Lumen-traveling biological interface device and method of use
Lumen-traveling biological interface devices and associated methods and systems are described. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices capable of traveling within a body lumen may include a propelling mechanism to produce movement of the lumen-traveling device within the lumen, electrodes or other electromagnetic transducers for detecting biological signals and electrodes, coils or other electromagnetic transducers for delivering electromagnetic stimuli to stimulus responsive tissues. Lumen-traveling biological interface devices may also include additional components such as sensors, an active portion, and/or control circuitry.
1. A method of emplacing a cardiac stimulation device, comprising:
causing a self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to travel within a body tube tree of a subject toward a target site;
pushing or pulling one or more additional cardiac stimulation devices with the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device;
if a branch point including two or more branches within the body tube tree is reached by the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device, causing the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to enter a branch leading toward the target site;
causing the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to stop traveling upon reaching the target site; and
delivering a cardiac pacing stimulus at the target site.
2. The method of claim 1 , including introducing the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device into the body tube tree of the subject.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the body tube tree is a vascular system of the subject.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein causing the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to travel within the body tube tree of the subject toward the target site includes causing the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to travel within the body tube tree under the control of a control system located at least in part on the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein causing the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to travel within the body tube tree of the subject toward the target site includes causing the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to travel within the body tube tree toward a target site located within a chamber of a heart of the subject.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein delivering the cardiac pacing stimulus includes delivering an electrical stimulus.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein delivering the cardiac pacing stimulus includes delivering a magnetic stimulus.
8. The method of claim 1 , including selecting the target site by selecting a site in proximity to a stimulation target.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein causing the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to travel within the body tube tree of the subject toward the target site includes causing the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to travel within the body tube tree under the control of a remote portion.
10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising recording electromagnetic activity from the heart of the subject with the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device.
11. A method of emplacing a cardiac stimulation device, comprising:
selecting a self-propelling cardiac stimulation device sized to fit within a target site from an assortment of self-propelling cardiac stimulation devices of different sizes;
causing the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to travel within a body tube tree of a subject toward a target site;
if a branch point including two or more branches within the body tube tree is reached by the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device, causing the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to enter a branch leading toward the target site;
causing the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to stop traveling upon reaching the target site and
delivering a cardiac pacing stimulus at the target site.
12. The method of claim 11 , including causing the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to engage a wall of the body tube tree at the target site.
13. The method of claim 11 , adjusting the size of the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to fit within the target site.
14. The method of claim 11 , including detecting the branch point with a sensor on the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device.
15. The method of claim 11 , including engaging a wall of the body tube tree by causing at least a portion of the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to expand to form a pressure fit with the wall of the body tube tree.
16. The method of claim 11 , including engaging a wall of the body tube tree by releasing an adhesive material from the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device.
17. The method of claim 11 , including engaging a wall of the body tube tree by extending at least one claw or barb-like structure from the self-propelling cardiac stimulation device to penetratingly engage the wall of the body tube tree.