초록 ▼

Devices, systems and methods by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably in the carotid sinus. A mapping method

Devices, systems and methods by which the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity may be selectively and controllably reduced by activating baroreceptors. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a baroreceptor, preferably in the carotid sinus. A mapping method permits the baroreceptor activation device to be precisely located to maximize therapeutic efficacy.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of inducing a change in the baroreflex system of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:providing an activation device; positioning the activation device proximate a baroreceptor at a first location; activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the activation device to induce

1. A method of inducing a change in the baroreflex system of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:providing an activation device; positioning the activation device proximate a baroreceptor at a first location; activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the activation device to induce a baroreflex signal; measuring the degree of baroreflex activation at the first location; repositioning the activation device proximate a baroreceptor at a second location; activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the activation device to induce a baroreflex signal; measuring the degree of baroreflex activation at the second location; comparing the degree of baroreflex activation at the first and second locations; selecting a final location for the activation device based on the comparison; positioning the activation device proximate a baroreceptor at the final location; and activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the activation device to induce a baroreflex signal. 2. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of measuring the degree of baroreflex activation at the first location comprises measuring blood pressure.3. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of measuring the degree of baroreflex activation at the first location comprises measuring heart rate.4. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of repositioning the activation device proximate a baroreceptor at the second location comprises rotating the activation device around a carotid artery.5. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of repositioning the activation device proximate a baroreceptor at the second location comprises longitudinally displacing the activation device along a carotid artery.6. A method as in claim 1, wherein the first location is on an artery, and the second location is on the same artery.7. A method as in claim 1, wherein the first location is on an artery, and the second location is on a different artery.8. A method as in claim 1, wherein the first and second locations are extravascular.9. A method of mapping baroreflex responsiveness, comprising the steps of:providing an activation device; positioning the activation device proximate a baroreceptor at a plurality of locations; activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the activation device at each location; measuring the degree of baroreflex activation at each location; and comparing the degree of baroreflex activation at each location. 10. A method as in claim 9, wherein the step of measuring the degree of baroreflex activation comprises measuring blood pressure.11. A method as in claim 9, wherein the step of measuring the degree of baroreflex activation comprises measuring heart rate.12. A method as in claim 9, wherein the plurality of locations are on the same artery.13. A method as in claim 9, wherein the plurality of locations are not all on the same artery.14. A method as in claim 9, wherein the plurality of locations are extravascular.15. A method of inducing a change in the baroreflex system of a patient, the method comprising the steps of:providing an activation device; selecting a location proximate a baroreceptor for implantation based on a comparison of baroreflex responsiveness; positioning the activation device proximate a baroreceptor at the selected location; and activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the activation device to induce a baroreceptor signal.