U.S. patent application number 16/700091 was filed with the patent office on 2020-04-02 for systems and methods of facilitating therapeutic neuromodulation.
The applicant listed for this patent is Cardionomic, Inc.. Invention is credited to Steven D. Goedeke, Steven L. Waldhauser.
Application Number | 20200101292 16/700091 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004500742 |
Filed Date | 2020-04-02 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200101292 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Waldhauser; Steven L. ; et
al. |
April 2, 2020 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF FACILITATING THERAPEUTIC NEUROMODULATION
Abstract
A method of facilitating therapeutic neuromodulation of a heart
of a patient includes positioning an electrode in a pulmonary
artery, positioning a sensor in vasculature, delivering via a
stimulation system first and second electrical signals of a series
of electrical signals to the electrode. The second electrical
signal differs from the first electrical signal by a magnitude of a
first parameter of a plurality of parameters. The method includes
determining, via the sensor, sensor data indicative of one or more
heart activity properties in response to the delivery of the series
of electrical signals, and delivering a therapeutic neuromodulation
signal to the pulmonary artery using selected electrical
parameters. The selected electrical parameters include a selected
magnitude of the first parameter. The selected magnitude of the
first parameter is based at least partially on the sensor data. The
therapeutic neuromodulation signal increases heart
contractility.
Inventors: |
Waldhauser; Steven L.;
(Savage, MN) ; Goedeke; Steven D.; (Forest Lake,
MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cardionomic, Inc. |
New Brighton |
MN |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000004500742 |
Appl. No.: |
16/700091 |
Filed: |
December 2, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15540161 |
Jun 27, 2017 |
10493278 |
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PCT/US16/12082 |
Jan 4, 2016 |
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16700091 |
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62099834 |
Jan 5, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 5/6869 20130101;
A61N 1/025 20130101; A61B 5/14532 20130101; A61B 5/0408 20130101;
A61B 2560/0223 20130101; A61N 1/05 20130101; A61B 5/0402 20130101;
A61B 5/01 20130101; A61B 7/023 20130101; A61B 5/14503 20130101;
A61B 5/0215 20130101; A61N 1/36114 20130101; A61N 1/056 20130101;
A61N 1/36139 20130101; A61B 5/14542 20130101; A61B 2562/0219
20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61N 1/36 20060101
A61N001/36; A61N 1/05 20060101 A61N001/05; A61N 1/02 20060101
A61N001/02 |
Claims
1. A method of facilitating therapeutic neuromodulation of a heart
of a patient, the method comprising: positioning an electrode in a
pulmonary artery of a heart; positioning a sensor in a right
ventricle of the heart; delivering, via a stimulation system, a
first series of electrical signals to the electrode, the first
series comprising a first plurality of electrical signals, each of
the first plurality of electrical signals comprising a plurality of
parameters, each of the first plurality of electrical signals of
the first series only differing from one another by a magnitude of
a first parameter of the plurality of parameters; after delivering
the first series of electrical signals to the electrode,
delivering, via the stimulation system, a second series of
electrical signals to the electrode, the second series comprising a
second plurality of electrical signals, each of the second
plurality of electrical signals comprising the plurality of
parameters, each of the second plurality of electrical signals of
the second series only differing from one another by a magnitude of
a second parameter of the plurality of parameters, the second
parameter different than the first parameter; determining, via the
sensor, sensor data indicative of one or more non-electrical heart
activity properties in response to delivering the first series of
electrical signals and the second series of electrical signals; and
delivering a therapeutic neuromodulation signal to the pulmonary
artery using selected electrical parameters, wherein the selected
electrical parameters comprise a selected magnitude of the first
parameter and a selected magnitude of the second parameter, wherein
the selected magnitudes of the first and second parameters are
based at least partially on the sensor data, and wherein the
therapeutic neuromodulation signal increases heart contractility
more than heart rate.
Description
INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE TO ANY PRIORITY APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a divisional of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/540,161, filed Jun. 27, 2017, which is a
national phase of PCT Application No. PCT/US2016/012082, filed Jan.
4, 2016, which claims priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
App. No. 62/099,834, filed Jan. 5, 2015, each of which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to methods and
systems for facilitating modulation (e.g., electrical
neuromodulation), and more particularly to methods and systems for
facilitating therapeutic and calibration electrical neuromodulation
of one or more nerves in and around the heart.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] Acute heart failure is a cardiac condition in which a
problem with the structure or function of the heart impairs its
ability to supply sufficient blood flow to meet the body's needs.
The condition impairs quality of life and is a leading cause of
hospitalizations and mortality in the western world. Treating acute
heart failure is typically aimed at removal of precipitating
causes, prevention of deterioration in cardiac function, and
control of the patient's congestive state.
SUMMARY
[0004] Treatments for acute heart failure include the use of
inotropic agents, such as dopamine and dobutamine. These agents,
however, have both chronotropic and inotropic effects and
characteristically increase heart contractility at the expense of
significant increases in oxygen consumption secondary to elevations
in heart rate. As a result, although these inotropic agents
increase myocardial contractility and improve hemodynamics,
clinical trials have consistently demonstrated excess mortality
caused by cardiac arrhythmias and increase in myocardium
consumption.
[0005] As such, there is a need for selectively and locally
treating acute heart failure and otherwise achieving hemodynamic
control without causing unwanted systemic effects. Accordingly, in
some embodiments, no inotropics are used. In other embodiments,
reduced dosages of inotropics may be used because, for example,
synergistic effects are provided through various embodiments
herein. By reducing the dosages, the side effects can also be
significantly reduced.
[0006] Several embodiments of the present disclosure provide for
methods of tissue modulation, such as neuromodulation, for cardiac
and other disorders. For example, some embodiments provide methods
and devices for neuromodulation of one or more nerves in and around
a heart of a patient. Several methods of the present disclosure,
for example, may be useful in electrical neuromodulation of
patients with cardiac disease, such as patients with acute or
chronic cardiac disease. Several methods of the present disclosure
encompass, for example, neuromodulation of one or more target sites
of the autonomic nervous system of the heart, where sensed
non-electrical heart activity properties are used in making
adjustments to one or more properties of the electrical pulses
delivered to the patient. Non-limiting examples of medical
conditions that can be treated according to the present disclosure
include cardiovascular medical conditions.
[0007] Several methods of the present disclosure allow for
electrical neuromodulation of the heart of the patient, for example
including delivering one or more electrical pulses through a
catheter positioned in a pulmonary artery of the heart of the
patient, sensing from at least a first sensor positioned at a first
location within the vasculature of the heart one or more heart
activity properties (e.g., a non-electrical heart activity
property) in response to the one or more electrical pulses, and
adjusting a property of the one or more electrical pulses delivered
through the catheter positioned in the pulmonary artery of the
heart in response to the one or more heart activity properties. The
methods may provide adjuvant cardiac therapy to the patient.
[0008] Sensing from at least the first sensor positioned at the
first location can include sensing one or more of a pressure
property, an acceleration property, an acoustic property, a
temperature, and a blood chemistry property from within the
vasculature of the heart. Among other locations, the first sensor
can be positioned in one of a left pulmonary artery, a right
pulmonary artery, a pulmonary artery branch vessel, or a pulmonary
trunk of the heart. The one or more electrical pulses can
optionally be delivered through the catheter positioned in one of
the left pulmonary artery, the right pulmonary artery, or pulmonary
trunk of the heart that does not contain the first sensor. The
first sensor can also be positioned in a pulmonary trunk of the
heart.
[0009] Other locations for the first sensor can include in the
right ventricle of the heart and in the right atrium of the heart.
When positioned in the right atrium of the heart, the first sensor
can optionally be positioned on the septal wall of the right atrium
of the heart. The first sensor could also be positioned on the
septal wall of the right ventricle. The right ventricle and the
left ventricle share a septal wall, so a sensor in the right
ventricle or on the septal wall of the right ventricle may be
preferable for detecting properties indicative of left ventricle
contractility or cardiac output. Additional locations for
positioning the first sensor include in a superior vena cava of the
heart, the inferior vena cava of the heart, and in a coronary sinus
of the heart. When positioned in the coronary sinus of the heart,
the first sensor can be used to sense at least one of a temperature
or a blood oxygen level.
[0010] In some embodiments, the first sensor may be positioned in
the left atrium (e.g., by forming an aperture in the septal wall
between the right atrium and the left atrium, or by using a patent
foramen ovale (PFO) or atrial septal defect (ASD)). A sensor in the
left atrium may be useful for detecting properties indicative of
the left ventricle. If the left atrium has been accessed, in some
embodiments, the sensor may be positioned in the left ventricle
itself, which may provide the most direct measurement of properties
associated with the left ventricle. In some embodiments, the sensor
may be positioned downstream of the left ventricle, including the
aorta, aortic branch arteries, etc. When the procedure is complete,
any aperture that was created or existing may be closed using a
closure device such as Amplatzer, Helex, CardioSEAL, or others.
[0011] Some methods can include sensing one or more cardiac
properties from a skin surface of the patient, and adjusting the
property of the one or more electrical pulses delivered through the
catheter positioned in the pulmonary artery of the heart in
response to the one or more heart activity properties (e.g.,
non-electrical properties) from the first sensor positioned at a
first location within the vasculature of the heart and/or the one
or more cardiac properties from the skin surface of the patient.
The one or more cardiac properties sensed from the skin surface of
the patient can include, for example, an electrocardiogram
property.
[0012] Some methods can include sensing from at least a second
sensor positioned at a second location within the vasculature of
the heart one or more heart activity properties (e.g.,
non-electrical heart activity properties) in response to the one or
more electrical pulses, and adjusting the property of the one or
more electrical pulses delivered through the catheter positioned in
the pulmonary artery of the heart in response to the one or more
heart activity properties from the first sensor and/or the one or
more heart activity properties from the second sensor.
[0013] Adjusting the property of the one or more electrical pulses
can include a variety of responses. For example, adjusting the
property of the one or more electrical pulses can include changing
which of an electrode or plurality of electrodes on the catheter is
used to deliver the one or more electrical pulses. For another
example, adjusting the property of the one or more electrical
pulses can include moving the catheter to reposition one or more
electrodes of the catheter in the pulmonary artery of the heart.
For yet another example, adjusting the property of the one or more
electrical pulses can include changing at least one of an electrode
polarity, a pulsing mode, a pulse width, an amplitude, a frequency,
a phase, a voltage, a current, a duration, an inter-pulse interval,
a duty cycle, a dwell time, a sequence, a wavelength, and/or a
waveform of the one or more electrical pulses.
[0014] A hierarchy of electrode configurations can be assigned from
which to deliver the one or more electrical pulses. The one or more
electrical pulses can be delivered based on the hierarchy of
electrode configurations, where the one or more heart activity
properties sensed in response to the one or more electrical pulses
can be analyzed and an electrode configuration can be selected to
use for delivering the one or more electrical pulses through the
catheter positioned in the pulmonary artery of a heart of a patient
based on the analysis. A hierarchy can be assigned to each property
of the one or more electrical pulses delivered through the catheter
positioned in the pulmonary artery of the heart, where the one or
more electrical pulses are delivered based on the hierarchy of each
property. The one or more non-electrical heart activity properties
sensed in response to the one or more electrical pulses are
analyzed and an electrode configuration can be selected to be used
for delivering the one or more electrical pulses through the
catheter positioned in the pulmonary artery of a heart of a patient
based on the analysis. Analyzing the one or more heart activity
properties can include analyzing a predetermined number of the one
or more heart activity properties.
[0015] In some embodiments, a method of facilitating therapeutic
neuromodulation of a heart of a patient comprises positioning an
electrode in a pulmonary artery of a heart and positioning a sensor
in a right ventricle of the heart. The method further comprises
delivering, via a stimulation system, a first series of electrical
signals to the electrode. The first series comprises a first
plurality of electrical signals. Each of the first plurality of
electrical signals comprises a plurality of parameters. Each of the
first plurality of electrical signals of the first series only
differs from one another by a magnitude of a first parameter of the
plurality of parameters. The method further comprises, after
delivering the first series of electrical signals to the electrode,
delivering, via the stimulation system, a second series of
electrical signals to the electrode. The second series comprises a
second plurality of electrical signals. Each of the second
plurality of electrical signals comprises the plurality of
parameters. Each of the second plurality of electrical signals of
the second series only differs from one another by a magnitude of a
second parameter of the plurality of parameters. The second
parameter is different than the first parameter. The method further
comprises determining, via the sensor, sensor data indicative of
one or more non-electrical heart activity properties in response to
delivering the first series of electrical signals and the second
series of electrical signals, and delivering a therapeutic
neuromodulation signal to the pulmonary artery using selected
electrical parameters. The selected electrical parameters comprise
a selected magnitude of the first parameter and a selected
magnitude of the second parameter. The selected magnitudes of the
first and second parameters are based at least partially on the
sensor data. The therapeutic neuromodulation signal increases heart
contractility more than heart rate.
[0016] The method may further comprise delivering, via the
stimulation system, a third series of electrical signals to the
electrode. The third series comprises a third plurality of
electrical signals. Each of the third plurality of electrical
signals comprises the plurality of parameters. Each of the third
plurality of electrical signals of the third series only differs
from one another by a magnitude of a third parameter of the
plurality of parameters. The third parameter is different than the
first parameter and the second parameter. The method may further
comprise determining, via the sensor, sensor data indicative of the
one or more non-electrical heart activity properties in response to
delivering the third series of electrical signals. The selected
electrical parameters may comprise a selected magnitude of the
third parameter. The selected magnitude of the third parameter is
based at least partially on the sensor data.
