Techniques for neuromodulation
The subject matter of the present disclosure generally relates to techniques for neuromodulation of lymphatic tissue that include applying one or more energy pulses to a neuron of a subject, e.g., via an electrode positioned to deliver sufficient energy to the neuron, to modulate immune function. For example, an adaptive immune reflex of a subject may be modulated via neuromodulation.
1. A method of neuromodulation, comprising:
applying one or more energy pulses to a neuron of a subject to deliver sufficient energy to the neuron to neurally modulate a lymphatic tissue in response to applying the one or more energy pulses;
acquiring image data of the lymphatic tissue using an ultrasound imaging probe; and
changing modulation parameters of the one or more energy pulses based on the image data.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the lymphatic tissue is a lymph node.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the neuron is a parasympathetic or sympathetic neuron innervating a primary, secondary, or tertiary lymphatic tissue structure or communicating tissue.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the subject has a diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein acquiring the image data comprising acquiring baseline image data and post-modulation image data.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the post-modulation image data is acquired within 30 minutes of applying the one or more energy pulses.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein changing the modulation parameters comprises decreasing or stepping back energy levels of the one or more energy pulses.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein the image data is indicative of an increase in size of the lymphatic tissue above a threshold, wherein the increase in size is indicative of successful modulation.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein the increase in size is an increase in volume of the lymphatic tissue.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein the image data is indicative of a lack of change in size of the lymphatic tissue relative to a threshold, and wherein a controller is configured to increase the modulation parameters based on the lack of change in size.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein applying the one or more energy pulses causes the lymphatic tissue to increase in size, wherein the lymphatic tissue is a lymph node, and wherein the increase in size of the lymph node is associated with a decrease in lymphocyte egress from the lymph node.
12. A system for neuromodulation of lymphatic tissue, comprising:
an energy application device configured to apply one or more energy pulses to a neuron of a subject to deliver sufficient energy to the neuron to neurally modulate a lymphatic tissue in response to applying the one or more energy pulses;
a noninvasive ultrasound imaging probe configured to acquire image data of the lymphatic tissue before and after neurally modulating the lymphatic tissue; and
a controller configured to:
cause the energy application device to generate the one or more energy pulses according to modulation parameters;
identify a change in size of the lymphatic tissue caused by applying the one or more energy pulses based on the image data; and
change the modulation parameters based on the identified change in size of the lymphatic tissue.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein the lymphatic tissue is a lymph node.
14. The system of claim 12 , wherein the subject has a diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder.
15. The system of claim 12 , wherein the change in size is relative to a baseline size determined from the image data acquired before neurally modulating the lymphatic tissue.