
accelerometer-based sensor can provide a signal to the
microcontroller 220 that can be processed to indicate that the
patient is undergoing heightened physical exertion, moving
directionally upwards or downwards, etc.
[0047] Further, depending on position of the implanted device and
such a movement sensor, the sensor may measure or monitor chest
movement indicative of respiratory characteristics. For example,
for a typical implant in the upper chest, upon inspiration, the
upper chest expands thereby causing the implanted device to move.
Accordingly, upon expiration, the contraction of the upper chest
causes the device to move again. Such a movement sensor may sense
information capable of distinguishing whether a patient is
horizontal, vertical, etc.
[0048] While respiratory information may be obtained via the one or
more physiologic sensors 270, the aforementioned minute ventilation
(MV) sensor 238 may sense respiratory information related to minute
ventilation, which is defined as the total volume of air that moves
in and out of a patient's lungs in a minute. A typical MV sensor
uses thoracic impedance, which is a measure of impedance across the
chest cavity wherein lungs filled with air have higher impedance
than empty lungs. Thus, upon inhalation, impedance increases;
whereas upon exhalation, impedance decreases. Of course, a thoracic
impedance may be used to determine tidal volume or measures other
than minute ventilation.
[0049] With respect to impedance measurement electrode
configurations, a right ventricular tip electrode and case
electrode may provide current while a right ventricular ring
electrode and case electrode may allow for potential sensing. Of
course, other configurations and/or arrangements may be used to
acquire measurements over other paths (e.g., a superior-inferior
path and a left-right path, etc.). Multiple measurements may be
used wherein each measurement has a corresponding path.
[0050] Direct measurement of phrenic nerve activity may be achieved
using a cuff or other suitable electrode appropriately positioned
in relationship to a phrenic nerve. For example, a cuff electrode
substantially surrounding the right phrenic nerve in the thoracic
cavity can detect signals indicative of intrinsic respiratory drive
(at least to the right hemidiaphragm). Such signals are typically
of amplitude measured in microvolts (e.g., less than approximately
30 microvolts). Sensing may be coordinated with other events,
whether natural event or events related to some form of stimulation
therapy. As discussed herein, some degree of synchronization may
occur between calling for and/or delivering stimulation for
diaphragm activation and sensing of neural activity and/or other
indicators of respiration and, in particular, inspiration.
[0051] While respiratory characteristics are optionally measured
with a signal such as a thoracic impedance signal, alternatively or
in addition to, central respiratory drive is optionally determined
via sensing of phrenic nerve activity. In one example, phrenic
nerve (e.g., right and/or left phrenic nerve) activity is sensed
using one or more electrodes on or proximate to the phrenic nerve.
In another example, diaphragmatic myopotentials are sensed (e.g.,
EMG, etc.) using one or more electrodes on or proximate to the
diaphragm. Plethysmography may be used in measuring any of a
variety of variables that related to respiration.
[0052] Other means for detection include measuring the
intrathoracic pressure associated with respiration or from stress
and/or strain gauges measuring changes in the dimensions of the
thoracic cavity including the lungs. Respiratory information may
also be inferred by sensing information that relates to mechanisms
altered by respiration. For example, body chemistry varies in
response to respiration. Hence, chemical parameters such as tissue
or blood pH, PCO.sub.2, O.sub.2, PO.sub.2 may be sensed and either
used to infer, confirm and/or augment other respiratory
information.
[0053] Signals generated by the one or more physiologic sensors 270
and/or the MV sensor 238 or impedance sensor are optionally
processed by the microcontroller 220 in determining whether to
apply one or more therapies.
[0054] More specifically, with respect to a movement sensor, the
microcontroller 220 may receive a signal from an
accelerometer-based sensor that may be processed to produce an
acceleration component along a vertical axis (i.e., z-axis signal).
This acceleration component may be used to determine whether there
is an increased or decreased level of activity in the patient, etc.
The microcontroller 220 optionally integrates such a signal over
time to produce a velocity component along the vertical direction.
The vertical velocity may be used to determine a patient's
position/activity aspects as well, such as whether the patient is
going upstairs or downstairs. If the patient is going upstairs, the
microcontroller 220 may increase the pacing rate or invoke an
orthostatic compensator to apply a prescribed stimulation therapy,
especially at the onset. If the patient is traversing downstairs,
the device might decrease a pacing rate or perhaps invoke the MV
response module to control one or more therapies during the
descent. The MV response module may provide information to be used
in determining a suitable pacing rate by, for example, measuring
the thoracic impedance from the MV sensor 238, computing the
current MV, and comparing that with a long-term average of MV. As
described herein, MV information and/or other sensed information
may be used to determine an appropriate respiratory therapy.