[0017] The method may further comprise determining a desired
hierarchy between the first series and the second series. The
pulmonary artery may comprise a right pulmonary artery. The one or
more non-electrical heart activity properties may comprise at least
one of a pressure property, an acceleration property, an acoustic
property, a temperature, and a blood chemistry property.
Determining the sensor data may comprise determining, via a second
sensor on a skin surface, sensor data indicative of an
electrocardiogram property in response to delivering the first
series of electrical signals and the second series of electrical
signals.
[0018] The first parameter may be one of the following: a polarity,
a pulsing mode, a pulse width, an amplitude, a frequency, a phase,
a voltage, a current, a duration, an inter-pulse interval, a duty
cycle, a dwell time, a sequence, a wavelength, or a waveform, and,
optionally, the second parameter may be a different one of the
following: a polarity, a pulsing mode, a pulse width, an amplitude,
a frequency, a phase, a voltage, a current, a duration, an
inter-pulse interval, a duty cycle, a dwell time, a sequence, a
wavelength, or a waveform. The second parameter may be one of the
following: a polarity, a pulsing mode, a pulse width, an amplitude,
a frequency, a phase, a voltage, a current, a duration, an
inter-pulse interval, a duty cycle, a dwell time, a sequence, a
wavelength, or a waveform. The first parameter may comprise current
and the second parameter may comprise a parameter relating to
timing (e.g., one of frequency and duty cycle).
[0019] In some embodiments, a method of facilitating therapeutic
neuromodulation of a heart of a patient comprises positioning an
electrode in a pulmonary artery of a heart, positioning a sensor in
a right ventricle of the heart, delivering, via a stimulation
system, a first electrical signal of a series of electrical signals
to the electrode, and, after delivering the first electrical
signal, delivering, via the stimulation system, a second electrical
signal of the series of electrical signals to the electrode. The
second electrical signal differs from the first electrical signal
by a magnitude of a first parameter of a plurality of parameters.
The method further comprises determining, via the sensor, sensor
data indicative of one or more non-electrical heart activity
properties in response to the delivery of the series of electrical
signals, and delivering a therapeutic neuromodulation signal to the
pulmonary artery using selected electrical parameters. The selected
electrical parameters comprise a selected magnitude of the first
parameter. The selected magnitude of the first parameter is based
at least partially on the sensor data. The therapeutic
neuromodulation signal increases heart contractility more than
heart rate.
[0020] The pulmonary artery may comprise a right pulmonary artery.
The pulmonary artery may comprise a left pulmonary artery. The
pulmonary artery may comprise a pulmonary trunk. The one or more
non-electrical heart activity properties may comprise at least one
of a pressure property, an acceleration property, an acoustic
property, a temperature, and a blood chemistry property.
Determining the sensor data may comprise determining, via a second
sensor on a skin surface of the patient, sensor data indicative of
an electrocardiogram property in response to delivering the series
of electrical signals. The first parameter may be one of the
following: a polarity, a pulsing mode, a pulse width, an amplitude,
a frequency, a phase, a voltage, a current, a duration, an
inter-pulse interval, a duty cycle, a dwell time, a sequence, a
wavelength, or a waveform.
[0021] In some embodiments, a method of facilitating therapeutic
neuromodulation of a heart of a patient comprises delivering a
first series of electrical signals to an electrode in a first
anatomical location, and, after delivering the first series of
electrical signals to the electrode, delivering a second series of
electrical signals to the electrode. The first series comprises a
first plurality of electrical signals. Each of the first plurality
of electrical signals comprises a plurality of parameters. Each of
the first plurality of electrical signals of the first series only
differs from one another by a magnitude of a first parameter of the
plurality of parameters. The second series comprises a second
plurality of electrical signals. Each of the second plurality of
electrical signals comprises the plurality of parameters. Each of
the second plurality of electrical signals of the second series
only differs from one another by a magnitude of a second parameter
of the plurality of parameters. The second parameter is different
than the first parameter. The method further comprises sensing, via
a sensor in a second anatomical location different than the first
anatomical location, sensor data indicative of one or more
non-electrical heart activity properties in response to delivering
the first series of electrical signals and the second series of
electrical signals, and providing a therapeutic neuromodulation
signal to the first anatomical location using selected electrical
parameters. The selected electrical parameters comprise a selected
magnitude of the first parameter and a selected magnitude of the
second parameter. The selected magnitudes of the first and second
parameters are based at least partially on the sensor data. The
therapeutic neuromodulation signal increases heart
contractility.
[0022] The method may further comprise delivering a third series of
electrical signals to the electrode. The third series comprises a
third plurality of electrical signals. Each of the third plurality
of electrical signals comprises the plurality of parameters. Each
of the third plurality of electrical signals of the third series
only differs from one another by a magnitude of a third parameter
of the plurality of parameters. The third parameter is different
than the first parameter and the second parameter. The method may
further comprise sensing, via the sensor, sensor data indicative of
the one or more non-electrical heart activity properties in
response to delivering the third series of electrical signals. The
selected electrical parameters may comprise a selected magnitude of
the third parameter. The selected magnitude of the third parameter
is based at least partially on the sensor data.
[0023] The method may further comprise determining a desired
hierarchy between the first series and the second series. The first
anatomical location may comprise a right pulmonary artery. The
pulmonary artery may comprise a left pulmonary artery. The
pulmonary artery may comprise a pulmonary trunk. The one or more
non-electrical heart activity properties may comprise at least one
of a pressure property, an acceleration property, an acoustic
property, a temperature, and a blood chemistry property. Sensing
the sensor data may comprise determining, via a second sensor on a
skin surface, sensor data indicative of an electrocardiogram
property in response to delivering the first series of electrical
signals and the second series of electrical signals.
[0024] The first parameter may one of the following: a polarity, a
pulsing mode, a pulse width, an amplitude, a frequency, a phase, a
voltage, a current, a duration, an inter-pulse interval, a duty
cycle, a dwell time, a sequence, a wavelength, or a waveform, and,
optionally, the second parameter may be a different one of the
following: a polarity, a pulsing mode, a pulse width, an amplitude,
a frequency, a phase, a voltage, a current, a duration, an
inter-pulse interval, a duty cycle, a dwell time, a sequence, a
wavelength, or a waveform. The second parameter may one of the
following: a polarity, a pulsing mode, a pulse width, an amplitude,
a frequency, a phase, a voltage, a current, a duration, an
inter-pulse interval, a duty cycle, a dwell time, a sequence, a
wavelength, or a waveform. The first parameter may comprise current
and the second parameter may comprise a parameter related to timing
(e.g., one of frequency and duty cycle).
[0025] In some embodiments, a method of facilitating therapeutic
neuromodulation of a heart of a patient comprises delivering a
first electrical signal of a series of electrical signals to an
electrode in a first anatomical location, and, after delivering the
first electrical signal, delivering a second electrical signal of
the series of electrical signals to the electrode. The second
electrical signal differs from the first electrical signal by a
magnitude of a first parameter of a plurality of parameters. The
method further comprises sensing, via a sensor in a second
anatomical location different than the first anatomical location,
sensor data indicative of one or more non-electrical heart activity
properties in response to the delivery of the series of electrical
signals, and providing a therapeutic neuromodulation signal to the
first anatomical location using selected electrical parameters. The
selected electrical parameters comprise a selected magnitude of the
first parameter. The selected magnitude of the first parameter is
based at least partially on the sensor data. The therapeutic
neuromodulation signal increases heart contractility.
[0026] The first anatomical location may comprise a right pulmonary
artery. The first anatomical location may comprise a left pulmonary
artery. The first anatomical location may comprise a pulmonary
trunk. The one or more non-electrical heart activity properties may
comprise at least one of a pressure property, an acceleration
property, an acoustic property, a temperature, and a blood
chemistry property. Sensing the sensor data may comprise sensing,
via a second sensor on a skin surface of the patient, sensor data
indicative of an electrocardiogram property in response to
delivering the series of electrical signals. The first parameter
may be one of the following: a polarity, a pulsing mode, a pulse
width, an amplitude, a frequency, a phase, a voltage, a current, a
duration, an inter-pulse interval, a duty cycle, a dwell time, a
sequence, a wavelength, or a waveform.
[0027] In some embodiments, a neuromodulation system for
facilitating delivery of electric signals to a heart of a patient
comprises a catheter and a stimulation system. The catheter
comprises a catheter body comprising a proximal end, a distal end,
a lumen extending from the proximal end towards the distal end, and
an outer surface. The catheter further comprises an electrode on
the outer surface. The electrode is configured to deliver an
electrical signal to a pulmonary artery of a patient. The catheter
further comprises a sensor on the outer surface. The sensor is
configured to sense a heart activity property from a location
within in vasculature of the patient. The stimulation system
comprises a pulse generator configured to deliver a first series of
electrical signals and a second series of electrical signals to the
electrode. The first series comprises a first plurality of
electrical signals. Each of the first plurality of electrical
signals comprises a plurality of parameters. Each of the first
plurality of electrical signals of the first series only differs
from one another by a magnitude of a first parameter of the
plurality of parameters. The second series comprises a second
plurality of electrical signals. Each of the second plurality of
electrical signals comprises the plurality of parameters. Each of
the second plurality of electrical signals of the second series
only differs from one another by a magnitude of a second parameter
of the plurality of parameters. The second parameter is different
than the first parameter. The stimulation system further comprises
a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store
sensor data indicative of one or more non-electrical heart activity
properties in response to delivering the first series of electrical
signals and the second series of electrical signals to the
electrode, and a processor configured to determine a selected
magnitude of the first parameter and a selected magnitude of the
second parameter based at least partially on the sensor data. The
non-transitory computer readable medium is configured to store
selected electrical parameters including the selected magnitude of
the first parameter and the selected magnitude of the second
parameter. The pulse generator is configured to deliver a
therapeutic neuromodulation signal to the electrode using selected
electrical parameters.
[0028] In some embodiments, a neuromodulation system for
facilitating delivery/of electric signals to a heart of a patient
comprises a catheter and a stimulation system. The catheter
comprises a catheter body comprising a proximal end, a distal end,
a lumen extending from the proximal end towards the distal end, and
an outer surface. The catheter further comprises an electrode on
the outer surface. The electrode is configured to deliver an
electrical signal to a pulmonary artery of a patient. The catheter
further comprises a sensor on the outer surface. The sensor is
configured to sense a heart activity property from a location
within in vasculature of the patient. The stimulation system
comprises a pulse generator configured to deliver a series of
electrical signals to the electrode. The series comprises a first
electrical signal and a second electrical signal. The second
electrical signal differs from the first electrical signal by a
magnitude of a first parameter of a plurality of parameters. The
stimulation system further comprises a non-transitory
computer-readable medium configured to store sensor data indicative
of one or more non-electrical heart activity properties in response
to delivering the series of electrical signals to the electrode,
and a processor configured to determine a selected magnitude of the
first parameter based at least partially on the sensor data. The
non-transitory computer readable medium is configured to store
selected electrical parameters including the selected magnitude of
the first parameter. The pulse generator is configured to deliver a
therapeutic neuromodulation signal to the electrode using selected
electrical parameters.
[0029] In some embodiments, a neuromodulation system for
facilitating delivery of electric signals to a heart of a patient
comprises a catheter and a shaping wire. The catheter comprises a
catheter body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen
extending from the proximal end towards the distal end, and an
outer surface. The catheter further comprises an electrode on the
outer surface. The electrode is configured to deliver an electrical
signal to a pulmonary artery of a patient. The shaping wire is
configured to be positioned in the lumen of the catheter body. The
shaping wire comprises a bent portion. When the shaping wire is
inserted in the lumen of the catheter body, the catheter body
comprises a curved portion corresponding to the bent portion of the
shaping wire.
[0030] The heart activity property may comprise a non-electrical
hearty activity property. The non-electrical heart activity
property may comprise at least one of a pressure property, an
acceleration property, an acoustic property, a temperature, and a
blood chemistry property. The electrode may be configured to
deliver the electrical signal to a right pulmonary artery of the
patient. The electrode may be configured to be positioned in a
different location than the sensor. The catheter system may
comprise a plurality of electrodes including the electrode. The
location may be a pulmonary trunk, a right ventricle, a septal wall
of a right ventricle, a right atrium, a septal wall of a right
atrium, a superior vena cava, a pulmonary branch artery vessel, an
inferior vena cava, or a coronary sinus. The neuromodulation system
may further comprise a skin sensor configured to sense a cardiac
property from a skin surface of the patient. The heart activity
property may comprise a non-electrical heart activity property and
wherein the cardiac property may comprise an electrical cardiac
property. The electrical cardiac property may comprise an
electrocardiogram property.
