Expandable stimulation electrode with integrated pressure sensor and methods related thereto

An apparatus comprising:

• an expandable electrode having an expanded diameter dimensioned to abut a wall of a pulmonary artery;
• a pulmonary artery pressure sensor coupled to the expandable electrode, the pressure sensor adapted to monitor blood pressure in the pulmonary artery;
• a pulse generator electrically coupled with the expandable electrode, the pulse generator being adapted to deliver a baroreflex stimulation signal to a baroreceptors in the pulmonary artery by way of the expandable electrode;
• and
• wherein the expandable electrode is adapted to fix the pulmonary artery pressure sensor in place by frictional forces.

A method comprising:

• forming an expandable electrode, including forming an expanded shape dimensioned to abut a wall of a pulmonary artery;
• securing a pulmonary artery pressure sensor to the expandable electrode such that the pressure sensor is fixable in the pulmonary artery via the expandable electrode;
• and
• wherein the expandable electrode and the pulmonary artery pressure sensor are adapted to be fed through a right ventricle and a pulmonary valve into the pulmonary artery.

A method of use comprising:

• implanting an expandable electrode having an integrated pressure sensor within a pulmonary artery such that an outer surface of the electrode abuts a wall of the pulmonary artery;
• monitoring a signal indicative of a blood pressure in the pulmonary artery using the pressure sensor;
• and
• delivering a baroreflex stimulation signal to one or more baroreceptors in the pulmonary artery via the electrode.