Implant tool and improved electrode design for minimally invasive procedure

1. A method of implanting a baroreflex activation system, the baroreflex activation system including a control system having an implantable housing and an electrical lead, the method comprising:

creating an incision in a patient;

releasably coupling an electrode structure to an implant tool, the electrode structure including a monopolar electrode, a backing material having an effective surface area larger than the monopolar electrode, and a means for releasably and pivotably interfacing with the implant tool, wherein the means for releasably and pivotably interfacing provides for at least two degrees of freedom;

determining a suitable implant location for the electrode structure on a blood vessel by manipulating the implant tool within the incision, wherein the means for releasably and pivotably interfacing facilitates movement of the electrode structure around a curved outer surface of the blood vessel;

securing the electrode structure at the implant location such that the monopolar electrode is in contact with the outer surface of the blood vessel;

implanting the control system housing; and

connecting the electrode structure to the control system with the electrical lead.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein determining a suitable implant location comprises:

positioning the electrode proximate a baroreceptor at a first location on the blood vessel;

delivering a stimulation signal through the electrode;

measuring a patient response to the signal;

repositioning the electrode proximate a baroreceptor at a second location on the blood vessel;

delivering a stimulation signal through the electrode;

measuring a patient response to the signal;

comparing the patient response at the first location to the patient response at the second location; and

selecting the implant location based on the comparing.

3. The method of claim 1 , wherein securing the electrode structure comprises suturing the electrode structure to a blood vessel.

4. The method of claim 2 , wherein measuring the patient response comprises measuring blood pressure.

5. The method of claim 2 , wherein repositioning the electrode comprises moving the electrode along the curvature of the blood vessel.

6. The method of claim 2 , wherein the implant tool is used to position the electrode proximate a baroreceptor at a first location on the blood vessel and to reposition the electrode proximate a baroreceptor at a second location on the blood vessel.

7. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: causing the baroreflex activation system to deliver a baroreflex therapy.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the baroreflex therapy has a pulse frequency between 40-70 Hz, a pulse width between 100-150 microseconds, and a pulse amplitude between 5-7 milliamps.

9. The method of claim 7 , wherein the baroreflex therapy has a pulse frequency between 25-80 Hz, a pulse width between 60-200 microseconds, and a pulse amplitude between 3-10 milliamps.

10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the means for releasably and pivotably interfacing includes a range of motion of about 150 degrees at the means for interfacing.

11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the means for releasably and pivotably interfacing comprises one half of a ball-and-socket joint.

12. The method of claim 1 , wherein the blood vessel is 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.

13. A method, comprising:

causing a baroreflex activation system to be manufactured and made available to a user, the system including:

a control system having an implantable housing;

an electrical lead, coupleable to the control system; and

an electrode structure proximate a distal end of the electrical lead, the electrode structure including a monopolar electrode, a backing material having an effective surface area larger than and proximal of the monopolar electrode, and a means for releasably and pivotably interfacing with an implant tool, wherein the means for releasably and pivotably interfacing is positioned proximal of the backing material and provides for at least two degrees of freedom;

providing instructions to the user for implanting the baroreflex activation system, including:

creating an incision in a patient;

releasably coupling the electrode structure to an implant tool;

determining a suitable implant location for the electrode structure on a blood vessel by manipulating the implant tool within the incision, wherein the means for releasably and pivotably interfacing facilitates movement of the electrode structure around a curved outer surface of the blood vessel;

securing the electrode structure at the implant location such that the monopolar electrode is in contact with the outer surface of the blood vessel;

implanting the control system housing; and

connecting the electrode structure to the control system with the electrical lead.

14. The method of claim 13 , further comprising causing the baroreflex activation system to deliver a therapy via the monopolar electrode to a baroreceptor within a wall of the blood vessel.

15. The method of claim 14 , wherein the baroreflex therapy has a pulse frequency between 40-70 Hz, a pulse width between 100-150 microseconds, and a pulse amplitude between 5-7 milliamps.

16. The method of claim 14 , wherein the baroreflex therapy has a pulse frequency between 25-80 Hz, a pulse width between 60-200 microseconds, and a pulse amplitude between 3-10 milliamps.

17. The method of claim 13 , wherein determining a suitable implant location comprises:

positioning the electrode proximate a baroreceptor at a first location on the blood vessel;

delivering a stimulation signal through the electrode;

measuring a patient response to the signal;

repositioning the electrode proximate a baroreceptor at a second location on the blood vessel;

delivering a stimulation signal through the electrode;

measuring a patient response to the signal;

comparing the patient response at the first location to the patient response at the second location; and

selecting the implant location based on the comparing.

18. The method of claim 17 , wherein the implant tool is used to position the electrode proximate a baroreceptor at a first location on the blood vessel and to reposition the electrode proximate a baroreceptor at a second location on the blood vessel.

19. The method of claim 13 , wherein the means for releasably and pivotably interfacing includes a range of motion of about 150 degrees at the means for interfacing.

20. The method of claim 13 , wherein the means for releasably and pivotably interfacing comprises one half of a ball-and-socket joint.

21. The method of claim 13 , wherein the blood vessel is 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.

22. A method of implanting a baroreflex activation system, the baroreflex activation system including a control system having an implantable housing and an electrical lead, the method comprising:

creating an incision in a patient;

releasably coupling an electrode structure to an implant tool, the electrode structure including a monopolar electrode, a backing material having an effective surface area larger than the monopolar electrode, and a means for releasably and pivotably interfacing with the implant tool, wherein the means for releasably and pivotably interfacing provides for at least two degrees of freedom and wherein one of the degrees of freedom provided by the means for releasably and pivotably interfacing comprises yaw about an axis perpendicular to a backer of the electrode structure;

determining a suitable implant location for the electrode structure on a blood vessel by manipulating the implant tool within the incision;

securing the electrode structure at the implant location such that the monopolar electrode is in contact with an outer surface of the blood vessel;

implanting the control system housing; and

connecting the electrode structure to the control system with the electrical lead.

23. A method, comprising:

causing a baroreflex activation system to be manufactured and made available to a user, the system including:

a control system having an implantable housing;

an electrical lead, coupleable to the control system; and

an electrode structure proximate a distal end of the electrical lead, the electrode structure including a monopolar electrode, a backing material having an effective surface area larger than and proximal of the monopolar electrode, and a means for releasably and pivotably interfacing with an implant tool, wherein the means for releasably and pivotably interfacing is positioned proximal of the backing material and provides for at least two degrees of freedom and further wherein one of the degrees of freedom provided by the means for releasably and pivotably interfacing comprises yaw about an axis perpendicular to a backer of the electrode structure;

providing instructions to the user for implanting the baroreflex activation system, including:

creating an incision in a patient;

releasably coupling the electrode structure to an implant tool;

determining a suitable implant location for the electrode structure on a blood vessel by manipulating the implant tool within the incision;

securing the electrode structure at the implant location such that the monopolar electrode is in contact with the outer surface of the blood vessel;

implanting the control system housing; and

connecting the electrode structure to the control system with the electrical lead.