[0031] In some embodiments, a method of neuromodulation of a heart
of a patient comprises positioning a catheter including an
electrode in a pulmonary artery of a heart, positioning a sensor in
a location within vasculature of the heart, delivering, via a
stimulation system, a first set of one or more electrical pulses to
the electrode, the first set of one or more electrical pulses
having a first pulse property, and, after delivering the first
delivering set of one or more electrical pulses to the electrode,
delivering, via the stimulation system, a second set of one or more
electrical pulses to the electrode. The second set of one or more
electrical pulses has a second pulse property different than the
first pulse property. The method further comprises delivering
therapeutic electrical pulses to the pulmonary artery using an
electrode configuration selected by analyzing one or more heart
activity properties sensed, via the sensor, in response to the
delivery of the first and second sets of electrical pulses. The
electrode configuration comprises the first pulse property or the
second pulse property based at least partially on the analysis. The
therapeutic neuromodulation signal increases heart contractility
more than heart rate.
[0032] In some embodiments, a method of modulation (e.g.,
electrical neuromodulation) of a heart of a patient comprises
delivering one or more electrical pulses through a catheter
positioned in a pulmonary artery of the heart of the patient,
sensing from at least a first sensor positioned at a first location
within a vasculature of the heart one or more non-electrical heart
activity properties in response to the one or more electrical
pulses, and adjusting a property of the one or more electrical
pulses delivered through the catheter positioned in the pulmonary
artery of the heart in response to the one or more non-electrical
heart activity properties.
[0033] In some embodiments, sensing from at least the first sensor
positioned at the first location may include sensing one or more of
a pressure property, an acceleration property, an acoustic
property, a temperature, and a blood chemistry property from within
the vasculature of the heart.
[0034] In one embodiment, a first sensor is placed in one of a left
pulmonary artery, a right pulmonary artery, or a pulmonary trunk of
the heart. One or more electrical pulses are delivered through the
catheter positioned in one of the left pulmonary artery, the right
pulmonary artery, or the pulmonary trunk of the heart that does not
contain the first sensor.
[0035] The first sensor may be positioned in the left pulmonary
artery. The first sensor may be positioned in the right pulmonary
artery. The first sensor may be positioned in other vessels in and
around the heart, including, but not limited to, the pulmonary
trunk, a pulmonary artery branch vessel, right ventricle, a septal
wall of the right ventricle, a right atrium, the septal wall of the
right atrium, a superior vena cava, an inferior vena cava or a
coronary sinus The first sensor (e.g., in the coronary sinus) may
sense at least one of a temperature or a blood oxygen level.
[0036] In several embodiments, the method may include sensing one
or more cardiac properties from a skin surface of the patient and
adjusting the property of the one or more electrical pulses
delivered through the catheter positioned in the pulmonary artery
of the heart in response to the one or more non-electrical heart
activity properties and the one or more cardiac properties from the
skin surface of the patient. The one or more cardiac properties
sensed from the skin surface of the patient may include an
electrocardiogram property. The may include sensing from at least a
second sensor positioned at a second location within the
vasculature of the heart one or more non-electrical heart activity
properties in response to the one or more electrical pulses and
adjusting the property of the one or more electrical pulses
delivered through the catheter positioned in the pulmonary artery
of the heart in response to the one or more non-electrical heart
activity properties received by the first sensor and the second
sensor. In several embodiments, adjusting the property of the one
or more electrical pulses may include one or more of the following
(i) changing which electrode on the catheter is used to deliver the
one or more electrical pulses; (ii) moving the catheter to
reposition electrodes of the catheter in the pulmonary artery of
the heart; (iii) changing at least one of an electrode polarity, a
pulsing mode, a pulse width, an amplitude, a frequency, a phase, a
voltage, a current, a duration, an inter-pulse interval, a duty
cycle, a dwell time, a sequence, a wavelength, or a waveform of the
one or more electrical pulses.
[0037] In several embodiments, the method may include assigning a
hierarchy of electrode configurations from which to deliver the one
or more electrical pulses, delivering the one or more electrical
pulses based at least partially on the hierarchy of electrode
configurations, analyzing the one or more non-electrical heart
activity properties sensed in response to the one or more
electrical pulses, and selecting an electrode configuration to use
for delivering the one or more electrical pulses through the
catheter positioned in the pulmonary artery of a heart of a patient
based at least partially on the analysis. The method may include
assigning a hierarchy to each property of the one or more
electrical pulses delivered through the catheter positioned in the
pulmonary artery of the heart, delivering the one or more
electrical pulses based at least partially on the hierarchy of each
property, analyzing the one or more non-electrical heart activity
properties sensed in response to the one or more electrical pulses,
and selecting an electrode configuration to use for delivering the
one or more electrical pulses through the catheter positioned in
the pulmonary artery of a heart of a patient based at least
partially on the analysis. Analyzing the one or more non-electrical
heart activity properties may include analyzing a predetermined
number of the one or more non-electrical heart activity
properties.
[0038] In several embodiments, therapeutic neuromodulation is not
provided. Instead, several embodiments are provided for the
purposes of calibrating or optimizing a signal for, e.g., diagnosis
or calibration purposes.
[0039] In some embodiments, a method of non-therapeutic calibration
comprises positioning an electrode in a pulmonary artery of a heart
and positioning a sensor in a right ventricle of the heart. The
system further comprises delivering, via a stimulation system, a
first series of electrical signals to the electrode. The first
series comprises a first plurality of electrical signals. Each of
the first plurality of electrical signals comprises a plurality of
parameters. Each of the first plurality of electrical signals of
the first series only differs from one another by a magnitude of a
first parameter of the plurality of parameters. The method further
comprises, after delivering the first series of electrical signals
to the electrode, delivering, via the stimulation system, a second
series of electrical signals to the electrode. The second series
comprises a second plurality of electrical signals. Each of the
second plurality of electrical signals comprises the plurality of
parameters. Each of the second plurality of electrical signals of
the second series only differs from one another by a magnitude of a
second parameter of the plurality of parameters. The second
parameter is different than the first parameter. The method further
comprises determining, via the sensor, sensor data indicative of
one or more non-electrical heart activity properties in response to
delivering the first series of electrical signals and the second
series of electrical signals. The method further comprises
determining a therapeutic neuromodulation signal to be delivered to
the pulmonary artery using selected electrical parameters. The
selected electrical parameters comprise a selected magnitude of the
first parameter and a selected magnitude of the second parameter.
The selected magnitudes of the first and second parameters are
based at least partially on the sensor data.
[0040] In some embodiments, a method of non-therapeutic calibration
comprises delivering a first electrical signal of a series of
electrical signals to an electrode in a first anatomical location
and, after delivering the first electrical signal, delivering a
second electrical signal of the series of electrical signals to the
electrode. The second electrical signal differs from the first
electrical signal by a magnitude of a first parameter of a
plurality of parameters. The method further comprises sensing, via
a sensor in a second anatomical location different than the first
anatomical location, sensor data indicative of one or more
non-electrical heart activity properties in response to the
delivery of the series of electrical signals, and determining a
therapeutic neuromodulation signal to be delivered to the first
anatomical location using selected electrical parameters. The
selected electrical parameters comprise a selected magnitude of the
first parameter. The selected magnitude of the first parameter is
based at least partially on the sensor data.
[0041] The methods summarized above and set forth in further detail
below describe certain actions taken by a practitioner; however, it
should be understood that they can also include the instruction of
those actions by another party. Thus, actions such as "positioning
an electrode" include "instructing positioning of an
electrode."
[0042] For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages
that may be achieved, certain objects and advantages are described
herein. Not necessarily all such objects or advantages need to be
achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment. In some
embodiments, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a
manner that can achieve or optimize one advantage or a group of
advantages without necessarily achieving other objects or
advantages.
[0043] The embodiments disclosed herein are intended to be within
the scope of the invention herein disclosed. These and other
embodiments will be apparent from the following detailed
description having reference to the attached figures, the invention
not being limited to any particular disclosed embodiment(s).
Optional and/or preferred features described with reference to some
embodiments may be combined with and incorporated into other
embodiments. All references cited herein, including patents and
patent applications, are incorporated by reference in their
entirety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] FIGS. 1A through 1C are schematic illustrations of a heart
and surrounding areas from various perspectives.
[0045] FIGS. 2A through 2C are side partial cross-sectional and
perspective views of an example catheter that is suitable for
performing the methods of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 2D illustrates the catheter of FIGS. 2A through 2C
positioned in the right pulmonary artery of a heart.
[0047] FIG. 3 is partial cross-sectional and perspective view of an
example catheter positioned in a heart of a patient.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a side partial cross-sectional and perspective
view of an example first catheter and an example second catheter
that are suitable for performing the methods of the present
disclosure.
[0049] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example algorithm that can
be used to determine action taken by a controller microprocessor in
response to sensor input.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0050] Several embodiments of the present disclosure provide for
methods and devices that can be used to apply electrical
neuromodulation to one or more nerves in and around the heart of a
patient. Several embodiments, for example, may be useful in
electrical neuromodulation of patients with cardiovascular medical
conditions, such as patients with acute or chronic cardiac disease.
As discussed herein, several embodiments can allow for a portion of
a catheter to be positioned within the vasculature of the patient
in at least one of the right pulmonary artery, the left pulmonary
artery, and the pulmonary trunk. Once positioned, an electrode
system of the catheter can provide electrical pulses to stimulate
the autonomic nervous system surrounding (e.g., proximate to) the
pulmonary artery in an effort to provide adjuvant cardiac therapy
to the patient. Sensed heart activity properties (e.g.,
non-electrical heart activity properties) can be used as the basis
for making adjustments to one or more properties of the one or more
electrical pulses delivered through the catheter positioned in the
pulmonary artery of the heart in an effort to provide adjuvant
cardiac therapy to the patient.
[0051] Certain groups of figures showing similar items follow a
numbering convention in which the first digit or digits correspond
to the drawing figure number and the remaining digits identify an
element or component in the drawing. Similar elements or components
between such groups of figures may be identified by the use of
similar digits. For example, 110 may reference element "10" in FIG.
1, and a similar element "10" may be referenced as 210 in FIG. 2.
As will be appreciated, elements shown in the various embodiments
herein can be added, exchanged, and/or eliminated so as to provide
any number of additional embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0052] The terms "distal" and "proximal" are used herein with
respect to a position or direction relative to the treating
clinician taken along the devices of the present disclosure.
"Distal" or "distally" are a position distant from or in a
direction away from the clinician taken along the catheter.
"Proximal" and "proximally" are a position near or in a direction
toward the clinician taken along the catheter.
[0053] In several embodiments, the catheters provided herein
include a plurality of electrodes, which includes two or more
electrodes. It is understood that the phrase "a plurality of
electrodes" can be replaced herein with two or more electrodes if
desired. With respect to treating cardiovascular medical
conditions, such medical conditions can involve medical conditions
related to the components of the cardiovascular system such as, for
example, the heart and/or aorta. Non-limiting examples of
cardiovascular conditions include post-infarction rehabilitation,
shock (hypovolemic, septic, neurogenic), valvular disease, heart
failure, angina, microvascular ischemia, myocardial contractility
disorder, cardiomyopathy, hypertension including pulmonary
hypertension and systemic hypertension, orthopnea, dyspenea,
orthostatic hypotension, dysautonomia, syncope, vasovagal reflex,
carotid sinus hypersensitivity, pericardial effusion, heart
failure, and cardiac structural abnormalities such as septal
defects and wall aneurysms.
[0054] In some embodiments, a catheter, for example as discussed
herein, can be used in conjunction with a pulmonary artery
catheter, such as a Swan-Ganz type pulmonary artery catheter, to
deliver transvascular neuromodulation via the pulmonary artery to
an autonomic target site to treat a cardiovascular condition. In
certain such embodiments, the catheter is housed within one of the
multiple lumens of a pulmonary artery catheter. Examples of
catheters include those discussed herein and those disclosed in
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/001,729, entitled
"Catheter and Catheter System for Electrical Neuromodulation" and
filed on May 22, 2014; PCT Patent Application No.
PCT/US2015/179634, entitled "Catheter and Catheter System for
Electrical Neuromodulation" and filed on May 21, 2015; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/047,270, entitled "Catheter
and Electrode Systems for Electrical Neuromodulation" and filed on
Sep. 8, 2014; PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2015/047770,
entitled "Catheter and Electrode Systems for Electrical
Neuromodulation" and filed on Aug. 31, 2015; and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/085,311, entitled "Methods and Systems for
Treating Acute Heart Failure by Neuromodulation" and filed on Nov.
20, 2013, where the contents of these applications are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety.
[0055] Several embodiments of the present disclosure provides
methods that can be used to treat acute heart failure, also known
as decompensated heart failure, by modulating the autonomic nervous
system surrounding the pulmonary artery (e.g., the right pulmonary
artery, the left pulmonary artery, the pulmonary trunk) in an
effort to provide adjuvant cardiac therapy to the patient. The
neuromodulation treatment can help by affecting heart contractility
more than heart rate. In a preferred embodiment, the autonomic
nervous system is modulated so as to collectively affect heart
contractility more than heart rate. The autonomic nervous system
can be impacted by electrical modulation that includes stimulating
and/or inhibiting nerve fibers of the autonomic nervous system.
[0056] In some embodiments, systems other than intravascular
catheters may be used in accordance with the methods described
herein. For example, electrodes, sensors, and the like may be
implanted during open heart surgery or without being routed through
vasculature.
[0057] Several embodiments, as will be discussed more fully herein,
may allow for the electrical neuromodulation of the heart of the
patient that includes delivering one or more electrical pulses
through a catheter positioned in a pulmonary artery of the heart of
the patient, sensing from at least a first sensor positioned at a
first location within the vasculature of the heart one or more
heart activity properties (e.g., non-electrical heart activity
properties) in response to the one or more electrical pulses, and
adjusting a property of the one or more electrical pulses delivered
through the catheter positioned in the pulmonary artery of the
heart in response to the one or more heart activity properties in
an effort to provide adjuvant cardiac therapy to the patient.
