Neural control of central sleep apnea

An apparatus comprises a physiologic sensing circuit and a control circuit. The physiologic sensing circuit is configured to sense an electrical respiration signal representative of respiration of a subject. The control circuit includes a respiration monitor circuit and a therapy circuit. The respiration monitor circuit is configured to extract a respiration parameter from the respiration signal and detect that a value of the respiration parameter is outside of a target value range for the respiration parameter. The therapy circuit is configured to deliver neural stimulation to the carotid sinus of the subject to stimulate respiration and to adjust respiration to maintain the value of the respiration parameter within the target value range.

BACKGROUND

Implantable medical devices (IMDs) include, among other things, cardiac function management (CFM) devices such as implantable pacemakers, implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs), cardiac resynchronization therapy devices (CRTs), and devices that include a combination of such capabilities. The devices can be used to treat patients or subjects using electrical or other therapy, or to aid a physician or caregiver in patient diagnosis through internal monitoring of a patient's condition. Other examples of IMDs include implantable diagnostic devices, implantable drug delivery systems, or implantable devices with neural or neuro-stimulation capability. The devices may include one or more electrodes in communication with one or more sense amplifiers to monitor electrical heart activity within a patient, and often include one or more sensors to monitor one or more other internal patient parameters. Neural stimulation devices can be used to treat hypertension and respiratory disorders.

OVERVIEW

This document discusses examples of techniques for generating and delivering neural stimulation therapy to affect respiration. An apparatus example includes a physiologic sensing circuit and a control circuit. The physiologic sensing circuit is configured to sense an electrical respiration signal representative of respiration of a subject. The control circuit includes a respiration monitor circuit and a therapy circuit. The respiration monitor circuit is configured to extract a respiration parameter from the respiration signal and detect that a value of the respiration parameter is outside of a target value range for the respiration parameter. The therapy circuit is configured to deliver neural stimulation to the carotid sinus of the subject to stimulate respiration and to adjust respiration to maintain the value of the respiration parameter within the target value range.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document discusses devices and methods for generating and delivering pacing therapy and neural stimulation therapy. Specifically, devices and methods for providing both pacing therapy and neural stimulation therapy via the same circuit are described.

An implantable medical device (IMD) may include one or more of the features, structures, methods, or combinations thereof described herein. For example, a cardiac stimulator may be implemented to include one or more of the advantageous features or processes described below. It is intended that such a stimulator or other implantable or partially implantable device need not include all of the features described herein, but may be implemented to include selected features that provide for unique structures or functionality. Such a device may be implemented to provide a variety of therapeutic or diagnostic functions.

Baroreflex is a reflex triggered by stimulation of a baroreceptor. A baroreceptor includes any sensor of pressure changes, such as sensory nerve endings in the wall of the auricles of the heart, vena cava, aortic arch and carotid sinus, that is sensitive to stretching of the wall resulting from increased or decreased pressure. Clusters of nerve cells can be referred to as autonomic ganglia. These nerve cells can also be electrically stimulated to induce a baroreflex, which inhibits the sympathetic nerve activity and stimulates parasympathetic nerve activity. Autonomic ganglia thus forms part of a baroreflex pathway. Afferent nerve trunks, such as the vagus, aortic and carotid nerves, leading from the sensory nerve endings also form part of a baroreflex pathway.

FIG. 1illustrates baroreceptors in the area of the carotid artery110, aortic arch103, and pulmonary artery104. Also illustrated are the vagus nerve106and the glossopharyngeal nerve108. Cuffs or collars can be placed around afferent nerve trunks, such as the vagus nerve, leading from baroreceptors to vasomotor centers to stimulate the baroreflex. Activation of sensory nerve endings107and109can reduce pressure and treat hypertension. Activation of the phrenic nerve (not shown) can be used to artificially stimulate ventilation of a patient or subject.