[0055] The microcontroller 220 can also monitor one or more of the
sensor signals for any indication that the patient has moved from a
supine position to a prone or upright position. For example, the
integrated velocity signal computed from the vertical acceleration
component of the sensor data may be used to determine that the
patient has just stood up from a chair or sat up in bed. A sudden
change in the vertical signal (e.g., a positive change in a
direction normal to the surface of the earth), particularly
following a prolonged period with little activity while the patient
is sleeping or resting, confirms that a posture-changing event
occurred. The microcontroller 220 optionally uses this information
as one potential condition for deciding whether to invoke, for
example, an orthostatic compensator to apply cardiac pacing therapy
for treating orthostatic hypotension. Other uses are described in
more detail below.
[0056] While a two-axis accelerometer may adequately detect tilt
with respect to acceleration of gravity, the exemplary stimulation
device 100 may also or alternatively be equipped with a GMR (giant
magnetoresistance) sensor and circuitry that detects the earth's
magnetic fields. Such a GMR sensor and circuitry may be used to
ascertain absolute orientation coordinates based on the earth's
magnetic fields. The device is thus able to discern a true vertical
direction regardless of the patient's position (i.e., whether the
patient is lying down or standing up). Where three-axes are
measured by various sensors, coordinates may then be taken relative
to the absolute orientation coordinates from the GMR. For instance,
as a person sits up, the axial coordinates of an
accelerometer-based sensor might change by 90.degree., but the
sensor signals may be calibrated as to the true vertical direction
based on the output of a GMR sensor and circuitry.
[0057] The stimulation device additionally includes a battery 276
that provides operating power to all of the circuits shown in FIG.
2. For the stimulation device 100, which employs shocking therapy,
the battery 276 is capable of operating at low current drains for
long periods of time (e.g., preferably less than 10 .mu.A), and is
capable of providing high-current pulses (for capacitor charging)
when the patient requires a shock pulse (e.g., preferably, in
excess of 2 A, at voltages above 200 V, for periods of 10 seconds
or more). The battery 276 also desirably has a predictable
discharge characteristic so that elective replacement time can be
detected.
[0058] The stimulation device 100 can further include magnet
detection circuitry (not shown), coupled to the microcontroller
220, to detect when a magnet is placed over the stimulation device
100. A magnet may be used by a clinician to perform various test
functions of the stimulation device 100 and/or to signal the
microcontroller 220 that the external programmer 254 is in place to
receive or transmit data to the microcontroller 220 through the
telemetry circuits 264.
[0059] The stimulation device 100 further includes an impedance
measuring circuit 278 that is enabled by the microcontroller 220
via a control signal 280. The known uses for an impedance measuring
circuit 278 include, but are not limited to, lead impedance
surveillance during the acute and chronic phases for proper lead
positioning or dislodgement; detecting operable electrodes and
automatically switching to an operable pair if dislodgement occurs;
measuring respiration rate and/or tidal volume; measuring thoracic
or other impedances for determining shock or other thresholds;
detecting when the device has been implanted; measuring stroke
volume; and detecting the opening of heart valves, etc. The
impedance measuring circuit 278 is advantageously coupled to the
switch 226 so that any desired electrode may be used.
[0060] The impedance measuring circuit 278 may also measure
impedance related to lung inflation. Such a circuit may use a case
electrode, an electrode positioned in or proximate to the heart
and/or another electrode positioned within or proximate to the
chest cavity. Various exemplary methods described below rely on
impedance measurements to determine lung inflation and/or
optionally inspiratory vagal excitation, which can inhibit
excitatory signals to various muscles (e.g., diaphragm, external
intercostals, etc.).
[0061] In the case where the stimulation device 100 is intended to
operate as an implantable cardioverter/defibrillator (ICD) device,
it detects the occurrence of an arrhythmia, and automatically
applies an appropriate therapy to the heart aimed at terminating
the detected arrhythmia. To this end, the microcontroller 220
further controls a shocking circuit 282 by way of a control signal
284. The shocking circuit 282 generates shocking pulses of low
(e.g., up to 0.5 J), moderate (e.g., 0.5 J to 10 J), or high energy
(e.g., 11 J to 40 J), as controlled by the microcontroller 220.
