Systems and methods for generating therapeutic electric fields for capture of nervous system targets
AssigneeNuXcel Limited
InventorsStephen C. Masson, Michael Cuchiara, Jean Darnieder
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A neuromodulation system includes neuromodulation electrodes on an electrode support that is positionable within a blood vessel for transvascular stimulation of target nerves. Cathode surface area, cathode-to-anode spacing, and other parameters are selected for capture of specific types of nerves (sympathetic, parasympathetic, and/or mixed nerves), nerves located at larger or shorter distances from the vascular wall, and also for proper nerve capture for the targeted types of nerves.
Claims16
A neuromodulation system comprising:
- a plurality of neuromodulation electrodes on an electrode support, the support positionable within a blood vessel to position electrodes within the plurality of electrodes in contact with an interior wall of the blood vessel;
- and
- a stimulator configured to activate at least a subset of the plurality of electrodes to generate an electric field to capture target nerves disposed external to the blood vessel;
- wherein the system includes a long distance mode in which the activated electrodes comprise an anode and a cathode having a first separation distance between them, and a close distance mode in which the activated electrodes comprise an anode and a cathode having a second separation distance between them, wherein the first separation distance is greater than the second separation distance, and wherein in the long distance mode the system generates an electric field that is wider and deeper than an electric field generated by the system in the close distance mode.
A neuromodulation system comprising:
- a plurality of neuromodulation electrodes on an electrode support, the support positionable within a blood vessel to position electrodes within the plurality of electrodes in contact with an interior wall of the blood vessel;
- and
- a stimulator configured to activate at least a subset of the plurality of electrodes to generate an electric field to capture target nerves disposed external to the blood vessel;
- wherein the system includes
- a mixed nerve capture mode for capturing both parasympathetic and sympathetic nerves, wherein in the mixed nerve capture mode activated electrodes comprise an anode and a cathode having a first separation distance between them, the activated cathode electrodes having a first combined surface area positioned for contact with the blood vessel wall, and
- an independent nerve capture mode in which the activated electrodes comprise an anode and a cathode having a second separation distance between them, the activated cathode electrodes having a second combined surface area positioned for contact with the blood vessel wall, wherein the first separation distance is greater than the second separation distance, and the first combined surface area is greater than the second combined surface area;
- wherein in the mixed nerve capture mode the system generates an electric field that is wider and deeper than an electric field generated by the system in the independent nerve capture mode.
13-17. (canceled)
A neuromodulation method comprising the steps of:
- positioning neuromodulation electrodes within a blood vessel in contact with an interior wall of the blood vessel;
- and
- activating at least a subset of the plurality of electrodes to generate an electric field to capture target nerves disposed external to the blood vessel, wherein the activating step comprises
- selecting a therapeutic mode based on a desired capture depth, capture width, or nerve capture specificity.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.