[0058] The catheter can include a plurality of electrodes, which
are optionally inserted into the pulmonary trunk, and positioned
such that the electrodes are, preferably, in contact with the
posterior surface, the superior surface, and/or the inferior
surface of the pulmonary artery. From such locations, electrical
pulses can be delivered to or from the electrodes to selectively
modulate the autonomic nervous system of the heart. For example,
electrical pulses can be delivered to or from one or more of the
electrodes to selectively modulate the autonomic cardiopulmonary
nerves of the autonomic nervous system, which can modulate heart
contractility more than heart rate. Preferably, the plurality of
electrodes is positioned at a site along the posterior wall and/or
superior wall of the pulmonary artery, for example the right
pulmonary artery. From such a position in the pulmonary artery, one
or more electrical pulses can be delivered through the electrodes
and one or more heart activity properties (e.g., non-electrical
heart activity properties) can be sensed. Based at least in part on
these sensed heart activity properties, a property of the one or
more electrical pulses delivered to or from the electrodes
positioned in the pulmonary artery of the heart can be adjusted in
an effort to positively influence heart contractility while
reducing or minimizing the effect on heart rate and/or oxygen
consumption. In certain embodiments, the effect on heart
contractility is to increase heart contractility.
[0059] Referring now to FIGS. 1A through 1C, there is shown a
schematic illustration of the human heart 100, where portions of
the heart (e.g., the aorta, the superior vena cava, among other
structures), including a portion of the pulmonary trunk 102, have
been removed to allow for the details discussed herein to be shown.
FIG. 1A provides a perspective view of the heart 100 as seen from
the front of the patient (viewed in an anterior to posterior
direction), while FIG. 1B provides a perspective view of the heart
100 as seen from the right side of the patient. As illustrated, the
heart 100 includes the pulmonary trunk 102 that begins at the base
of the right ventricle 104. In an adult, the pulmonary trunk 102 is
a tubular structure approximately 3 centimeters (cm) in diameter
and 5 cm in length. The pulmonary trunk 102 branches into the left
pulmonary artery 106 and the right pulmonary artery 108 at a branch
point 110. The left pulmonary artery 106 and the right pulmonary
artery 108 serve to deliver de-oxygenated blood to each
corresponding lung.
[0060] The branch point 110 includes a ridge 112 that extends from
the posterior of the pulmonary trunk 102. As illustrated, the
branch point 110, along with the ridge 112, provides a "Y" or "T"
shaped structure that helps to define at least a portion of the
left pulmonary artery 106 and the right pulmonary artery 108. For
example, from the ridge 112, the branch point 110 of the pulmonary
trunk 102 slopes in opposite directions. In a first direction, the
pulmonary trunk 102 transitions into the left pulmonary artery 106,
and in the second direction, opposite the first direction, the
pulmonary trunk 102 transitions into the right pulmonary artery
108. The branch point 110 may not necessarily be aligned along a
longitudinal center line 114 of the pulmonary trunk 102.
[0061] As illustrated in FIG. 1A, portions of the pulmonary artery
102 can be defined with a right lateral plane 116 that passes along
a right luminal surface 118 of the pulmonary trunk 102, a left
lateral plane 120 parallel with the right lateral plane 116, where
the left lateral plane 120 passes along a left luminal surface 122
of the pulmonary artery 102. The right lateral plane 116 and the
left lateral plane 120 extend in both a posterior direction 124 and
anterior direction 126. As illustrated, the ridge 112 of the branch
point 110 is located between the right lateral plane 116 and the
left lateral plane 120. The branch point 110 is positioned between
the right lateral plane 116 and the left lateral plane 120, where
the branch point 110 can help to at least partially define the
beginning of the left pulmonary artery 106 and the right pulmonary
artery 108 of the heart 100. The distance between the right lateral
plane 116 and the left lateral plane 120 is approximately the
diameter of the pulmonary trunk 102 (e.g., about 3 cm).
[0062] As discussed herein, the present disclosure includes methods
for electrical neuromodulation of the heart 100 of the patient. For
example, as discussed herein, a catheter positioned in the
pulmonary artery 102 of the patient can be used to deliver one or
more electrical pulses to the heart 100. A first sensor, for
example as discussed herein, positioned at a first location within
the vasculature of the heart 100 senses one or more heart activity
properties (e.g., non-electrical heart activity properties) in
response to the one or more electrical pulses. Properties of the
one or more electrical pulses delivered through the catheter
positioned in the pulmonary artery 102 of the heart 100 can then be
adjusted in response to the one or more heart activity properties
in an effort to provide adjuvant cardiac therapy to the
patient.
[0063] FIG. 1C provides an additional illustration the posterior
surface 121, the superior surface 123, and the inferior surface 125
of the right pulmonary artery 108. As illustrated, the view of the
heart 100 in FIG. 1C is from the right side of the heart 100. As
illustrated, the posterior surface 121, the superior surface 123,
and the inferior surface 125 account for approximately three
quarters of the luminal perimeter of the right pulmonary artery
108, where the anterior surface 127 accounts for the remainder.
FIG. 1C also illustrates the aorta 130, pulmonary veins 132, the
superior vena cava (SVC) 134, and the inferior vena cava (IVC)
136.
[0064] Referring now to FIGS. 2A through 2C, there are shown
perspective views of an example catheter 230 that is suitable for
performing certain methods of the present disclosure. The catheter
230 includes an elongate catheter body 232 having a proximal or
first end 234 and a distal or second end 236. The elongate catheter
body 232 also includes an outer or peripheral surface 238 and an
interior surface 240 defining a lumen 242 (shown with a broken
line) that extends between the first end 234 and the second end 236
of the elongate catheter body 232.
[0065] The catheter 230 further includes a plurality of electrodes
244 positioned along the peripheral surface 238 of the elongate
catheter body 232. In some embodiments, the electrodes 244 are
proximate to a distal end 236 of the catheter 230. Conductive
elements 246 extend through the elongate body 232, where the
conductive elements 246 can be used, as discussed herein, to
conduct electrical pulses to combinations of the plurality of
electrodes 244. Each of the plurality of electrodes 244 is coupled
(e.g., electrically coupled) to a corresponding conductive element
246. The conductive elements 246 are electrically isolated from
each other and extend through the elongate body 232 from each
respective electrode 244 through the first end 234 of the elongate
body 232. The conductive elements 246 terminate at a connector
port, where each of the conductive elements 246 can be releasably
coupled to a stimulation system. It is also possible that the
conductive elements 246 are permanently coupled to the stimulation
system (e.g., not releasably coupled). As discussed more fully
herein, the stimulation system can be used to provide stimulation
electrical pulses that are conducted through the conductive
elements 246 and delivered across combinations of the plurality of
electrodes 244. Other positions and configurations of electrodes
are also possible, for example the electrodes described in the
applications incorporated herein by reference (e.g., the electrodes
on deployable filaments such as described in PCT Patent App. Nos.
PCT/US2015/031960 and PCT/US2015/047770, the electrode matrix such
as described in PCT Patent App. Nos. PCT/US2015/047770 and
PCT/US2015/047780, and others).
[0066] The elongate body 232 may comprise (e.g., be at least
partially formed of) an electrically insulating material. Examples
of such insulating material can include, but are not limited to,
medical grade polyurethanes, such as polyester-based polyurethanes,
polyether-based polyurethanes, and polycarbonate-based
polyurethanes; polyamides, polyamide block copolymers, polyolefins
such as polyethylene (e.g., high density polyethylene); and
polyimides, among others.
[0067] The catheter 230 optionally includes an anchor 248. The
anchor 248 includes struts 250 that form an open framework, where
the struts 250 extend laterally or radially outwardly from the
elongate body 232 (e.g., from a peripheral surface 238 of the
elongate body 232) to at least partially define a peripheral
surface 252 configured to engage vascular tissue (e.g., configured
to appose sidewalls forming the lumen of the right pulmonary artery
and/or the left pulmonary artery). FIGS. 2A through 2C show the
anchor 248 positioned between the second end 236 and the plurality
of electrodes 244 of the elongate catheter body 232. It is also
possible that the anchor 248 can be positioned between the
plurality of electrodes 244 and the second end 236 of the elongate
catheter body 232. In some embodiments, the anchor 248 can inhibit
or prevent at least a portion of the catheter 230 (e.g., the
portion 254, a portion comprising the electrodes 244) from
extending into vasculature smaller than the expanded struts 250.
For example, with reference to FIG. 3, the plurality of electrodes
344 can be proximal to the branch point 310 such that portions of
the catheter 330 proximal to the anchor 348 do not extend into the
two additional arteries 378. If the sensor 366 is distal to the
anchor 348, interaction of the anchor 348 and the branch point 310
may ensure that the sensor 366 is in a pulmonary artery branch
vessel 378.
[0068] The struts 250 can have a cross-sectional shape and
dimension that allow for the struts 250 to provide a radial force
sufficient to hold the catheter 230 at the implant location within
the pulmonary artery under a variety of situations, as discussed
herein. The struts 250 can be formed of a variety of materials,
such as a metal, metal alloy, polymer, etc. Examples of such metals
or metal alloys include surgical grade stainless steel, such as
austenitic 316 stainless among others, and the nickel and titanium
alloy known as Nitinol. Other metals and/or metal alloys, as are
known or may be developed, can be used.
[0069] A portion 254 of the elongate catheter body 232, for example
that includes one, some, none, or all the plurality of electrodes
244, can curve in a predefined radial direction (e.g., anterior,
posterior, inferior, superior, and combinations thereof), for
example when placed under longitudinal compression. To provide the
curve in the portion 254, the elongate catheter body 232 can be
pre-stressed and/or the wall can have thicknesses that allow for
the elongate catheter body 232 to curve in the predefined radial
direction, for example when placed under longitudinal compression.
In addition, or alternatively, structures such as coils or a helix
of wire having different turns per unit length, a hypotube having
varying kerf spacing, etc. can be located in, around, and/or along
the elongate catheter body 232 in the portion 254. One or more of
these structures can be used to allow the longitudinal compression
to create the curve in the predefined radial direction in the
portion 254. To achieve the longitudinal compression, the anchor
248 can be deployed in the vasculature of the patient (e.g., in the
pulmonary artery), where the anchor 248 provides a location or
point of resistance against the longitudinal movement of the
elongate body 232. As such, this allows a compressive force to be
generated in the elongate catheter body 232 sufficient to cause the
portion 254 of the elongate catheter body 232, for example along
which the plurality of electrodes 244 are present, to curve in the
predefined radial direction.
[0070] FIG. 2D provides an illustration of the portion 254 of the
elongate catheter body 232 curved in a predefined radial direction
when placed under longitudinal compression. The catheter 230
illustrated in FIG. 2D is similar to the catheter 230 shown in FIG.
2A and is described herein, although other catheters having similar
features can also be used. In the catheter 230 illustrated in FIG.
2D, the sensor 266 is proximal to the electrodes 244. When the
electrodes are in the right pulmonary artery 208, the sensor 266
can be in the pulmonary trunk 202, for example. If the sensor 266
is more proximal, the sensor 266 can be in the right ventricle, the
superior vena cava, etc. Positioning the sensor 266 proximal along
the catheter 230 can allow the sensor 266 to be in a location
different than the location of the electrode 244 without
positioning the sensor 266 separate from positioning the electrode
244. As illustrated in FIG. 2D, the catheter 230 has been at least
partially positioned within the main pulmonary artery 202 of a
patient's heart 200, where the anchor 248 is located in the lumen
of the right pulmonary artery 208. From this position, a
longitudinal compressive force applied to the elongate catheter
body 232 can cause the portion 254 of the elongate catheter body
232, along with at least some of the plurality of electrodes 244 in
this embodiment, to curve in the predefined radial direction,
superior in this embodiment. The curvature allows the plurality of
electrodes 244 to extend towards and/or touch the luminal surface
of the main and/or right pulmonary artery. Preferably, the
plurality of electrodes 244 are brought into position and/or
contact with the luminal surface of the main and/or right pulmonary
artery.
[0071] In some embodiments, the elongate catheter body 232 of the
catheter 230 can use the lumen 242 that extends from the first end
234 towards the second end 236 to provide a curve in a predefined
radial direction. For example, the catheter 230 can include a
shaping wire 257 having a first end 259 and a second end 261, as
illustrated in FIG. 2A. The shaping wire 257 can be bent and retain
a desired shape that, upon insertion into the lumen 242, can at
least partially provide the catheter 230 with a curve. The lumen
242 has a size (e.g., a diameter) sufficient to allow the shaping
wire 257 to pass through the lumen 242 with the second end 261 of
the shaping wire 257 proximate to the second end 236 of the
elongate catheter body 232 so that the bent portion 263 of the
shaping wire 257 imparts a curve into the portion 254 of the
elongate catheter body 232, allowing the plurality of electrodes
244 to extend towards and/or touch the luminal surface of the main
pulmonary artery. In some embodiments the shaping wire 257 can
complement the portion 254. In some embodiments, the shaping wire
257 can be used in place of the portion 254 (e.g., if the catheter
230 does not include the portion 254 or by not imparting the
longitudinal compressive force). In some embodiments, the shaping
wire 257 can be used to impart a curve that is contrary to the
curve that the portion 254 would cause if a compressive force was
applied. In some embodiments, the shaping wire 257 may be inserted
into the lumen 242 in any rotational orientation such that a curve
can be imparted in any desired radial direction, for example
depending on the position of the anchor 248. The shaping wire 257
can allow formation of a curve even if the catheter 230 does not
include an anchor 248, for example because the catheter body 232
can conform to the shape of the shaping wire regardless of whether
the catheter 230 is anchored to the vasculature. In some
embodiments, insertion of the shaping wire 257 into the lumen 242
imparts a curve to the portion 254 such that at least one of the
electrodes 244 apposes a superior/posterior sidewall of the
pulmonary artery.
