Patent ID: 8620422
Filing Date: 2013-12-31
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. A method, comprising: implanting a baroreflex activation device chronically within a patient, the device including a plurality of independently activatable electrodes and being implanted in or on a blood vessel such that the independently activatable electrodes are proximate one or more baroreceptors in a wall of the blood vessel; delivering a sub-stimulation signal to a first pattern of one or more of the electrodes, the sub-stimulation signal having a voltage, current and/or frequency selected so as not to create a medically meaningful baroreflex response in the patient; measuring one or more attributes of the sub-stimulation signal delivered to the first pattern of electrodes; delivering a second sub-stimulation signal to a second pattern of one or more of the electrodes, the second pattern differing from the first pattern; measuring one or more attributes of the second sub-stimulation signal delivered to the second pattern of electrodes; comparing the attributes measured from the sub-stimulation signals to attributes of signals known to cause favorable baroreceptor activation; and selecting at least one pattern of one or more electrodes for delivering a baroreflex therapy based on the measured attributes of the sub-stimulation signals.