Such shocking pulses are applied to the patient's heart 102 through
at least two shocking electrodes, and as shown in this embodiment,
selected from the left atrial coil electrode 126, the RV coil
electrode 132, and/or the SVC coil electrode 134. As noted above,
the housing 200 may act as an active electrode in combination with
the RV electrode 132, or as part of a split electrical vector using
the SVC coil electrode 134 or the left atrial coil electrode 126
(i.e., using the RV electrode as a common electrode).
[0062] Cardioversion level shocks are generally considered to be of
low to moderate energy level (so as to minimize pain felt by the
patient), and/or synchronized with an R-wave and/or pertaining to
the treatment of tachycardia. Defibrillation shocks are generally
of moderate to high energy level (i.e., corresponding to thresholds
in the range of approximately 5 J to 40 J), delivered
asynchronously (since R-waves may be too disorganized), and
pertaining exclusively to the treatment of fibrillation.
Accordingly, the microcontroller 220 is capable of controlling the
synchronous or asynchronous delivery of the shocking pulses.
[0063] As already mentioned, the device 100 of FIGS. 1 and 2 has
features suitable to call for and/or deliver appropriate diaphragm
activation. With respect to calling for diaphragm activation, the
respiratory analysis module 239 may be used and with respect to
delivery, any of the various pulse generators, electrodes, etc.,
may be used. In general, diaphragm activation involves direct or
indirect phrenic nerve stimulation, transvenous phrenic nerve
stimulation and/or direct or indirect diaphragm muscle
stimulation.
[0064] Direct phrenic nerve stimulation uses one or more electrodes
or poles (e.g., magnetic stimulation) in close proximity (e.g.,
typically in contact with) to a phrenic nerve. Such electrodes or
poles may be positioned in the cervical region or other regions of
the phrenic nerves which may be superior to the heart, proximate to
the heart and/or inferior to the heart, noting that such
positioning and/or stimulating may consider risk of parasitic or
inadvertent cardiac activation.
[0065] Transvenous phrenic nerve stimulation involves positioning
one or more electrode or pole in a vessel proximate to a phrenic
nerve. For example, the right phrenic nerve runs along the intimal
tissue of the superior vena cava and the left phrenic nerve runs
near the innominate vein. In general, stimulation energy and power
for tranvenous stimulation exceeds that of direct phrenic nerve
stimulation. The diaphragm is segmented into approximately two
hemidiaphragms; thus, stimulation of a right phrenic nerve may act
to activate primarily the right hemidiaphragm while stimulation of
a left phrenic nerve may act to activate primarily the left
hemidiaphragm. Various studies indicate that an adequate level of
respiration may be achieved via activation of a single
hemidiaphragm. As described herein, diaphragm activation may
involve right and/or left hemidiaphragm activation.
[0066] Stimulation of the diaphragm from one or more electrodes or
poles positioned proximate to or in the diaphragm may achieve
adequate respiration for various purposes disclosed herein. In one
example, a pair of electrodes is positioned intramuscularly
proximate to the region where a phrenic nerve innervates a
hemidiaphragm. In this example, stimulation delivered via the pair
of electrodes acts to cause diaphragm activation via nerve and/or
muscle excitation. Various studies indicate that inferior placement
or positioning of electrodes in or on the diaphragm is suitable to
achieve diaphragm activation. Of course, other arrangements may be
used where appropriate. Further, an implantable device capable of
delivering stimulation for diaphragm activation may be placed
subcutaneously in or near the abdomen in a manner that is less
invasive than that associated with a pectoral pocket implant.
[0067] FIG. 3 shows an approximate anatomical diagram 300 that
includes an implanted stimulation device 100. As shown, the left
vagus nerve 310 and the right vagus nerve 320 innervate the heart
102 and pass proximate to the heart and the left phrenic nerve 330
and the right phrenic nerve 340 pass proximate to the heart
102.
[0068] The implanted stimulation device 100 includes various leads
104, 106, 108, 110, for example, as described with respect to FIG.
1 and FIG. 2. The lead 110 includes an electrode 144 positioned
superior to the heart 102 and proximate to the left phrenic nerve
330, an electrode 144' positioned superior to the heart 102 and
proximate to the left vagus nerve 310, an electrode 144''
positioned posterior to the heart 102 and proximate to the right
vagus nerve 320 and an electrode 144''' positioned lateral to the
heart 102 and proximate to the right phrenic nerve 340. Thus, via
the lead 110, the implanted stimulation device 100 may stimulate
either of the vagus nerves 310, 320 and/or either of the phrenic
nerves 330, 340.