[0072] In some embodiments, a neuromodulation system comprises a
catheter 230 and a shaping wire 257. The catheter 230 comprises a
catheter body 232, an electrode 244, and a sensor 266. The catheter
body 232 comprises a proximal end 234, a distal end 236, a lumen
242 extending from the proximal end 234 towards the distal end 236
(e.g., at least distal to the electrode 244), and an outer surface
238. The electrode 244 is on the outer surface 238. The electrode
244 is configured to deliver an electrical signal to a pulmonary
artery of a patient (e.g., to provide calibration and/or
therapeutic stimulation to a nerve proximate the pulmonary
artery).
[0073] The shaping wire 257 comprises a material that is configured
to cause the catheter body 232 to bend. For example, the radial
force of the shaping wire 257 may be greater than the forces that
keep the catheter body 232 in a generally straight configuration.
In some embodiments, the shaping wire 257 comprises a shape memory
material (e.g., nitinol, chromium cobalt, copper aluminum nickel,
etc.) or a resilient material (e.g., stainless steel, etc.). For
example, the shaping wire 257 may be stressed to a straight wire in
a proximal portion of the catheter 230, but in a portion of the
catheter 230 to be bent, which may be, for example, weaker that the
proximal portion of the catheter 230, the shaping wire 257 can
revert to the unstressed curved shape within the catheter 230. In
some embodiments in which the shaping wire 257 comprises a shape
memory material, the shaping wire 257 may utilize thermal shape
memory. For example, the shaping wire 257 may be in a substantially
straight shape until cold or warm fluid (e.g., saline) causes
reversion to the curved shape. In some such embodiments, the entire
catheter 230 may be bendable by the shaping wire 257, but the
temperature change is effected once the shaping wire 257 is in a
desired longitudinal and/or radial position. In some embodiments,
the entire catheter 230 may be bendable by the shaping wire 257.
For example, the curve may propagate along the length of the
catheter 230 until the curve is in a desired position.
[0074] The shaping wire 257 has a diameter or cross-sectional
dimension less than the diameter or cross-sectional dimension of
the lumen 242. For example, if the catheter body 232 is 20 French
(Fr) (approx. 6.67 millimeters (mm)), the lumen 242 may be 18 Fr
(approx. 6 mm) and the shaping wire 257 may be 16 Fr (approx. 5.33
mm). The shaping wire 257 may be, for example 1 Fr less than the
lumen 242 (e.g., for more radial force than if 2 Fr less) or 2 Fr
less than the lumen 242 (e.g., for less friction during navigation
than if 1 Fr less). The shaping wire 257 may be, for example 2 Fr
less than the catheter body 232 (e.g., if the lumen 242 is 1 Fr
less than the catheter body 232) or 4 Fr less than the catheter
body 232 (e.g., providing flexibility for the size of the lumen 242
to be 1 or 2 Fr less than the catheter body). Shaping wire sizes
other than on a French catheter scale are also possible (e.g.,
having a diameter less than a diameter of the lumen 242 by about
0.05 mm, 0.1 mm, by about 0.2 mm, by about 0.25 mm, by about 0.5
mm, ranges between such values etc.).
[0075] The sensor 266 is on the outer surface 238. The sensor 266
is configured to sense a heart activity property (e.g., a
non-electrical heart activity property such as a pressure property,
an acceleration property, an acoustic property, a temperature, and
a blood chemistry property) from a location within in vasculature
of the patient. The location may be different than the pulmonary
artery in which the electrode 244 is positioned. For example, if
the electrode 244 is in the right pulmonary artery, the location of
the sensor 266 may be in the pulmonary trunk, a pulmonary artery
branch vessel, the right ventricle, the ventricular septal wall,
the right atrium, the septal wall of the right atrium, the superior
vena cava, the inferior vena cava, the left pulmonary artery, the
coronary sinus, etc. The shaping wire 257 is configured to be
positioned in the lumen 242 of the catheter body 232. The shaping
wire comprising a bent portion 263. For example, from a proximal
end 259 to a distal end 261, the shaping wire 257 may be
substantially straight in a substantially straight portion, then
have a bent portion 263 extending away from a longitudinal axis of
the straight portion. The bent portion 263 may include one bend or
a plurality of bends (e.g., two bends (as illustrated in FIG. 2A),
three bends, or more bends). The shaping wire 257 may optionally
comprise another substantially straight portion after the bent
portion, which may have a longitudinal axis that is substantially
aligned with the longitudinal axis of the proximal straight
portion. When the shaping wire 257 is inserted in the lumen 242 of
the catheter body 232, the catheter body 232 comprises a curved
portion 254 corresponding to the bent portion 263 of the shaping
wire 257. For example, the catheter body 232, or the portion 254,
may comprise a material that can be bent due to pressure or stress
applied to the lumen 242 or interior surface 240 of the catheter
body 232. In some embodiments, insertion of the shaping wire 257
into the lumen 242 imparts a curve to the portion 254 such that at
least one of the electrodes 244 apposes a superior/posterior
sidewall of the pulmonary artery.
[0076] FIGS. 2A through 2C further illustrate an example delivery
catheter 256 that can be used in conjunction with the catheter 230.
The delivery catheter 256 can be a Swan-Ganz type pulmonary artery
catheter, as are known, that includes a surface 258 defining a
lumen 260 sized sufficiently to receive, store, and deploy the
catheter 230. As illustrated, the delivery catheter 256 includes a
reversibly inflatable balloon 262 in fluid communication with a
balloon inflation lumen that extends from a proximal or first end
264 of the delivery catheter 256 (e.g., where the inflation lumen
can be to an inflation fluid source) to the interior volume of the
reversibly inflatable balloon 262.
[0077] The catheter 230 also includes a first sensor 266. As
illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2C, the first sensor 266 can be
positioned at a number of different locations along the catheter
230. In FIG. 2A, the first sensor 266 is positioned on the elongate
catheter body 232 distal to the anchor 248. A sensor 266 that is
proximate to the distal end 236 of the catheter 230 may also or
alternatively be useful for navigation of the catheter 230, for
example to determine an anatomical location during floating a
balloon such as with a Swan-Ganz catheter. In FIG. 2B, the first
sensor 266 is positioned on or between one of the struts 250 of the
anchor. In FIG. 2C, the first sensor 266 is positioned proximal to
both the anchor 248 and the plurality of electrodes 244. In FIG.
2D, the first sensor 266 is positioned proximal enough that the
first sensor 266 can be in a location of the vasculature different
than the electrodes 244. In some embodiments, the catheter 230
comprises a plurality of sensors 266 at more than one of the
positions illustrated in FIGS. 2A through 2C and/or other
positions.
[0078] The catheter 230 further includes a sensor conductor 268.
The first sensor 266 is coupled to the sensor conductor 268 and is
isolated from the conductive elements 246 and electrodes 244. The
coupling may be electrical, optical, pressure, etc. The sensor
conductor 268 extends through the elongate body 232 from the first
sensor 266 through the first end 234 of the elongate body 232. The
sensor conductor 268 terminates at a connector port that can be
used, for example, to releasably couple the first sensor 266 to the
stimulation system, as discussed herein.
[0079] The first sensor 266 can be used to sense one or more
activity property (e.g., electrical and/or non-electrical heart
activity properties). In some embodiments, the property can be
measured in response to one or more electrical pulses delivered
using the plurality of electrodes 244. Examples of non-electrical
heart activity properties include, but are not limited to, one or
more of a pressure property, an acceleration property, an acoustic
property, a temperature, and a blood chemistry property measured
from within the vasculature of the heart. As appreciated, two or
more of the non-electrical heart activity properties can be
measured by using more than one sensor on the catheter 230.
[0080] For use in detecting a pressure property, the first sensor
266 can be a pressure sensing transducer, for example such as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,564,434 (e.g., configured to detect
changes in blood pressure, atmospheric pressure, and/or blood
temperature and to provide modulated pressure and/or temperature
related signals), incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
For use in detecting an acceleration property, the first sensor 266
can be an acceleration sensor, for example such as disclosed in
U.S. Patent Pub. No. 2004/0172079 to Chinchoy (e.g., configured to
generate a signal proportional to acceleration of a heart muscle or
wall such as a coronary sinus wall, septal wall, or ventricle wall)
or U.S. Pat. No. 7,092,759 to Nehls et al. (e.g., configured to
generate a signal proportional to acceleration, velocity, and/or
displacement of a heart muscle or wall such as a coronary sinus
wall, septal wall, or ventricle wall), each of which is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. For use in
detecting an acoustic property, the first sensor 266 can be a
piezoelectric transducer (e.g., a microphone) or a blood flow
sensor, for example such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,754,532
(e.g., configured to measure a velocity of blood to estimate blood
flow volume), which is incorporated by reference herein in its
entirety. For use in detecting a temperature, the first sensor 266
can be a temperature sensor, for example such as disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,336,244 (e.g., configured to detect variations in blood
temperature and/or oxygen concentration indicative of the
mechanical pumping action of the heart) and/or U.S. Patent Pub. No.
2011/0160790 (e.g., configured to sense temperature and to produce
a temperature signal), each of which is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety. For use in detecting a blood chemistry
properties, the first sensor 266 can be an oxygen sensor or a
glucose sensor, for example such as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
5,213,098 (e.g., configured to sense blood oxygen saturation levels
that vary with cardiac muscle oxygen uptake) and/or U.S. Patent
Pub. No. 2011/0160790 (e.g., configured to measure oxygen and/or
glucose concentration in blood and to produce an oxygen and/or
glucose signal), each of which is incorporated by reference herein
in its entirety. Other types of sensors can also be used for the
first sensor 266 and other sensors described herein.
[0081] The catheter 230 shown in FIGS. 2A through 2C can be
positioned in the right pulmonary artery, the left pulmonary
artery, or the pulmonary trunk of the patient, as described herein.
To accomplish this, the delivery catheter 256 with the catheter 230
housed therein can be introduced into the vasculature through a
percutaneous incision, and guided to the right ventricle using
known techniques. For example, the delivery catheter 256 can be
inserted into the vasculature via a peripheral vein of the neck or
chest (e.g., as with a Swan-Ganz catheter). Changes in a patient's
electrocardiography and/or pressure signals from the vasculature
can be used to guide and locate the pulmonary artery catheter
within the patient's heart. Once in the proper location, a guide
wire can be introduced into the patient via the pulmonary artery
guide catheter, where the guide wire is advanced into the desired
pulmonary artery (e.g., the right pulmonary artery). The delivery
catheter 256 with the catheter 230 housed therein can be advanced
over the guide wire so as to position the catheter 230 in the
desired pulmonary artery of the patient (e.g., the right pulmonary
artery or the left pulmonary artery), as described herein. Various
imaging modalities can be used in positioning the guide wire of the
present disclosure in the pulmonary artery of the patient. Such
imaging modalities include, but are not limited to, fluoroscopy,
ultrasound, electromagnetic, and electropotential modalities.
[0082] When the catheter 230 is positioned in the right pulmonary
artery or the left pulmonary artery and the sensor 266 is
configured to be proximal to the electrodes 244, a distance between
the electrodes 244 (e.g., from the proximal-most electrode 244) and
the sensor 266 may be between about 1 cm and about 5 cm (e.g.,
about 1 cm, about 2 cm, about 3 cm, about 4 cm, about 5 cm, ranges
between such values, etc.), in which case the sensor 266 can reside
in the pulmonary trunk, between about 8 cm and about 20 cm (e.g.,
about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, about 11 cm, about 12 cm,
about 13 cm, about 14 cm, about 16 cm, about 18 cm, about 20 cm,
ranges between such values, etc.), in which case the sensor 266 can
reside in the right ventricle, between about 16 cm and about 27 cm
(e.g., about 16 cm, about 17 cm, about 18 cm, about 19 cm, about 20
cm, about 21 cm, about 22 cm, about 23 cm, about 25 cm, about 27
cm, ranges between such values, etc.), in which case the sensor 266
can reside in the right atrium, or between about 21 cm and about 33
cm (e.g., about 21 cm, about 23 cm, about 25 cm, about 26 cm, about
27 cm, about 28 cm, about 29 cm, about 30 cm, about 31 cm, about 32
cm, about 33 cm, ranges between such values, etc.), in which case
the sensor 266 can reside in the superior vena cava.
