SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPTOGENETIC THERAPY
Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.
1 . A method for installing a system for stimulating a targeted tissue structure comprising light sensitive protein, comprising:
a. providing an implantable optical applicator configured to be permanently operatively coupled to at least a portion of the targeted tissue structure, an implantable light source, an implantable power supply, an implantable controller, wherein the implantable optical applicator, implantable light source, implantable power supply, and implantable controller are provided in a pre-coupled and hermetically-sealed configuration and designed to be installed together through a common surgical access port;
b. creating the common surgical access port to a first anatomical location at which the implantable power supply and implantable controller are to be implanted;
c. inserting an elongate delivery conduit defining a working lumen therethrough along an insertion pathway to a second anatomical location without creating further surgical access for the insertion pathway, the second anatomical location being adjacent the targeted tissue structure; and
d. inserting the implantable optical applicator through the elongate delivery conduit to implant the implantable optical applicator at the second anatomical location operatively coupled to at least a portion of the targeted tissue structure, such that a least a portion of photons delivered through the implantable optical applicator will reach the targeted tissue structure.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the implantable optical applicator is selected from the group consisting of: a cuff applicator, a slab-type applicator, and a helical-type applicator.
3 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising wirelessly communicating with the implantable controller using an external controller.
4 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising immediately coupling the implantable light source to the implantable optical applicator, and operatively coupling the implantable light source to the implantable power supply and implantable controller, such that the implantable controller activates the implantable light source by controlling current thereto from the implantable power supply.
5 . The method of claim 4 , further comprising inserting the implantable light source through the elongate delivery conduit to implant the implantable light source into an implantation position immediately coupled to the implantable optical applicator at the second anatomical location.
6 . The method of claim 5 , further comprising removing the elongate delivery conduit out of the common access port.
7 . The method of claim 6 , further comprising removing the delivery segment from the lumen of the elongate delivery conduit by exposing a slit in along the length of the elongate delivery conduit that reaches the working lumen and is configured to allow removal of the elongate delivery segment from the working lumen through the side of the elongate delivery conduit.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the elongate delivery conduit is a cannula.
9 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the elongate delivery conduit is a catheter.
10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the catheter is a steerable catheter.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the steerable catheter is a robotically steerable catheter, configured to have electromechanical elements induce steering into the elongate delivery conduit in response to commands made by an operator with an electronic master input device that is operatively coupled to the electromechanical elements.
12 . The method of claim 4 , further comprising operatively coupling the implantable light source to the implantable power supply and controller with a delivery segment configured to carry electrical current.
13 . The method of claim 4 , further comprising coupling the implantable power supply to one or more implantable inductive coils configured to receive magnetic flux from a transcutaneous magnetic flux source configured to recharge the implantable power supply.
14 . The method of claim 13 , further comprising providing a transcutaneous magnetic flux source configured to be positioned in a charging position near the skin adjacent the one or more implantable inductive coils.
15 . The method of claim 14 , further comprising coupling the transcutaneous magnetic flux source to a mounting device configured to retain the transcutaneous magnetic flux source in the charging position for a period of time while the patient is active.
16 . The method of claim 4 , further comprising housing the implantable power supply and implantable controller within a common implantable housing.
17 . The method of claim 4 , wherein the light source comprises a light emitting diode.
18 . The method of claim 4 , further comprising genetically modifying the tissue structure comprising the light sensitive protein to encode an opsin protein.
19 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the opsin protein is an inhibitory opsin protein.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the inhibitory opsin protein is selected from the group consisting of: NpHR, eNpHR 1.0, eNpHR 2.0, eNpHR 3.0, Mac, Mac 3.0, Arch, and ArchT.
21 . The method of claim 18 , wherein the opsin protein is a stimulatory opsin protein.