Patent ID: 8024050
Filing Date: 2011-09-20
Classification: A61N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a flexible lead body extending from a proximal end to a distal end; an expandable electrode coupled proximate the distal end, the expandable electrode having a stent-like structure and an expanded diameter dimensioned to abut a wall of a pulmonary artery, the expandable electrode comprising a plurality of electrode zones, each zone individually coupled to a separate conductor of the lead body; and an implantable pulse generator electrically coupled to the expandable electrode via the conductors, wherein each of the electrode zones is tested to determine which zone delivers the best baroreflex response and at least one of the electrode zones is selected, and wherein the implantable pulse generator is programmed to deliver a baroreflex stimulation signal to a baroreceptor in the pulmonary artery via the at least one selected electrode zone of the expandable electrode, wherein the implantable pulse generator is programmed such that the signal is delivered for about 5 seconds to about 10 seconds each minute at a voltage of about 0.1 volts to about 10 volts and a frequency of about 10 Hz to 150 Hz.