[0083] When the catheter 230 is positioned in the pulmonary trunk
and the sensor 266 is configured to be distal to the electrodes
244, a distance between the electrodes 244 (e.g., from the
distal-most electrode 244) and the sensor 266 may be between about
1 cm and about 5 cm (e.g., about 1 cm, about 2 cm, about 3 cm,
about 4 cm, about 5 cm, ranges between such values, etc.), in which
case the sensor 266 can reside in the right pulmonary artery or the
left pulmonary artery. When the catheter 230 is positioned in the
pulmonary trunk and the sensor 266 is configured to be proximal to
the electrodes 244, a distance between the electrodes 244 (e.g.,
from the proximal-most electrode 244) and the sensor 266 may be
between about 3 cm and about 19 cm (e.g., about 3 cm, about 5 cm,
about 6 cm, about 7 cm, about 8 cm, about 9 cm, about 10 cm, about
12 cm, about 15 cm, about 19 cm, ranges between such values, etc.),
in which case the sensor 266 can reside in the right ventricle,
between about 11 cm and about 26 cm (e.g., about 11 cm, about 13
cm, about 15 cm, about 16 cm, about 17 cm, about 18 cm, about 19
cm, about 20 cm, about 22 cm, about 24 cm, about 26 cm, ranges
between such values, etc.), in which case the sensor 266 can reside
in the right atrium, or between about 16 cm and about 32 cm (e.g.,
about 16 cm, about 18 cm, about 20 cm, about 22 cm, about 24 cm,
about 25 cm, about 26 cm, about 27 cm, about 28 cm, about 30 cm,
about 32 cm, ranges between such values, etc.), in which case the
sensor 266 can reside in the superior vena cava.
[0084] FIG. 3 provides a perspective view of the catheter 330
positioned in the heart 300 of the patient, where one or more of
the plurality of electrodes 344 are contacting the posterior 321
and/or superior surface 323 of the right pulmonary artery 308
(e.g., at a position that is superior to the branch point 310).
FIG. 3 further illustrates the embodiment in which the first sensor
366 is positioned distal from the anchor 348. As illustrated, the
pulmonary trunk 302 has a diameter 370 taken across a plane 372
substantially perpendicular to both the left lateral plane 320 and
the right lateral plane 316. In a preferred embodiment, the
plurality of electrodes 344 of the catheter 330 is positioned in an
area 374 that extends distally no more than about three times the
diameter 370 of the pulmonary trunk 302 to the right of the branch
point 310. This area 374 is shown with cross-hatching in FIG.
3.
[0085] The right pulmonary artery 308 can also include a branch
point 376 that divides the right pulmonary artery 308 into at least
two additional arteries 378 that are distal to the branch point 310
defining the left pulmonary artery 306 and the right pulmonary
artery 308. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the plurality of electrodes
344 can be positioned between the branch point 310 defining the
left pulmonary artery 306 and the right pulmonary artery 308 and
the branch point 376 that divides the right pulmonary artery 308
into at least two additional arteries 378. In other words, the
plurality of electrodes 344 of the catheter 330 could be positioned
so as to contact the posterior 321 and/or superior surface 323 of
the right pulmonary artery 308 up to an including the branch point
376.
[0086] Once positioned in a pulmonary artery of the heart of the
patient (e.g., the right pulmonary artery 308 as illustrated in
FIG. 3, the left pulmonary artery 306, and/or the pulmonary trunk
302), one or more therapeutic and/or calibrating electrical pulses
can be delivered through the plurality of electrodes 344 of the
catheter 330. One or more heart activity properties in response to
the one or more electrical pulses are sensed from at least the
first sensor 366 positioned at a first location within the
vasculature of the heart 300.
[0087] The catheter 230, 330 may be permanently or reversibly
implantable into the vasculature. For example, the catheter 230,
330 may be retracted from the vasculature (e.g., after removing the
anchor 248, 348) after a duration. The duration may be determined
based at least partially on a set duration (e.g., a certain number
of hours or days (e.g., 12 hours, 18 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, 3
days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, etc.)). The duration may be
determined based at least partially on a response of a patient
(e.g., retracted when the patient has improved in an aspect by a
certain amount or is deemed ready to have the catheter 230, 330
removed).
[0088] FIG. 4 illustrates an example catheter 430 and a separate
first sensor 466 useful for the methods of the present disclosure.
Similar to the catheter 230, the catheter 430 includes an elongate
catheter body 432 having a proximal or first end 434 and a distal
or second end 436, a peripheral surface 438 and an interior surface
440 defining a lumen 442 (shown with a broken line) that extends
between the first end 434 and the second end 436 of the elongate
catheter body 432. The catheter 430 further includes a plurality of
electrodes 444 positioned along the peripheral surface 438 of the
elongate catheter body 432, and conductive elements 446 extending
through the elongate body 432 between the plurality of electrodes
444 and the first end 434, as discussed herein. The catheter 430
further includes an anchor 448 comprising struts 450 that provide a
peripheral surface 452 that can engage vascular tissue (e.g., the
lumen of either the right pulmonary artery or the left pulmonary
artery).
[0089] The catheter 430 further includes a portion 454 of the
elongate catheter body 432, for example including the plurality of
electrodes 444, where the portion 454 can curve in a predefined
radial direction when placed under longitudinal compression, as
discussed herein. The elongate catheter body 432 of the catheter
430 can also or alternatively include a lumen 442 that can receive
a shaping wire, as discussed herein.
[0090] In contrast to the catheter illustrated in FIGS. 2A through
2D, however, the catheter 430 does not include a first sensor.
Rather, a second catheter 480 includes a first sensor 466. As
illustrated in FIG. 4, the second catheter 480 includes an elongate
catheter body 482 having a first end 484 and a second end 486, a
peripheral surface 488 and an interior surface 490 defining a lumen
492 (shown with a broken line) that extends between the first end
484 and the second end 486 of the elongate catheter body 482, where
the lumen 492 can receive a guide wire for help in positioning the
second catheter 480 in the vasculature of the heart. The second
catheter 480 further includes a first sensor 466, as discussed
herein, on the elongate catheter body 482 and a sensor conductor
468 that extends through the elongate catheter body 482 to
terminate at a connector port that can be used, for example, to
releasably couple the first sensor 466 to the stimulation system,
as discussed herein.
[0091] As the first sensor 466 is included on the second catheter
480, the first sensor 466 can be positioned in a location within
the vasculature of the patient that is different than the first
location in which the catheter 430 is positioned. For example, the
catheter 430 can be positioned with the plurality of electrodes 444
positioned in the right pulmonary artery, as discussed herein,
while the first sensor 466 is positioned in the left pulmonary
artery. In this way, one or more electrical pulses can be delivered
through the catheter 430 positioned in the right pulmonary artery
of the heart that does not contain the first sensor 466. In some
embodiments, when the catheter 430 is positioned with the plurality
of electrodes 444 positioned in the left pulmonary artery, the
first sensor 466 can be positioned in the right pulmonary artery.
In this way, one or more electrical pulses can be delivered through
the catheter 430 positioned in the left pulmonary artery of the
heart that does not contain the first sensor 466.
[0092] In some embodiments, the catheter 430 can be positioned with
the plurality of electrodes 444 positioned in either one of the
left pulmonary artery or the right pulmonary artery, and the first
sensor 466 on the second catheter 480 can be positioned in the
right ventricle of the heart. The first sensor 466 on the second
catheter 480 can also be positioned in the right atrium of the
heart.
[0093] In some embodiments, the first sensor 466 on the second
catheter 480 can also be positioned on the septal wall of the right
atrium or the ventricular septal wall of the heart. The elongate
catheter body 482 of the second catheter 480 can include a positive
fixation structure (e.g., a helical screw) that helps to secure the
elongate catheter body 482 and the first sensor 466 to the septal
wall of the right atrium of the heart.
[0094] In some embodiments the first sensor 466 on the second
catheter 480 can be positioned in a superior vena cava of the
heart. In some embodiments, the first sensor 466 on the second
catheter 480 can be positioned in an inferior vena cava of the
heart. In some embodiments, the first sensor 466 on the second
catheter 480 can be positioned in a coronary sinus of the heart. In
a preferred embodiment, when the first sensor 466 is positioned in
the coronary sinus of the heart, the first sensor 466 is used to
sense at least one of a temperature and a blood oxygen level.
[0095] One or more cardiac properties can also or alternatively be
sensed from a skin surface of the patient. An example of such a
cardiac property includes an electrocardiogram property, where the
electrical activity of the heart can be sensed using electrodes, as
are known, attached to the surface of the patient's skin. Another
example of such a cardiac property can include a doppler
echocardiogram, which can be used to determine the speed and
direction of the blood flow. Acoustic signals sensed from the skin
surface of the patient may also be used as the cardiac property.
The properties of the one or more electrical pulses delivered
through the catheter positioned in the pulmonary artery of the
heart can then be adjusted, as discussed herein, in response to the
one or more heart activity properties measured intravascularly
and/or the one or more cardiac properties from the skin surface of
the patient.
[0096] In some embodiments, a second sensor located at a second
location within the vasculature of the heart can be used, in
addition to the first sensor, to sense one or more heart activity
properties, as discussed herein, for example in response to the one
or more electrical pulses. The second location is different than
the first location. For example, the first location may be the left
pulmonary artery and the second location may be the right pulmonary
artery; the first location may be the left pulmonary artery and the
second location may be the pulmonary trunk; the first location may
be the left pulmonary artery and the second location may be the
right ventricle; the first location may be the left pulmonary
artery and the second location may be the right atrium; the first
location may be the left pulmonary artery and the second location
may be the septal wall of the right atrium; the first location may
be the left pulmonary artery and the second location may be the
ventricular septal wall; the first location may be the left
pulmonary artery and the second location may be the superior vena
cava; the first location may be the left pulmonary artery and the
second location may be the inferior vena cava; the first location
may be the left pulmonary artery and the second location may be the
coronary sinus; and other permutations of these locations.
[0097] In some embodiments, the second sensor is the sensor 466 of
the second catheter 480, and the first sensor is the sensor 266 of
the catheter 230. In some embodiments the first sensor and the
second sensor can be located on the same catheter (e.g., the
catheter 230, the catheter 480). For example, both the first sensor
and the second sensor can be located on the second catheter 480 for
sensing at least two different heart activity properties. For
another example, both the first sensor and the second sensor can be
located on the catheter 230 for sensing at least two different
heart activity properties. The properties of the one or more
electrical pulses delivered through the catheter positioned in the
pulmonary artery of the heart can be adjusted, as discussed herein,
in response to the one or more heart activity properties received
from the first sensor and the second sensor.
[0098] Neuromodulation of the heart according to the present
disclosure can be accomplished by applying electrical pulses in
and/or around the region of the pulmonary artery. For example, the
neuromodulation of the present disclosure can apply the electrical
pulses to the posterior, superior wall, and/or the inferior wall of
the right pulmonary artery. Preferably, neuromodulation of the
present disclosure includes applying the electrical pulses to the
posterior and/or superior wall of the right pulmonary artery,
although other positions in the right pulmonary artery, the left
pulmonary artery, and the pulmonary trunk are also possible. The
electrical pulses are thereby applied to the autonomic
cardiopulmonary nerves surrounding the right pulmonary artery.
These autonomic cardiopulmonary nerves can include the right
autonomic cardiopulmonary nerves and the left autonomic
cardiopulmonary nerves. The right autonomic cardiopulmonary nerves
include the right dorsal medial cardiopulmonary nerve and the right
dorsal lateral cardiopulmonary nerve. The left autonomic
cardiopulmonary nerves include the left ventral cardiopulmonary
nerve, the left dorsal medial cardiopulmonary nerve, the left
dorsal lateral cardiopulmonary nerve, and the left stellate
cardiopulmonary nerve. Stimulation of other nerves proximate to the
right pulmonary artery is also possible.
[0099] With reference FIG. 3, one or more of the plurality of
electrodes 344 of the catheter 330 can be contacting the posterior
surface 321 of the right pulmonary artery 308. From this location,
the electrical pulses delivered through one or more of the
plurality of electrodes 344 may be better able to treat and/or
provide therapy (including adjuvant therapy) to the patient
experiencing a variety of cardiovascular medical conditions, such
as acute heart failure. The electrical pulses can elicit responses
from the autonomic nervous system that may help to modulate a
patient's cardiac contractility. The electrical pulses applied by
the methods described herein preferably affect heart contractility
more than the heart rate, which can help to improve hemodynamic
control while possibly and/or reducing or minimizing unwanted
systemic effects.
[0100] A stimulation system is electrically coupled to the
plurality of electrodes of the catheter via the conductive elements
extending through the catheter. The stimulation system can be used
to deliver the electrical pulses to the autonomic cardiopulmonary
fibers surrounding the pulmonary artery (e.g., the right pulmonary
artery). The stimulation system is used to operate and supply the
electrical pulses to the plurality of electrodes of the catheter.
The stimulation system controls the various properties of the
electrical pulses delivered across the plurality of electrodes.
Such properties include control of polarity (e.g., used as a
cathode or an anode), pulsing mode (e.g., unipolar, bi-polar,
biphasic, and/or multi-polar), a pulse width, an amplitude, a
frequency, a phase, a voltage, a current, a duration, an
inter-pulse interval, a dwell time, a sequence, a wavelength,
and/or a waveform associated with the electrical pulses. The
stimulation system may operate and supply the electrical pulses to
different combinations and numbers of the plurality of electrodes,
including a reference electrode. The stimulation system can be
external to the patient's body or internal to the patient's body.