FIG. 2is an illustration of an example of an IMD210implanted in a thorax region of a patient203. The illustration shows the heart205of the subject as well as the left lung204and right lung206. Also shown are representations of the left phrenic nerve234and right phrenic nerve236. The IMD210is shown implanted in the pectoral region of the patient203. In the example, the IMD210is coupled to one or more subcutaneous leads208. In certain examples, the lead208includes one or more over-the-nerve collars222and224containing electrodes for contacting a phrenic nerve. In certain examples, the lead208includes one or more patch electrodes for contacting a phrenic nerve. In certain examples, the lead208is a transvenous lead. The transvenous lead is placed in a vein in proximity to the phrenic nerve to stimulate the phrenic nerve. The IMD210provides electrical stimulation to either the right or left phrenic nerve or both the right and left phrenic nerves to artificially induce ventilation. Examples of devices to artificially induce respiration can be found in Caparso et al., “System for Neural Control of Respiration,” U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2006/0282131, filed Jun. 13, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIGS. 3A and 3Billustrate an internal carotid artery302and external carotid artery304. Also illustrated are representations of the carotid body306and carotid sinus308. The carotid body306is a small cluster of chemoreceptors located near the fork or bifurcation of the external carotid artery304that runs along both sides of the throat. A chemoreceptor, sometimes referred to as a chemosensor, is a sensory receptor that changes a chemical signal into an action potential. Stated another way, a chemoreceptor changes a chemical stimulus into a stimulus to the autonomic nervous system. Chemoreceptors of the carotid body306detect changes in the concentration of arterial blood flow through the carotid body306. The chemoreceptors of the carotid body306are mainly sensitive to changes in partial pressure of oxygen and carbon dioxide. The chemoreceptors are also sensitive to changes in pH and temperature. Changes in partial pressure of carbon dioxide can cause neural action potentials that influence respiration.

A carotid baroreceptor is distinct from a carotid chemoreceptor. Carotid baroreceptors are mechanoreceptors located in the carotid sinus308, and are near but separate from the carotid body306. The baroreceptors detect changes in blood pressure that are transmitted through the advential wall. The baroreceptors are the terminal ends of the carotid branch of the glossopharyngeal nerve (e.g., cranial nerve IX). The carotid baroreceptors of the carotid sinus308are separate and distinct from the carotid body. However, stimulation of the carotid baroreceptors of the carotid sinus308can be used to alter respiration of a subject.

Patients with HF often exhibit some form of apnea or hypopnea. Apnea refers to the condition where external breathing ceases. Hypopnea refers to the condition where external breathing is overly shallow. Sleep apnea refers to cessation of breathing while a patient is sleeping and can be either obstructive or central. Obstructive sleep apnea occurs due to an obstruction of the airway and is usually associated with obesity. Central sleep apnea occurs when the brain stops giving a signal to breathe. It is estimated that 30-50% of HF patients experience some degree of central apnea.

Hyperpnea refers to an increased depth of breathing when required to meet metabolic need of the patient. Hyperpnea may follow a period of central sleep apnea when the patient is aroused from sleep due to the lack of respiration. This can result in oscillation of respiration between apnea and hyperpnea, or Cheyne-Stokes respiration.

FIG. 4shows an example of recorded abnormal breathing. Respiration is shown in the waveform405of the bottom row. The waveform shows oscillation of respiration between apnea (shown by the squares410) with episodes of hyperpnea between the episodes of apnea. Partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) in the bloodstream is a major driver of respiration. Cheyne-Stokes breathing is due to oscillating levels of pCO2.

FIG. 5shows a representation of Cheyne-Stokes breathing and levels of pCO2. Low levels of pCO2result in episodes of apnea510and high levels of pCO2result in episodes of hyperventilation or hyperpnea515. The Figure also shows thresholds of pCO2for apnea520and pCO2threshold for hyperpnea525. Normal respiration would have pCO2that stays within the apnea and hyperpnea thresholds.

FIG. 6shows a flow diagram of an example of a method600for inducing or stimulating ventilation in a subject. At block605, a respiration parameter of a subject is monitored using a medical device. Examples of the respiratory parameter include, among other things, a respiratory rate, respiratory tidal volume, pCO2, minute ventilation, a measure of Cheynes-Stokes breathing and a measure of periodic breathing.

At block610, a value of the respiration parameter is detected that is outside of a target value range for the respiration parameter. In some examples, the target range of the respiratory parameter targets or represents normal respiration of the subject.