[0069] As shown, the phrenic nerves 330, 340 innervate the
diaphragm 350, which is responsible at least in part for
respiration, while the vagus nerves 310, 320 innervate various
regions of the heart 102 and other regions of the body, noting that
all branches and fibers of the various nerves are not shown. As
described herein, an implantable device, such as the device 100, is
optionally used to activate the diaphragm 350, for example, via
phrenic nerve stimulation, diaphragm stimulation and/or other
tissue stimulation. Artificial diaphragm activation may augment
and/or act as a replacement to intrinsic means of diaphragm
activation. An exemplary method may activate the diaphragm 350
using the lead 110, which optionally includes one or more
electrodes positioned proximate to or on the diaphragm 350.
[0070] The lead 106 of the implanted stimulation device 100 passes
transvenously through the right atrium of the heart 102, through
the coronary sinus ostium, into the coronary sinus vein and into a
surface vein of the heart 102, which is proximate to the left
ventricle. The lead 106 includes a distal electrode 123 positioned
in a vein on an anterior or lateral surface of the heart 102. In
this position, the implanted stimulation device 100 may via the
electrode 123 transvenously stimulate the left phrenic nerve 330.
As shown in this example, the lead 106 also includes an electrode
127 positioned proximate to the coronary sinus ostium and possibly
in the coronary sinus, which traverses the dorsal or posterior
surface of the heart 102. The left vagus nerve 310, as described
herein, include nerve fibers that innervate a region at or near the
position of the electrode 127. This region is sometimes referred to
as a "fat pad" and/or a "subplexus". As described further below,
such subplexes typically include some degree of autonomic
innervation (e.g., sympathetic and/or parasympathetic) which can
affect operation of the heart. The implanted stimulation device 100
can stimulate this subplexus and/or fibers of the left vagus nerve
330 via the electrode 127.
[0071] In general, the phrenic nerves 330, 340 run from above the
subclavian veins and down around the heart 102 (e.g., left and
right side) to the surface of diaphragm 350. Various exemplary
methods optionally include positioning one or more electrodes at a
superior vena cava location and/or a location at right atrial free
wall which may be proximate to the right phrenic nerve 340.
Stimulation at these sites may generate a profound effect on the
phrenic motor nerves that innervate the diaphragm 350 and thereby
modulate breathing.
[0072] Experimental data show that a bipolar electrode positioned
inside SVC was able to stimulate the right phrenic nerve 340 at
thresholds of a minimum of approximately 1 volt. Further, a
suitable pacing threshold was obtained with a tip electrode
directly in contact with a wall of the SVC. To reduce movement of
such an electrode, fixation is possible via use of a basket, a
screw, RF coagulation, etc., which can reduce risk of dislodging
the electrode into the right atrium and right ventricle. For
example, if such an electrode were dislodged to the right atrium or
right ventricle, it could cause inappropriate sensing and possibly
induction of fibrillation via delivery of a phrenic stimulation
pulse train (e.g., approximately 20 Hz, etc.).
[0073] As shown, the left vagus nerve 310 (or nerve bundle) and the
right vagus nerve 320 (or nerve bundle) are part of the Xth cranial
nerve and run from the neck down toward the heart. The right vagus
nerve 320 runs to the posterior side of the SVC and subclavian vein
while the left vagus nerve 310 runs down to the posterior side of
the left atrium. Various exemplary methods optionally achieve vagal
nerve stimulation via transvenous delivery of energy via electrodes
in SVC, subclavian vein, and/or coronary sinus vein.
[0074] Depending on electrode location, stimulation parameters,
etc., some risk may exist for undesirable myocardial stimulation.
Undesirable myocardial stimulation generally includes stimulation
that may interfere with proper operation of the heart. For example,
delivery of stimulation during a vulnerable period may cause
arrhythmia. To avoid undesirable myocardial stimulation and/or to
reduce risk associated with any inadvertent myocardial stimulation
associated with stimulation of a nerve or other tissue, various
exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., include or can implement
timing and/or pacing schemes. For example, an exemplary method
includes synchronizing delivery of a nerve stimulation pulse train
with the action potential refractory period of a myocardium
depolarization, which may be due to a paced and/or an intrinsic
event.
[0075] In various exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc.,
phrenic nerve stimulation optionally includes one or more phrenic
nerve stimulation pulses delivered during a delivery window formed
of a sequence of multiple short pulses applied in rapid succession.
Frequency considerations are discussed further below. In general, a
pulse having a pulse width of approximately 100 .mu.s is well
suited for phrenic nerve stimulation. Pulse widths may fall within
a range of approximately 5 .mu.s to approximately 1000 .mu.s.