When located outside the body, a professional can program the
stimulation system and monitor its performance. When located within
the patient, the housing of the stimulation system or an electrode
incorporated in the housing can be used as a reference electrode
for both sensing and unipolar pulsing mode.
[0101] Examples of non-electrical heart activity properties
include, but are not limited to, a pressure property, an
acceleration property, an acoustic property, a temperature, or a
blood chemistry property. The non-electrical heart activity
properties may be sensed by at least a first sensor positioned at a
first location within the vasculature of the heart. In response to
the one or more non-electrical heart activity properties, a
property of the one or more electrical pulses delivered through the
catheter positioned in the pulmonary artery of the heart can be
adjusted. Examples of such adjustments include, but are not limited
to, changing which electrode or electrodes of the plurality of
electrodes on the catheter is/are used to deliver one or more
electrical pulses. Adjustments can also be made to the properties
of the electrical pulses, for example by changing at least one of
an electrode polarity, a pulsing mode, a pulse width, an amplitude,
a frequency, a phase, a voltage, a current, a duration, an
inter-pulse interval, a duty cycle, a dwell time, a sequence, a
wavelength, and a waveform of the one or more electrical pulses. It
is possible to adjust combinations of electrodes used and the
properties of the electrical pulses provided by the electrodes.
Adjusting a property of the one or more electrical pulses can
include moving the catheter to reposition electrodes of the
catheter in the pulmonary artery of the heart. Combinations of
these adjustments are also possible.
[0102] By way of example, the electrical pulses can have a voltage
between about 0.1 microvolts (mV) and about 75 volts (V) (e.g.,
about 0.1 mV, about 0.5 mV, about 1 mV, about 10 mV, about 100 mV
or about 0.1 V, about 1 V, about 10 V, about 20 V, about 30 V,
about 40 V, about 50 V, about 60 V, about 75 V, ranges between such
values, etc.). The electrical pulses can also have an amplitude
between about 1 milliamps (mA) to about 40 mA (e.g., about 1 mA,
about 2 mA, about 3 mA, about 4 mA, about 5 mA, about 10 mA, about
15 mA, about 20 mA, about 25 mA, about 30 mA, about 35 mA, about 40
mA, ranges between such values, etc.). The electrical pulses can be
delivered at a frequency of between 1 Hertz (Hz) and about 10,000
Hz or 10 kilohertz (kHz) (e.g., about 1 Hz, about 2 Hz, about 10
Hz, about 25 Hz, about 50 Hz, about 75 Hz, about 100 Hz, about 150
Hz, about 200 Hz, about 250 Hz, about 500 Hz, about 1,000 Hz or 1
kHz, about 10 kHz, ranges between such values, etc.). The
electrical pulses can have a pulse width between about 100
microseconds (.mu.s) and about 100 milliseconds (ms) (e.g., about
100 .mu.s, about 200 .mu.s, about 500 .mu.s, about 1,000 .mu.s or 1
ms, about 10 ms, about 50 ms, about 100 ms, ranges between such
values, etc.). For variation of duty cycle, or the duration that
the electrical pulses are delivered versus the duration that
electrical pulses are not delivered, the electrical pulses may be
delivered for between about 250 ms and about 1 second (e.g., about
250 ms, about 300 ms, about 350 ms, about 400 ms, about 450 ms,
about 500 ms, about 550 ms, about 600 ms, about 650 ms, about 700
ms, about 750 ms, about 800 ms, about 850 ms, about 900 ms, about
950 ms, ranges between such values, etc.), and thereafter not
delivered for between about 1 second and about 10 minutes (e.g.,
about 1 second, about 5 seconds, about 10 seconds, about 15
seconds, about 30 seconds, about 45 seconds, about 1 minute, about
2 minutes, about 3 minutes, about 5 minutes, about 10 minutes,
ranges between such values, etc.). An optimized duty cycle may, for
example, reduce response time, increase battery life, patient
comfort (reduce pain, cough, etc.), etc. The electrical pulses can
also have a variety of waveforms, such as: square wave, biphasic
square wave, sine wave, arbitrary defined waveforms that are
electrically safe, efficacious, and feasible, and combinations
thereof. The electrical pulses may be applied to multiple target
sites via multiple electrodes at least partially simultaneously
and/or sequentially.
[0103] The methods of the present disclosure can include assigning
a hierarchy of electrode configurations from which to deliver the
one or more electrical pulses. The hierarchy can include two or
more predetermined patterns and/or combinations of the plurality of
electrodes to use in delivering the one or more electrical pulses.
For example, the one or more electrical pulses can be delivered
using the hierarchy of electrode configurations. A heart activity
property sensed in response to the one or more electrical pulses
delivered using the hierarchy of electrode configurations can be
analyzed. Such an analysis can include, for example, determining
which of the hierarchy of electrode configurations provide the
highest contractility or relative contractility of the patient's
heart. Based on this analysis, an electrode configuration can be
selected to use for delivering the one or more electrical pulses
through the catheter positioned in the pulmonary artery of the
patient's heart.
[0104] In some embodiments, a method can include assigning a
hierarchy to one or more properties of the one or more electrical
pulses delivered through the catheter positioned in the pulmonary
artery of the heart. The hierarchy can include providing an order
of which property (e.g., electrode polarity, pulsing mode, pulse
width, amplitude, frequency, phase, voltage, current, duration,
inter-pulse interval, duty cycle, dwell time, sequence, wavelength,
or waveform of the one or more electrical pulses) is to be changed
and by how much, and for a predetermined number of electrical
pulses delivered to the patient's heart. The predetermined number
of electrical pulses can be, for example, 10 to 100 electrical
pulses at a given property of the hierarchy. The one or more heart
activity properties can be recorded for the predetermined number of
the one or more electrical pulses delivered to the patient's heart
for a given property of the one or more electrical pulses. The one
or more heart activity properties sensed in response to the one or
more electrical pulses can then be analyzed. For example, the
recorded properties for each set of predetermined numbers of pulses
can be analyzed against other sets of recorded properties and/or
against predetermined standards for a given heart activity
properties and/or cardiac property (e.g., contractility). Based on
this analysis, an electrode configuration can be selected to use
for delivering the one or more electrical pulses through the
catheter positioned in the pulmonary artery of the patient's heart.
As a non-limiting example, a current of 1 mA can be applied to an
electrode for 50 electrical pulses, followed by the application of
a current of 10 mA to the electrode for 50 electrical pulses. The
responses at 1 mA and 10 mA can be compared. If 10 mA works better,
a current of 20 mA can be applied to the electrode for 50
electrical pulses, and the responses at 10 mA and 20 mA can be
compared. If 10 mA works better, 10 mA may be selected as the
current for the method. A wide variety of selection processes may
be used, including but not limited to iterative methods (e.g.,
comprising making comparisons until a limit is found at which a
difference is negligible) and brute force methods (e.g., measuring
responses and selecting one magnitude after completion of all
responses or until a certain value is achieved). This can be
repeated for one or more additional properties according to the
hierarchy (e.g., current followed by frequency). The selection
process may be the same or different for each member of the
hierarchy.
[0105] In some embodiments, a first electrical signal of a series
of electrical signals is delivered (e.g., via a stimulation system
such as the stimulation system 501) to an electrode in the
pulmonary artery (e.g., the right pulmonary artery, the left
pulmonary artery, the pulmonary trunk). After delivering the first
electrical signal, a second electrical signal of the series of
electrical signals is delivered (e.g., via the stimulation system)
to the electrode. The second electrical signal differs from the
first electrical signal by a magnitude of a first parameter of a
plurality of parameters. For example, if the first parameter is
current, the first electrical signal may have a voltage such as 1
mA and the second electrical signal may have a different voltage
such as 2 mA, while each of the other parameters (e.g., polarity,
pulse width, amplitude, frequency, voltage, duration, inter-pulse
interval, dwell time, sequence, wavelength, and waveform) are the
same.
[0106] Sensor data indicative of one or more non-electrical heart
activity properties may be determined in response to delivering the
series of electrical signals (e.g., via a sensor in the vasculature
(e.g., as part of a same catheter that comprises the electrode, as
part of a different catheter), via a sensor on a skin surface,
combinations thereof, and the like)). Electrical parameters to use
for therapeutic modulation may be selected based at least partially
on the sensor data. For example, the selected electrical parameters
may comprise a selected magnitude of the first parameter. A
therapeutic neuromodulation signal may be delivered to the
pulmonary artery using selected electrical parameters. The
therapeutic neuromodulation signal may increase heart contractility
(e.g., more than heart rate).
[0107] In some embodiments, a first series of electrical signals is
delivered (e.g., via a stimulation system such as the stimulation
system 501) to an electrode in the pulmonary artery (e.g., the
right pulmonary artery, the left pulmonary artery, the pulmonary
trunk). The first series comprises a first plurality of electrical
signals. Each of the first plurality of electrical signals
comprises a plurality of parameters (e.g., polarity, pulsing mode,
pulse width, amplitude, frequency, phase, voltage, current,
duration, inter-pulse interval, duty cycle, dwell time, sequence,
wavelength, waveform, subsets thereof, or the like). Each of the
first plurality of electrical signals of the first series only
differs from one another by a magnitude of a first parameter of the
plurality of parameters (e.g., one of polarity, pulsing mode, pulse
width, amplitude, frequency, phase, voltage, current, duration,
inter-pulse interval, duty cycle, dwell time, sequence, wavelength,
and waveform changes in each of the first plurality of electrical
signals). For example, if the first parameter is current, the first
plurality of electrical signals of the first series may differ by
having different currents such as 1 mA, 2 mA, 3 mA, 4 mA, etc.,
while each of the other parameters (e.g., polarity, pulsing mode,
pulse width, amplitude, frequency, phase, voltage, duration,
inter-pulse interval, duty cycle, dwell time, sequence, wavelength,
and waveform) are the same.
[0108] After the first series of electrical signals is delivered to
the electrode, a second series of electrical signals can be
delivered (e.g., via the stimulation system) to the electrode. The
second series comprises a second plurality of electrical signals.
Each of the second plurality of electrical signals comprises the
plurality of parameters. Each of the second plurality of electrical
signals of the second series only differs from one another by a
magnitude of a second parameter of the plurality of parameters
different than the first parameter (e.g., a different one of
polarity, pulsing mode, pulse width, amplitude, frequency, phase,
voltage, current, duration, inter-pulse interval, duty cycle, dwell
time, sequence, wavelength, and waveform changes in each of the
second plurality of electrical signals). For example, if the first
parameter is current, the second parameter may be related to timing
such as frequency or duty cycle, For example, in the case of
frequency, the second plurality of electrical signals of the second
series may differ by having different frequencies such as 1 Hz, 2
Hz, 3 Hz, 4 Hz, etc., while each of the other parameters (e.g.,
current, polarity, pulsing mode, pulse width, amplitude, phase,
voltage, duration, inter-pulse interval, duty cycle, dwell time,
sequence, wavelength, and waveform) are the same.
[0109] Sensor data indicative of one or more non-electrical heart
activity properties may be determined in response to delivering the
first series of electrical signals and the second series of
electrical signals (e.g., via a sensor in the vasculature (e.g., as
part of a same catheter that comprises the electrode, as part of a
different catheter), via a sensor on a skin surface, combinations
thereof, and the like)). Electrical parameters to use for
therapeutic modulation may be selected based at least partially on
the sensor data. For example, the selected electrical parameters
may comprise a selected magnitude of the first parameter and a
selected magnitude of the second parameter. A therapeutic
neuromodulation signal may be delivered to the pulmonary artery
using selected electrical parameters. The therapeutic
neuromodulation signal may increase heart contractility (e.g., more
than heart rate).
[0110] Other series of electrical signals may be delivered to the
electrode, for example only differing from one another by a
magnitude of a different parameter of the plurality of parameters
than the first parameter and the second parameter. As many
parameters as may be desired to have a selected value may be
calibrated or optimized. An order of the parameters may be based on
a hierarchy (e.g., first select a current, then select a frequency,
etc.).
[0111] A calibration or optimization process may be performed once
(e.g., when a catheter 230, 330 is initially positioned) or a
plurality of times. For example, the process may be repeated
periodically or after a certain duration (e.g., once per hour, per
2 hours, per 4 hours, per 6 hours, per 8 hours, per 12 hours, per
18 hours, per 24 hours, per 36 hours, per 2 days, per 60 hours, per
3 hours, etc.). In some implementations the process may be repeated
upon detection of a change (e.g., by the sensor 266, 366, 466). For
example, if a heart activity property changes by more than a
certain percentage in a certain duration (e.g., .+-.10%, .+-.25%,
.+-.50%, etc. in <1 minute, <2 minutes, <5 minutes, etc.),
that may be indicative that the catheter and/or sensor changed
position or that something else in the system or patient may have
changed (e.g., patient condition, physiological status, other
therapy regiments, etc.).
[0112] Suitable examples of a stimulation system for use with the
catheter in the method of the present disclosure can be found in
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/001,729, entitled
"Catheter and Catheter System for Electrical Neuromodulation" and
filed on May 22, 2014; PCT Patent Application No.
PCT/US2015/179634, entitled "Catheter and Catheter System for
Electrical Neuromodulation" and filed on May 21, 2015; U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 62/047,270, entitled "Catheter
and Electrode Systems for Electrical Neuromodulation" and filed on
Sep. 8, 2014; PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2015/047770,
entitled "Catheter and Electrode Systems for Electrical
Neuromodulation" and filed on Aug. 31, 2015; and U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/085,311, entitled "Methods and Systems for
Treating Acute Heart Failure by Neuromodulation" and filed on Nov.
