Devices and Methods for Cardiovascular Reflex Control

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods are described which control blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity by activating baroreceptors. By selectively and controllably activating baroreceptors, the present invention reduces excessive blood pressure, sympathetic nervous system activity and neurohormonal activity, thereby minimizing their deleterious effects on the heart, vasculature and other organs and tissues. A baroreceptor activation device is positioned near a low-pressure baroreceptor, preferably in the venous system, heart, or pulmonary vasculature.

1 . A method for effecting a change in the baroreflex system of a patient, said method comprising:
 implanting an electrical activation device extravascularly to surround a blood vessel wall proximate a baroreceptor on a low-pressure side of the patient's vasculature; and   electrically activating the baroreflex activation device to effect said change in the baroreflex system.   
   
   
       2 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein electrically activating the baroreflex activation device causes a reduction in at least one of systolic and diastolic blood pressure. 
   
   
       3 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein an electrode structure of the baroreceptor activation device surrounds a pulmonary artery. 
   
   
       4 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein an electrode structure of the baroreceptor activation device surrounds a vein. 
   
   
       5 . A method as in  claim 4 , wherein the vein is selected from the group consisting of the inferior vena cava, the superior vena cava, the portal vein, the jugular vein, the subclavian vein, the iliac vein, and the femoral vein. 
   
   
       6 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein activating comprises continuous electrical stimulation, pulsed electrical stimulation, or periodic electrical stimulation. 
   
   
       7 . A method as in  claim 1 , further comprising sensing a patient condition and initiating or modifying stimulating the baroreflex in response to the sensed patient condition. 
   
   
       8 . A method as in  claim 1 , wherein activating is controlled by the patient.