At block615, neural stimulation is delivered to a carotid sinus of the subject to stimulate respiration and to adjust respiration to maintain the value of the respiration parameter within the target value range. For instance, neural stimulation may be provided to the carotid sinus when the respiration of the subjected is depressed (e.g., hypopnea) or ceases (e.g., apnea). The respiratory parameter may drop outside (e.g., below) the target range of the parameter and neural stimulation can be delivered to the carotid sinus to restore the respiratory parameter to the range of target values (or to a specified target value).

In another example, neural stimulation may be provided when the subject experiences hyperventilation (e.g., hyperpnea). This may also cause the respiratory parameter to be outside (e.g., above) the target value range. Stimulation of the vagal nerve can cause depression of the respiratory system. Thus, neural stimulation can be delivered to the vagal nerve to restore the respiratory parameter to the range of target values. By this method600, feedback can be used to prevent overshoot or undershoot of the respiration parameter and maintain normal respiration for the patient.

FIG. 7shows a flow diagram of an example of a method700of operating a medical device to use feedback to control respiration of a subject. At block705respiration of the subject is sensed and a target value for ventilation is calculated. In some examples, the ventilation target is a target value for a respiratory parameter (e.g., respiratory rate, tidal volume, etc.) or a target value range for the parameter.

At block710, it is determined whether the sensed breathing indicates one or both of Cheyne-Stokes breathing and central apnea. If the breathing indicates hypoventilation at block715, neural stimulation is initiated at block720that augments respiration, such as by stimulation of the carotid sinus. If respiration has normalized (e.g., the respiratory parameter is within the target range) at block725, the method returns to sensing respiration at block705. Otherwise, the stimulation is maintained.

At block730, it is determined whether the sensed breathing indicates hyperventilation. If the breathing indicates hyperventilation at block730, neural stimulation is initiated at block735that depresses respiration, such as by stimulation of the vagal nerve. If respiration has normalized (e.g., the respiratory parameter is within the target range) at block740, the method returns to sensing respiration at block705. Otherwise, the stimulation is maintained.

FIG. 8is an illustration of a system that uses an implantable medical device (IMD805). The system also includes a carotid sinus lead810and a vagal lead815. In some examples, the system also includes a pulmonary artery lead820. The IMD805includes a sensor (not shown) to provide a sensor signal representative of respiration of the subject. Stimulation to the carotid sinus by the carotid sinus lead810and stimulation to the vagal nerve by the vagal lead815provide the neural stimulation to implement feedback to control respiration of a subject. The pulmonary artery lead820can be used to induce inspiration by stimulating chemosensors together with the stimulation of the carotid sinus.

FIG. 9is a block diagram of portions of an example of an ambulatory medical device900to deliver neural stimulation to the carotid sinus to control respiration of a patient or subject. The ambulatory medical device900may be wearable or implantable.

The ambulatory medical device900includes a physiologic sensing circuit905and a control circuit910. The physiologic sensing circuit905senses an electrical respiration signal representative of respiration of a subject. The control circuit910is communicatively coupled to the physiologic sensing circuit905. The communicative coupling allows the control circuit910to communicate electrical signals with the physiologic sensing circuit905even though there may be intervening circuitry. The control circuit910can be a processor, a digital signal processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor, or other type of processor, interpreting or executing instructions in software modules or firmware modules. The control circuit910can include other circuits or sub-circuits to perform the functions described. These circuits may include software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof. Multiple functions can be performed in one or more of the circuits as desired.

The respiration signal includes respiration information about the subject. The respiration signal can include any signal indicative of the respiration of the subject, such as inspiratory volume or flow, expiratory volume or flow, breath rate or timing, minute ventilation, a measure of Cheynes-Stokes breathing or periodic breathing, or any combination, permutation, or component of the respiration of the subject. The control circuit910includes a respiration monitor circuit915that extracts a respiration parameter from the respiration signal, and detects that a value of the respiration parameter is outside of a target value range for the respiration parameter. The control circuit910also includes a therapy circuit920that delivers neural stimulation to the carotid sinus of the subject to stimulate respiration and to adjust respiration to maintain the value of the respiration parameter within the target value range.