[0076] In general, pulse width and number of short pulses are
programmable and may be considered control parameters. Other
control parameters include timing, duration, amplitude, frequency,
etc. In one example, individual short pulses in a pulse train have
a width of approximately 5 .mu.s to approximately 200 .mu.s wherein
the number of pulses in a train may vary as appropriate.
[0077] While the foregoing discussion mentions phrenic nerve
stimulation, the control parameters and concepts may apply to
diaphragm activation in general, whether used to augment or as a
replacement to intrinsic means of diaphragm activation.
[0078] Stimulation for diaphragm activation may use stimulation
waveforms such as monophasic, biphasic or of other phase types. For
example, an exemplary device may use a biphasic pulse that aims to
reduce risk of inappropriate cardiac stimulation. Such a biphasic
pulse or biphasic pulse train may be applied in a delivery window
that lies outside of a vulnerable window (e.g., where a substantial
risk of stimulation induced arrhythmia may exist) and at a time
when cardiac stimulation is not desired or desirable. Thus, various
exemplary devices, methods, systems, etc., may use pulses that
activate the diaphragm only, use pulses that stimulate the heart
and activate the diaphragm, use pulses that activate the diaphragm
and stimulate a vagal nerve and/or use pulses that activate the
diaphragm and stimulate a vagal nerve and the heart. Of course, an
exemplary device may have an ability to deliver pulses that
stimulate the heart only. Pulse phase, delivery location, timing,
duration, energy, phase, etc., may be used as parameters to avoid
or to promote diaphragm activation and/or stimulation of a vagus
nerve and/or myocardium.
[0079] FIG. 4 shows a plot 400 of inspiratory flow versus time for
inspiration due to intrinsic respiration (e.g., intrinsic
activation of the diaphragm) and for inspiration due to applied
diaphragm activation. According to the plot 400, intrinsic
respiration results in a normal inspiration pattern having a late
flow peak whereas the particular form of applied diaphragm
activation results in an inspiration pattern having an early flow
peak. While the data presented in the plot 400 are only examples,
as actual intrinsic or applied stimulation patterns may differ,
they serve to exhibit typical differences between intrinsic
respiration and respiration associated with applied diaphragm
activation.
[0080] In the applied activation case, flow increases fairly
dramatically after delivery of stimulation. If the upper airway has
insufficient patency during this period of increasing flow, the
upper airway may collapse. Some studies have identified the
oro-pharynx region as the most likely site of airway collapse
because of a lack of support by rigid cartilaginous or bony
structures such as those present in nasal and laryngeal airways.
For example, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients frequently
experience airway collapse in the pharyngeal region. OSA is
typically associated with normal intrinsic phrenic nerve
stimulation and inadequate airway patency, which may be due to
excessive tissue around the airway. In contrast to obstructive
sleep apnea, central sleep apnea (CSA) is mainly due to an
instability of the breathing control system. More specifically, CSA
is a breathing disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of
central hypopneas or apneas and hyperventilation, which as
described by Cheyne and Stokes, may show a crescendo-decrescendo
pattern of respiration. Cheyne-Stokes-Respiration (CSR) or periodic
breathing is often associated with heart failure and neurological
disorders especially those involving the brainstem (see, e.g.,
Wisskirchen et al., "Central sleep apnea syndrome and Cheyne-Stokes
respiration," Ther Umsch. 2000 July; 57(7):458-62).
[0081] While the plot 400 shows data for inspiration, knowledge of
characteristics of the expiratory part of the respiratory cycle
(i.e., expiration) may also be of benefit for applied diaphragm
activation. For example, in normal respiration, during early
expiration, laryngeal width is typically low while pharyngeal
cross-sectional area is typically at a cycle maximum. As expiration
continues, an increase typically occurs in laryngeal width and, at
the end of expiration, a drop occurs in the pharyngeal
cross-sectional area. As such, changes in pharyngeal and/or
laryngeal caliber as expiration progresses may possibly be used to
determine airway patency for a subsequent inspiration. Further,
some degree of applied diaphragm activation may allow for an
examination of characteristics of airway patency, which, in turn,
may be used to deliver appropriate stimulation for diaphragm
activation.
[0082] While some exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc.,
optionally include sensing or monitoring that can detect airway
patency or a lack thereof, various exemplary methods, devices,
systems, etc., include respiratory control (e.g., inspiratory
control and/or expiratory control) that relies on a learned
respiratory pattern, a programmed respiratory pattern and/or
feedback of sensed respiration. Such exemplary methods, devices,
systems, etc., aim to mimic intrinsic respiratory patterns,
optionally in a manner that prevents or reduces risk of airway
collapse.
