Automatic baroreflex modulation responsive to adverse event
A system for providing baroreflex stimulation comprises a sensor to detect a parameter and provide a signal indicative of the parameter and a baroreflex stimulator. The baroreflex stimulator includes a driver to provide a control signal adapted to deliver a baroreflex therapy and a controller to receive the signal indicative of the parameter and modulate the control signal based on the signal indicative of the parameter to change the baroreflex therapy from a first baroreflex therapy to a second baroreflex therapy.
1. A method for operating an implantable medical device, the medical device having a control system contained within an implantable housing, and an electrode coupled to the control system and implanted in contact with a blood vessel, the method comprising:
performing a first therapy using the medical device according to a program stored in the control system, including delivering a first baroreflex stimulation signal through the electrode to stimulate a baroreceptor within a wall of the blood vessel, the first therapy programmed to treat a physiological condition through a baroreflex response; and
in response to detecting a predetermined threshold value, automatically performing a second therapy using the medical device according to a program stored in the control system, including delivering a second baroreflex stimulation signal through the electrode to stimulate the baroreceptor, the second therapy programmed to treat the physiological condition through a baroreflex response, wherein the second therapy is different from the first therapy.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein performing the first therapy includes withholding therapy and performing the second therapy includes providing baroreflex stimulation.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein performing the first therapy includes providing baroreflex stimulation and performing the second therapy includes withholding therapy.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrode is positioned within a blood vessel.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrode is positioned at least partially surrounding a blood vessel.
6. A method for operating an implantable medical device, the medical device having a control system contained within an implantable housing, and an electrode coupled to the control system and implanted in contact with a blood vessel, the method comprising:
performing a first therapy using medical device according to a program stored in the control system, including delivering a first baroreflex stimulation signal through the electrode to stimulate a baroreceptor within a wall of the blood vessel, the first therapy programmed to treat a physiological condition through a baroreflex response; and
in response to detecting a predetermined parameter, automatically performing a second therapy using the medical device according to a program stored in the control system, including delivering a second baroreflex stimulation signal through the electrode to stimulate the baroreceptor, the second therapy programmed to treat the physiological condition through a baroreflex response, wherein the second therapy is different from the first therapy.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the predetermined parameter is selected from the set consisting of: a blood pressure below a lower predetermined threshold, a blood pressure above a higher predetermined threshold, and a specific physiologic event indicative of a need for therapy to treat hypertension and/or heart failure.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined threshold value is selected from the group consisting of: blood pressure, heart rate, body movement, activity levels, respiration, and nerve activity.
9. The method of claim 1 ,
wherein each of the first therapy and the second therapy include at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of: pulse amplitude, pulse frequency, pulse width, pulse duration, pulse waveform, pulse polarity and pulse phase, and
wherein the difference between the second therapy and the first therapy comprises a difference in the at least one characteristic.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the physiological condition is selected from the group consisting of: hypertension, heart failure, cardiovascular disorders, renal disorders, nervous system disorders and low blood pressure.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the electrode is implanted in contact with a wall of a blood vessel selected from the group consisting of: a carotid sinus, an aortic arch, a common carotid artery, a subclavian artery, a brachiocephalic artery, and a heart.
12. The method of claim 6 , wherein the predetermined parameter is selected from the group consisting of: blood pressure, heart rate, body movement, activity levels, respiration, and nerve activity.
13. The method of claim 6 ,
wherein each of the first therapy and the second therapy include at least one characteristic selected from the group consisting of: pulse amplitude, pulse frequency, pulse width, pulse duration, pulse waveform, pulse polarity and pulse phase, and
wherein the difference between the second therapy and the first therapy comprises a difference in the at least one characteristic.
14. The method of claim 6 , wherein the physiological condition is selected from the group consisting of: hypertension, heart failure, cardiovascular disorders, renal disorders, nervous system disorders and low blood pressure.
15. The method of claim 6 , wherein the electrode is implanted in contact with a wall of a blood vessel selected from the group consisting of: a carotid sinus, an aortic arch, a common carotid artery, a subclavian artery, a brachiocephalic artery, and a heart.