In some examples, the respiration monitor circuit915detects that the respiration parameter value satisfies an apnea detection threshold or other sleeping disordered breathing detection threshold. The control circuit910initiates delivery of neural stimulation to the carotid sinus in response to the respiration parameter satisfying the respiration apnea detection threshold. In some examples, the therapy circuit920delivers neural stimulation to a vagal nerve of the subject. The respiration monitor circuit915detects that the respiration parameter value satisfies a hyperpnea detection threshold, and the control circuit is configured to initiate delivery of neural stimulation to the vagal nerve of the subject to depress respiration of the subject. In this way, the ambulatory medical device900implements feedback control maintain respiration of a subject within specified parameters.

In certain examples, the respiration monitor circuit915detects that the respiration parameter value satisfies a hypopnea detection threshold, and the control circuit is configured to initiate delivery of neural stimulation to the carotid sinus in response to the respiration parameter satisfying the respiration hypopnea detection threshold. Thus, the ambulatory medical device900can prevent respiration of the subject from oscillating between episodes of hyperpnea and episodes of apnea or hypopnea.

According to some examples, the physiologic sensing circuit905includes a chemical sensing circuit that detects at least one of serum carbon dioxide or hydrogen ions (pH) in the bloodstream. The respiration parameter includes a sensed serum partial pressure of the at least one of carbon dioxide (pCO2) or hydrogen ions (pH). The control circuit910initiates neural stimulation when the serum partial pressure is not within a target range for the partial pressure.

In some examples, the physiologic sensing circuit905includes a respiration sensing circuit. The respiration parameter includes at least one of a respiration rate of the subject, an inter-breath interval of the subject, a measure of variability of respiration rate of the subject, or a measure of variability of an inter-breath interval of the subject. In some examples, the extracted respiration parameter includes a measure of periodic breathing of the subject, and wherein the respiration monitor circuit is configured to detect Cheyne-Stokes breathing using the measure of periodic breathing.

In certain examples, the respiration sensing circuit can include an implantable impedance sensing circuit and the respiration signal may be a measured impedance signal. An example of an implantable impedance sensing circuit includes transthoracic impedance circuit. Transthoracic impedance can be sensed between an electrode on an implantable lead and an electrode formed on a housing of an IMD. An approach to measuring thoracic impedance is described in Hartley et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,076,015 “Rate Adaptive Cardiac Rhythm Management Device Using Transthoracic Impedance,” filed Feb. 27, 1998, which is incorporated herein by reference. The respiration parameter includes at least one of tidal volume or minute ventilation calculated for the subject. In certain examples, respiration monitor circuit915can extract respiration rate from the respiration signal and determine tidal volume from the measured impedance values of the respiration signal. Minute ventilation can then be calculated using the respiration rate and tidal volume as MV=RR×TV.

In certain examples, the respiration sensing circuit includes a motion sensing circuit (e.g., an accelerometer) that senses motion of the thoracic cavity of the subject. The respiration parameter includes a respiration rate of the subject. In certain examples, the respiration circuit includes a volume or flow sensor and the respiration parameter extracted from the respiration signal includes tidal volume or a measure of ventilation air flow.

In some examples, the ambulatory medical device900includes a posture sensing circuit930communicatively coupled to the control circuit910. Examples of a posture sensor include a multi-axis accelerometer and a tilt switch. With a posture sensor, a medical device can detect whether a patient is in an upright position, a supine position, a prone position, on his or her left or right side, or if the patient is in a tilted position. In certain examples, the respiration parameter is monitored in association with determined posture. In this way, a measure of the respiration parameter (e.g., tidal volume) may only be compared to other measurements of the respiration parameter obtained when the subject is in the same known posture (e.g., laying on his or her left side).

According to some examples, the control circuit910includes a central apnea recognition circuit925that discriminates an episode of central apnea from an episode of obstructive apnea. In response to the respiration monitor circuit915detecting that the respiration parameter value satisfies an apnea detection threshold, the control circuit910initiates delivery of neural stimulation to the carotid sinus in response to the respiration parameter satisfying the respiration apnea detection threshold and the central apnea recognition circuit925identifying the respiration apnea as central apnea. In this way treatment of obstructive apnea by neural stimulation can be avoided. In some examples, the central apnea recognition circuit925recognizes central apnea from oscillations in the measured respiratory parameter. In some examples, the central apnea recognition circuit925recognizes central apnea from oscillations in breathing rate. In some examples, the central apnea recognition circuit925recognizes central apnea from oscillations in measured pCO2.