20, 2013.
[0113] For example, FIG. 5 provides an illustration of the
stimulation system similar to the stimulation system 11600
disclosed in U.S. Provisional Patent Application 62/001,729,
entitled "Catheter and Catheter System for Electrical
Neuromodulation" and filed on May 22, 2014, which is hereby
incorporated by reference in its entirety, and more specifically
from which FIG. 11 and page 41, line 5 to page 42, line 19 are
incorporated herein by reference. As shown in FIG. 5, the
stimulation system 501 includes an input/output connector 503 that
can releasably join the conductive elements of the catheter,
conductive elements of a second catheter, and/or sensors for
sensing the one or more cardiac properties from the skin surface of
the patient, as discussed herein. The conductive elements and/or
sensors may be permanently coupled to the stimulation system (e.g.,
not releasably coupled).
[0114] The input/output connector 503 is connected to an analog to
digital converter 505. The output of the analog to digital
converter 505 is connected to a microprocessor 507 through a
peripheral bus 509 including, for example, address, data, and
control lines. The microprocessor 507 can process the sensor data,
when present, in different ways depending on the type of sensor in
use. The microprocessor 507 can also control, as discussed herein,
the pulse control output generator 511 that delivers the electrical
pulses to the one or more electrodes via the input/output connector
503 and/or housing 523.
[0115] The properties of the electrical pulses can be controlled
and adjusted, if desired, by instructions programmed in a memory
513 and executed by a programmable pulse generator 515. The memory
513 may comprise a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The
memory 513 may include one or more memory devices capable of
storing data and allowing any storage location to be directly
accessed by the microprocessor 507, such as random access memory
(RAM), flash memory (e.g., non-volatile flash memory), and the
like. The stimulation system 501 may comprise a storage device,
such as one or more hard disk drives or redundant arrays of
independent disks (RAID), for storing an operating system and other
related software, and for storing application software programs,
which may be the memory 513 or a different memory. The instructions
in memory 513 for the programmable pulse generator 515 can be set
and/or modified based on input from the sensors and the analysis of
the one or more heart activity properties via the microprocessor
507. The instructions in memory 513 for the programmable pulse
generator 515 can also be set and/or modified through inputs from a
professional via an input 517 connected through the peripheral bus
509. Examples of such an input include a keyboard and/or a mouse
(e.g., in conjunction with a display screen), a touch screen, etc.
A wide variety of input/output (I/O) devices may be used with the
stimulation system 501. Input devices include, for example,
keyboards, mice, trackpads, trackballs, microphones, and drawing
tablets. Output devices include, for example, video displays,
speakers, and printers. The I/O devices may be controlled by an I/O
controller. The I/O controller may control one or more I/O devices.
An I/O device may provide storage and/or an installation medium for
the stimulation system 501. The stimulation system 501 may provide
USB connections to receive handheld USB storage devices. The
stimulation system 501 optionally includes a communications port
519 that connects to the peripheral bus 509, where data and/or
programming instructions can be received by the microprocessor 507
and/or the memory 513.
[0116] Input from the input 517 (e.g., from a professional), the
communications port 519, and/or from the one or more heart activity
properties via the microprocessor 507 can be used to change (e.g.,
adjust) the properties of the electrical pulses. The stimulation
system 501 optionally includes a power source 521. The power source
521 can be a battery or a power source supplied from an external
power supply (e.g., an AC/DC power converter coupled to an AC
source). The stimulation system 501 optionally includes a housing
523.
[0117] The microprocessor 507 can execute one or more algorithms in
order to provide stimulation. The microprocessor 507 can also be
controlled by a professional via the input 517 to initiate,
terminate, and/or change (e.g., adjust) the properties of the
electrical pulses. The microprocessor 507 can execute one or more
algorithms to conduct the analysis of the one or more heart
activity properties sensed in response to the one or more
electrical pulses delivered using the hierarchy of electrode
configurations and/or the hierarchy of each property of the one or
more electrical pulses, for example to help identify an electrode
configuration and/or the property of the one or more electrical
pulses delivered to the patient's heart. Such analysis and
adjustments can be made using process control logic (e.g., fuzzy
logic, negative feedback, etc.) so as to maintain control of the
pulse control output generator 511.
[0118] The stimulation system 501 may comprise one or more
additional components, for example a display device, a cache memory
(e.g., in communication with the microprocessor 507), logic
circuitry, signal filters, a secondary or backside bus, local
buses, local interconnect buses, and the like. The stimulation
system 501 may support any suitable installation device, such as a
CD-ROM drive, a CD-R/RW drive, a DVD-ROM drive, tape drives of
various formats, USB device, hard-drive, communication device to a
connect to a server, or any other device suitable for installing
software and programs. The stimulation system 501 may include a
network interface to interface to a Local Area Network (LAN), Wide
Area Network (WAN), or the Internet through a variety of
connections including, but not limited to, standard telephone
lines, LAN or WAN links, broadband connections, wireless
connections (e.g., Bluetooth, WiFi), combinations thereof, and the
like. The network interface may comprise a built-in network
adapter, network interface card, wireless network adapter, USB
network adapter, modem, or any other device suitable for
interfacing the stimulation system 501 to any type of network
capable of communication and performing the operations described
herein. In some embodiments, the stimulation system 501 may
comprise or be connected to multiple display devices, which may be
of the same or different in type and/or form. As such, any of the
I/O devices and/or the I/O controller may comprise any type and/or
form of suitable hardware, software, or combination of hardware and
software to support, enable, or provide for the connection and use
of multiple display devices by the stimulation system 501. The
stimulation system can interface with any workstation, desktop
computer, laptop or notebook computer, server, handheld computer,
mobile telephone, any other computer, or other form of computing or
telecommunications device that is capable of communication and that
has sufficient processor power and memory capacity to perform the
operations described herein and/or to communication with the
stimulation system 501. The arrows shown in FIG. 5 generally depict
the flow of current and/or information, but current and/or
information may also flow in the opposite direction depending on
the hardware.
[0119] Analysis, determining, adjusting, and the like described
herein may be closed loop control or open loop control. For
example, in closed loop control, a stimulation system may analyze a
heart activity property and adjust an electrical signal property
without input from a user. For another example, in open loop
control, a stimulation system may analyze a heart activity property
and prompt action by a user to adjust an electrical signal
property, for example providing suggested adjustments or a number
of adjustment options.
[0120] In some embodiments, a method of non-therapeutic calibration
comprises positioning an electrode in a pulmonary artery of a heart
and positioning a sensor in a right ventricle of the heart. The
system further comprises delivering, via a stimulation system, a
first series of electrical signals to the electrode. The first
series comprises a first plurality of electrical signals. Each of
the first plurality of electrical signals comprises a plurality of
parameters. Each of the first plurality of electrical signals of
the first series only differs from one another by a magnitude of a
first parameter of the plurality of parameters. The method further
comprises, after delivering the first series of electrical signals
to the electrode, delivering, via the stimulation system, a second
series of electrical signals to the electrode. The second series
comprises a second plurality of electrical signals. Each of the
second plurality of electrical signals comprises the plurality of
parameters. Each of the second plurality of electrical signals of
the second series only differs from one another by a magnitude of a
second parameter of the plurality of parameters. The second
parameter is different than the first parameter. The method further
comprises determining, via the sensor, sensor data indicative of
one or more non-electrical heart activity properties in response to
delivering the first series of electrical signals and the second
series of electrical signals. The method further comprises
determining a therapeutic neuromodulation signal to be delivered to
the pulmonary artery using selected electrical parameters. The
selected electrical parameters comprise a selected magnitude of the
first parameter and a selected magnitude of the second parameter.
The selected magnitudes of the first and second parameters are
based at least partially on the sensor data.
[0121] In some embodiments, a method of non-therapeutic calibration
comprises delivering a first electrical signal of a series of
electrical signals to an electrode in a first anatomical location
and, after delivering the first electrical signal, delivering a
second electrical signal of the series of electrical signals to the
electrode. The second electrical signal differs from the first
electrical signal by a magnitude of a first parameter of a
plurality of parameters. The method further comprises sensing, via
a sensor in a second anatomical location different than the first
anatomical location, sensor data indicative of one or more
non-electrical heart activity properties in response to the
delivery of the series of electrical signals, and determining a
therapeutic neuromodulation signal to be delivered to the first
anatomical location using selected electrical parameters. The
selected electrical parameters comprise a selected magnitude of the
first parameter. The selected magnitude of the first parameter is
based at least partially on the sensor data.
[0122] The foregoing description and examples has been set forth
merely to illustrate the disclosure and are not intended as being
limiting. Each of the disclosed aspects and embodiments of the
present disclosure may be considered individually or in combination
with other aspects, embodiments, and variations of the disclosure.
In addition, unless otherwise specified, none of the steps of the
methods of the present disclosure are confined to any particular
order of performance. Modifications of the disclosed embodiments
incorporating the spirit and substance of the disclosure may occur
to persons skilled in the art and such modifications are within the
scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, all references cited
herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
[0123] While the methods and devices described herein may be
susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are
herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that
the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or
methods disclosed, but, to the contrary, the invention is to cover
all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the
spirit and scope of the various embodiments described and the
appended claims. Further, the disclosure herein of any particular
feature, aspect, method, property, characteristic, quality,
attribute, element, or the like in connection with an embodiment
can be used in all other embodiments set forth herein. Any methods
disclosed herein need not be performed in the order recited.
Depending on the embodiment, one or more acts, events, or functions
of any of the algorithms, methods, or processes described herein
can be performed in a different sequence, can be added, merged, or
left out altogether (e.g., not all described acts or events are
necessary for the practice of the algorithm). In some embodiments,
acts or events can be performed concurrently, e.g., through
multi-threaded processing, interrupt processing, or multiple
processors or processor cores or on other parallel architectures,
rather than sequentially. Further, no element, feature, block, or
step, or group of elements, features, blocks, or steps, are
necessary or indispensable to each embodiment. Additionally, all
possible combinations, subcombinations, and rearrangements of
systems, methods, features, elements, modules, blocks, and so forth
are within the scope of this disclosure. The use of sequential, or
time-ordered language, such as "then," "next," "after,"
"subsequently," and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise,
or otherwise understood within the context as used, is generally
intended to facilitate the flow of the text and is not intended to
limit the sequence of operations performed. Thus, some embodiments
may be performed using the sequence of operations described herein,
while other embodiments may be performed following a different
sequence of operations.
[0124] The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, processes,
methods, and algorithms described in connection with the
embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic
hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly
illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software,
various illustrative components, blocks, modules, operations, and
steps have been described above generally in terms of their
functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as
hardware or software depends upon the particular application and
design constraints imposed on the overall system. The described
functionality can be implemented in varying ways for each
particular application, but such implementation decisions should
not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the
disclosure.
[0125] The various illustrative logical blocks and modules
described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can
be implemented or performed by a machine, such as a general purpose
processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application
specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array
(FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or
transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination
thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A
general purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but in the
alternative, the processor can be a controller, microcontroller, or
state machine, combinations of the same, or the like. A processor
can also be implemented as a combination of computing devices,
e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of
microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a
DSP core, or any other such configuration.
[0126] The blocks, operations, or steps of a method, process, or
algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed
herein can be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module
executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software
module can reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM
memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, an
optical disc (e.g., CD-ROM or DVD), or any other form of volatile
or non-volatile computer-readable storage medium known in the art.
A storage medium can be coupled to the processor such that the
processor can read information from, and write information to, the
storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium can be
integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium can
reside in an ASIC. The ASIC can reside in a user terminal. In the
alternative, the processor and the storage medium can reside as
discrete components in a user terminal.
[0127] Conditional language used herein, such as, among others,
"can," "might," "may," "e.g.," and the like, unless specifically
stated otherwise, or otherwise understood within the context as
used, is generally intended to convey that some embodiments
include, while other embodiments do not include, certain features,
elements, and/or states. Thus, such conditional language is not
generally intended to imply that features, elements, blocks, and/or
states are in any way required for one or more embodiments or that
one or more embodiments necessarily include logic for deciding,
with or without author input or prompting, whether these features,
elements and/or states are included or are to be performed in any
particular embodiment.
[0128] The methods disclosed herein may include certain actions
taken by a practitioner; however, the methods can also include any
third-party instruction of those actions, either expressly or by
implication. For example, actions such as "positioning an
electrode" include "instructing positioning of an electrode."
[0129] The ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all
overlap, sub-ranges, and combinations thereof. Language such as "up
to," "at least," "greater than," "less than," "between," and the
like includes the number recited. Numbers preceded by a term such
as "about" or "approximately" include the recited numbers and
should be interpreted based on the circumstances (e.g., as accurate
as reasonably possible under the circumstances, for example .+-.5%,
.+-.10%, .+-.15%, etc.). For example, "about 1 V" includes "1 V."
Phrases preceded by a term such as "substantially" include the
recited phrase and should be interpreted based on the circumstances
(e.g., as much as reasonably possible under the circumstances). For
example, "substantially perpendicular" includes "perpendicular."
Unless stated otherwise, all measurements are at standard
conditions including temperature and pressure.
* * * * *