[0083] FIG. 5 shows exemplary scenarios 500 in a series of plots
510, 520. The plot 510 includes data for inspiratory flow versus
time and the plot 520 includes corresponding data for lung volume
versus time. The two plots 510, 520 include data for intrinsic
inspiration, applied diaphragm activation using (a) phrenic nerve
stimulation at approximately 40 Hz and approximately 1V, (b)
applied phrenic nerve stimulation at approximately 20 Hz to
approximately 40 Hz and approximately 1V, and (c) applied phrenic
nerve stimulation at approximately 10 Hz to approximately 40 Hz and
approximately 1V.
[0084] According to the data of the two plots 510, 520, some degree
of error exists between intrinsic inspiration data and applied
diaphragm activation inspiration data. In particular, the plot 520
indicates that the error between the lung volume data for intrinsic
inspiration and the lung volume data for inspiration for applied
diaphragm activation via phrenic nerve stimulation is at a minimum
for applied phrenic nerve stimulation parameters of approximately
10 Hz to approximately 40 Hz and approximately 1V. Thus, error
between intrinsic inspiration and inspiration due at least in part
to applied diaphragm activation can be controlled via stimulation
parameters such as frequency, etc.
[0085] As described herein, an exemplary method may include
controlling inspiration for a set number of inspirations using a
closed-loop controller that relies on one or more adjustable
stimulation parameters, recording values for the one or more
adjustable parameters, determining an average value for each of the
one or more adjustable parameters and controlling inspiration based
at least in part on the average value for each of the one or more
adjustable parameters. Such an exemplary method optionally uses
stimulation that includes a waveform having a plurality of
frequency components and where each of the frequency components
optionally has a frequency greater than approximately 1 Hz and/or
less than approximately 50 Hz.
[0086] FIG. 6 shows an exemplary closed-loop control method, device
and/or system 600. For example, as an exemplary closed-loop method
610, sensing 612, determining 616 and generating 620 functions
occur that aim to control respiration of a patient 640; as an
exemplary device 610, sensed information 612 (e.g., an input, a
sensor, etc.), control logic 616 (e.g., operable using hardware
and/or software) and a pulse generator 620 can operate to control
respiration; and, as an exemplary system 610, sensed information
612 acquired using one or more local or remote sensors, control
logic 616 including local or remote hardware and/or software, and a
pulse generator 616 that includes one or more leads and/or
electrodes capable of delivering stimulation to a nerve, a muscle,
etc., operate to control respiration. As shown, the block 610
operates in conjunction with a patient 640 wherein the pulse
generator 620 aims to activate the diaphragm via stimulation of a
phrenic nerve and/or the diaphragm 644, which, in turn, causes a
respiratory response 648. In general, sensed information 612 stems
from the respiratory response 648 or lack thereof. Hence, feedback
or closed-loop control of respiration (e.g., inspiration and/or
expiration, etc.) is achieved.
[0087] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary function 700 of voltage versus
frequency. The exemplary function 700 exists in a parameter space
that includes at least voltage and frequency. Of course, in other
examples, a function may depend on current, power, duty cycle,
pulse width, etc., in addition to or as alternatives to voltage
and/or frequency. Further, a function may depend on time,
respiratory patterns, patient activity, etc.
[0088] The exemplary function 700 is typically at least a part of
control logic that determines one or more pulse generation or
stimulation parameters, for example, based on sensed information,
programmed information, etc. The particular function shows four
points P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3 and P.sub.4, which depend on
frequency and voltage. The four points lie within a parameter space
defined by a minimum voltage, a minimum frequency, a maximum
voltage, and a maximum frequency. The four points of the function
lie within a subspace defined by a lower voltage (V.sub.L), a lower
frequency (F.sub.L), an upper voltage (V.sub.U), and an upper
frequency (F.sub.U). In one example, all four points are used to
generate stimulation whereas in another example, a progression
occurs to cause inspiration wherein P.sub.1, P.sub.2, P.sub.3 and
P.sub.4 represent an event-dependent (e.g., time or other event)
sequence of stimulation parameters that are used over the course of
stimulation.
