# US 7,744,618 B2 · Device and method for modulating renal function

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- Number: US 7,744,618 B2
- Document ID: US7744618B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 11/567,907
- Filed: 2006-12-07
- Published: 2008-06-12
- Granted: 2010-06-29
- Earliest claimed: 2006-12-07
- Assignees: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
- Inventors: Allan C. Shuros; M. Jason Brooke; Tasneem Poonawala
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US7744618B2

## CPC

- A61N 1/36007: {of urogenital or gastrointestinal organs, e.g. for incontinence control}
- A61M 25/00: Catheters; Hollow probes (dilators A61M29/00; {peritoneal catheters A61M1/285; tracheal tubes A61M16/04; for drainage A61M27/00; for uterus, vagina or rectum A61M31/00} ; for measuring or testing A61B; {materials for catheters A61L29/00})
- A61N 1/3606: {adapted for a particular treatment}
- A61N 1/3614: {based on impedance measurement}
- A61N 1/05: for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode (A61N1/06 takes precedence)
- A61N: ELECTROTHERAPY; MAGNETOTHERAPY; RADIATION THERAPY; ULTRASOUND THERAPY (measurement of bioelectric currents A61B; surgical instruments, devices or methods for transferring non-mechanical forms of energy to or from the body A61B18/00; anaesthetic apparatus in general A61M; incandescent lamps H01K; infrared radiators for heating H05B)
- A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)}

## Abstract

Renal function may be modulated by an implantable device having one or more leads or catheters disposed near the kidney via the lymphatic system. In one embodiment, lymphatic drainage from the kidney is modulated to increase or decrease tubular reabsorption of salt and water. The renal function modulation therapy may be delivered in an open-loop or closed-loop fashion, with the latter dependent upon a physiological variable such as blood pressure or cardiac output.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A method, comprising:
implanting an implantable device having a controller and a means operable by the controller for delivering a renal function modulation therapy wherein the renal function modulation therapy delivery includes obstructing renal lymphatic flow;
configuring the controller to receive a blood pressure measurement from a blood pressure sensor; and,
configuring the controller to obstruct renal lymphatic flow in response to the blood pressure measurement exceeding a specified limit value.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 further comprising introducing a catheter or lead connected to the therapy delivery means into the patient's lymphatic system and routing the catheter or lead to an appropriate site for affecting renal function.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the renal function modulation therapy comprises augmenting renal lymphatic flow.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the renal function modulation therapy comprises delivery of a drug directly to the kidney by retrograde infusion through a lymphatic vessel.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the renal function modulation therapy comprises inhibition or stimulation of a renal nerve or other site affecting renal sympathetic stimulation.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 further comprising programming the controller to deliver renal function modulation therapy upon receipt of a command to do so via telemetry.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The method of claim 1 wherein the implantable device includes a sensor for measuring a physiological variable and further comprising programming the device controller to deliver renal function modulation therapy in closed-loop fashion in dependence upon the measured physiological variable.

### Claim 8 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7 wherein the renal function modulation therapy further comprises augmenting renal lymphatic flow and wherein the physiological variable is blood pressure.

### Claim 9 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7 wherein the renal function modulation therapy comprises blocking renal lymphatic flow and wherein the physiological variable is cardiac output.

### Claim 10 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7 wherein the renal function modulation therapy comprises blocking renal lymphatic flow and wherein the physiological variable is a cardiac function index that reflects the adequacy of cardiac output for a particular exertion level.

### Claim 11 (depends on 7)

The method of claim 7 wherein the physiological variable is selected from a group that includes blood pressure, cardiac output, transthoracic impedance, exertion level, blood pH, blood osmolarity, and blood electrolyte concentration.