Method and device for lymphatic system monitoring
A device and method are disclosed for physiological monitoring of the lymphatic system. An implantable device is configured with a lymphatic sensor disposed in a lymphatic vessel for sensing pressure, flow, and/or the concentration of particular markers within the vessel. The device may be further configured to deliver appropriate therapy in accordance with the lymphatic monitoring.
1. A method, comprising:
implanting a cardiac pacing device that includes lymphatic monitoring circuitry;
implanting a lead electrically connected to the lymphatic monitoring circuitry into a lymphatic vessel, the lead having a lymphatic sensor incorporated therein for sensing a physiological parameter related to lymphatic function;
processing sensing signals generated by the lymphatic sensor via the monitoring circuitry to detect the presence of edema; and,
modifying delivery of cardiac pacing therapy when edema is detected from the lymphatic sensor signals.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the lymphatic sensor is a pressure sensor.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the lymphatic sensor is a flow sensor.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the lymphatic sensor is a chemo-sensor for generating a voltage proportional to the concentration of a particular chemical species.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising transmitting an alarm message via a telemetry transceiver if a value sensed by the lymphatic sensor reaches a specified limit value.
6. The method of claim 1 further comprising delivering therapy based upon sensing signals generated by the lymphatic sensor.
7. The method of claim 6 further comprising delivering cardiac resynchronization therapy based upon sensing signals generated by the lymphatic sensor.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising initiating or increasing the delivery of cardiac resynchronization therapy upon sensing a lymphatic flow or pressure value indicative of edema.
9. The method of claim 7 further comprising adjusting one or more cardiac resynchronization parameters upon sensing a lymphatic flow or pressure value indicative of edema.