[0089] FIG. 8 shows a representation of stimulation waveforms 800
for the example where all four points are used to generate
stimulation. A first waveform corresponds to P.sub.1 (e.g., having
a high voltage and a low frequency), a second waveform corresponds
to P.sub.2, a third waveform corresponds to P.sub.3, a fourth
waveform corresponds to P.sub.4 (e.g., having a low voltage and a
high frequency) and a fifth waveform P.sub.New corresponds to a new
waveform that may depend to some extent on another waveform (e.g.,
a prior waveform).
[0090] With respect to the data presented in FIG. 5, the four
points P.sub.1-P.sub.4 optionally correspond to frequencies ranging
from approximately 10 Hz to approximately 40 Hz. This particular
combination of frequencies has been shown to be capable of
achieving inspiratory flow and lung volume over time that mimics
intrinsic inspiration. Accordingly, an exemplary method includes
determining a combination of stimulation frequencies that aim to
achieve a desired respiratory response. Control logic for making
such a determination optionally includes programmed information
based on previous stimulation results performed by an implanted
device and/or previous stimulation results performed through use of
some other type of stimulation device (e.g., external, partially
external, etc.).
[0091] An exemplary method may rely on error between inspiration
due to applied diaphragm activation and a desired inspiration
profile (e.g., model, measured, etc.). With respect to the
waveforms P.sub.1-P.sub.4 of FIG. 8, each may have a corresponding
error: .epsilon..sub.1-.epsilon..sub.4. Such an exemplary method
may rely on the following equation (Eqn. 1) in arriving at
P.sub.New: P.sub.New(F.sub.N,
V.sub.N)=.SIGMA.[.epsilon..sub.i.sup.-1*P.sub.i(F.sub.i,
V.sub.i)]/.SIGMA..epsilon..sub.i.sup.-1 (1) According to Eqn. 1,
the index "i" may vary as appropriate where i>1. Other manners
of accounting for error may be used to arrive at a new parameter or
parameters for diaphragm activation.
[0092] An exemplary method may detect error between a measured and
an "ideal" impedance profile and then rely on such error to improve
respiration by adaptively adjusting one or more stimulation
parameters. Errors are optionally recorded with respect to time and
forgetting factors are optionally used to weight errors.
[0093] FIG. 9 shows an exemplary function 900 of frequency and
voltage with respect to time. In this example, the various points
may vary with respect to time, for example, in response to sensed
information related to respiration. If an analysis of sensed
information determines that more inspiratory flow, lung volume,
etc., is desired, then one or more of the points may increase in
voltage and/or frequency, as illustrated by an arrow labeled
"more". Whereas, if such an analysis determines that less
inspiratory flow, lung volume, etc., is desired, then one or more
of the points may decrease in voltage and/or frequency, as
illustrated by an arrow labeled "less". Of course, to achieve a
desired level of inspiration, one or more points may increase while
one or more other points decrease in frequency and/or voltage.
[0094] FIG. 10 shows various exemplary functions 1000 of frequency
and voltage with respect to time and/or activity. For example, the
four functions may correspond to four different activities, such as
sleep (A.sub.4), sitting (A.sub.3), standing (A.sub.2) and
exercising (A.sub.1). Hence, an exemplary implantable device
optionally includes one or more stimulation functions wherein each
function corresponds to a different activity state of a patient.
The four functions are shown along with exemplary mid-points 0.5
T.sub.I, where T.sub.I is an inspiration time for a corresponding
function or activity. Functions for activities A.sub.1 and A.sub.2
indicate an increase in duty cycle and/or power over inspiration
time while the function for activity A.sub.3 indicates a decrease
in duty cycle and/or power over inspiration time. The function for
activity A.sub.4 indicates stimulation parameters calling for a
maximum in duty cycle and/or power at approximately 0.5 T.sub.I.
Thus, in the exemplary functions 1000, stimulation optionally has a
single frequency value and/or a single voltage value at any given
point in time during stimulation assisted inspiration.
[0095] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary control function 1100 for control
of respiration (e.g., inspiration). The exemplary function 1100
traces a voltage and frequency path with respect to time. A solid
line represents an average path or set of parameters achieved via
feedback control or closed-loop control of inspiration. For
example, the average path may represent an average of a selected
number of controlled inspirations (e.g., 2, 7, 20, etc.). A
statistical analysis may further determine paths representing upper
and/or lower limits, based on standard deviations, etc. Over some
period of time and/or number of controlled inspirations, an
envelope of "normal" paths may be determined and if a deviant path
occurs, this event may be registered in memory of an implantable
device to indicate a potential change in patient state. Such a
change in state may be a health related state, an activity state,
etc. As such, feedback or closed-loop control may be used to
indicate changes in patient state.
[0096] FIG. 12 shows an exemplary control scheme 1200. A plot 1210
of lung volume versus time includes an intrinsic target, an
alternative intrinsic target and a control result. According to
such an exemplary scheme, lung volume may be acquired through use
of a sensor (e.g., impedance, etc.) that provides sensed
information related to lung volume. The intrinsic target and the
alternative intrinsic target paths optionally correspond to
different activity states for a given patient. Control logic
optionally includes one or more targets such as an intrinsic target
which may be used in a control logic algorithm (e.g., proportional,
integral, derivative, etc.).
[0097] According to a plot 1220 of change in power (or frequency
and/or voltage) versus time, sensed information is used by control
logic to determine a deviation between current lung volume and a
desired target lung volume, and, in turn, an appropriate adjustment
to one or more stimulation parameters (e.g., frequency, power,
voltage, etc.). The plot 1220 shows various changes in stimulation
power that aim to reduce error between a control result and an
intrinsic target, as illustrated by the control result and the
intrinsic target of the plot 1210.
[0098] In accordance with the example of FIG. 12, an exemplary
method includes controlling inspiration for a set number of
inspirations using a closed-loop controller that relies on one or
more adjustable stimulation parameters, recording values for the
one or more adjustable parameters, determining an average value for
each of the one or more adjustable parameters, and controlling
inspiration based at least in part on the average value for each of
the one or more adjustable parameters. Such an exemplary method
optionally relies on a forgetting factor or a moving average to
control inspiration. For example, such an exemplary method may
update an average on a first in, first out basis (FIFO) wherein the
average is based on a set number of controlled inspirations. In
another example, a forgetting factor is used that weighs more
recent data more heavily than older data. In general, such control
algorithms typically aim to learn over time or over a set number of
inspirations. Further, one or more learned parameter values may
optionally be used in an open-loop control scheme that does not
rely on sensed information related to inspiration to adjust
stimulation during an inspiration.
[0099] While various exemplary methods discussed herein may be
implemented using an implanted device having most of the features
of the implanted device 100, FIG. 13 shows exemplary control
scenarios 1300 each with an implantable device that includes at
least a sensor circuit, control logic and a pulse generator. An
exemplary control scenario 1304 includes an implantable device 1310
that includes a sensor circuit 1312, control logic 1314 and a pulse
generator 1316, a nerve 1320 and a set of electrodes 1330
positioned on or proximate to the nerve 1320. In this example, the
pulse generator 1316 includes a plurality of frequency generators
that may deliver stimulation to the nerve 1320 via corresponding
electrodes 1330. Thus, referring to the example waveforms of FIG.
8, the exemplary scenario 1304 includes each frequency delivered
via one of the corresponding electrodes, all frequencies delivered
via one or more electrodes, or other possible combinations of
frequencies and electrodes.
[0100] Another exemplary control scenario 1308 includes an
implantable device 1311 that includes a sensor circuit 1312,
control logic 1314 and a pulse generator 1317, a nerve 1320 and an
electrode 1332 positioned on or proximate to the nerve 1320. In
this example, a frequency generator optionally generates waveforms
including one or more component frequencies, which may be applied
to the nerve 1320 via the electrode 1332.
[0101] FIG. 14 shows a block diagram of an exemplary method 1400
for controlling respiration. Such an exemplary method is typically
implemented once a desire for inspiratory control has been
detected. According to the exemplary method 1400, a determination
block 1404 determines an appropriate intrinsic inspiratory path.
Following the determination, a commencement block 1408 commences
stimulation aimed at controlling inspiration. A monitor block 1412
monitors respiration, for example, via sensing. An adjustment block
1416 works in conjunction with monitoring and/or sensing of the
monitor block 1412 to adjust stimulation according to control logic
as appropriate. A decision block 1420 follows that decides if a set
point such as an inspiratory time interval has expired, a maximum
lung volume has been reached, etc. If the set point has been
reached, then the method 1400 continues in a wait block 1424, which
waits for triggering (intrinsically or other) of a subsequent
inspiratory phase of respiration. If the set point has not been
reached, then the method 1400 continues at, for example, the
monitor block 1412.
[0102] While various exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc.,
refer to chest monitoring, or other types of monitoring or sensing
information related to inspiration, such sensing or monitoring may
employ input such as activity, heart rate, mixed venous O.sub.2
concentration, etc. Further while various examples refer to
stimulation frequency and voltage, as mentioned, other parameters
may be used in addition to or as alternatives to frequency and
voltage.
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