As explained previously, patients with HF often exhibit some form of apnea or hypopnea and often exhibit Cheyne-Stokes respiration. Controlling respiration of HF patient with neural stimulation can improve hemodynamics of the HF patient.

Additional Notes and Examples

Example 1 includes subject matter (such as an apparatus) comprising a physiologic sensing circuit configured to sense an electrical respiration signal representative of respiration of a subject and a control circuit. The control circuit includes a respiration monitor circuit and a therapy circuit. The respiration monitor circuit is configured to extract a respiration parameter from the respiration signal and detect that a value of the respiration parameter is outside of a target value range for the respiration parameter. The therapy circuit is configured to deliver neural stimulation to the carotid sinus of the subject to stimulate respiration and to adjust respiration to maintain the value of the respiration parameter within the target value range.

In Example 2, the subject matter of Example 1 can optionally include a therapy circuit configured to deliver neural stimulation to a vagal nerve of the subject, a respiration monitor circuit configured to detect that the respiration parameter value satisfies a hyperpnea detection threshold, and a control circuit configured to initiate delivery of neural stimulation to the vagal nerve of the subject to depress respiration of the subject.

In Example 3, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1 and 2 can optionally include a respiration monitor circuit configured to detect that the respiration parameter value satisfies a sleeping disordered breathing detection threshold, and a control circuit configured to initiate delivery of neural stimulation to the carotid sinus in response to the respiration parameter satisfying the sleeping disordered breathing detection threshold.

In Example 4, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-3 can optionally include a respiration monitor circuit configured to detect that the respiration parameter value satisfies at least one of an apnea detection threshold or a hypopnea detection threshold, and a control circuit configured to initiate delivery of neural stimulation to the carotid sinus in response to the respiration parameter satisfying the at least one of the apnea detection threshold or the hypopnea detection threshold.

In Example 5, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-4 can optionally include a respiration monitor circuit configured to detect that the respiration parameter value satisfies an apnea detection threshold, a control circuit that includes a central apnea recognition circuit configured to discriminate an episode of central apnea from obstructive apnea. The control circuit can optionally be configured to initiate delivery of neural stimulation to the carotid sinus in response to the respiration parameter satisfying the respiration apnea detection threshold and the central apnea recognition circuit identifying the respiration apnea as central apnea.

In Example 6, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-5 can optionally include a physiologic sensing circuit that includes a chemical sensing circuit configured to detect at least one of serum carbon dioxide or hydrogen ions (pH), and a respiration parameter that includes a sensed serum partial pressure of the at least one of carbon dioxide carbon dioxide or hydrogen ions (pH).

In Example 7, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-6 can optionally include a physiologic sensing circuit that includes a respiration sensing circuit, and the respiration parameter can optionally include at least one of tidal volume or minute ventilation calculated for the subject.

In Example 8, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-7 can optionally include a physiologic sensing circuit that includes a respiration sensing circuit. The respiration parameter can optionally include at least one of a respiration rate of the subject, an inter-breath interval of the subject, a measure of variability of respiration rate of the subject, or a measure of variability of an inter-breath interval of the subject.

In Example 9, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-8 can optionally include a physiologic sensing circuit includes a respiration sensing circuit, and the respiration parameter includes a measure of periodic breathing of the subject, and wherein the respiration monitor circuit is configured to detect Cheyne-Stokes breathing using the measure of periodic breathing.

In Example 10, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-9 can optionally include a respiration sensing circuit that includes an implantable impedance sensing circuit.

In Example 11, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-10 can optionally include a physiologic sensing circuit that includes a motion sensing circuit configured to sense motion of the thoracic cavity of the subject, and wherein the respiration parameter includes a respiration rate of the subject.

Example 12 can include subject matter (such as a method, a means for performing acts, or a machine-readable medium including instructions that, when performed by the machine, cause the machine to perform acts), or can optionally be combined with the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 1-11 to include such subject matter comprising monitoring a respiration parameter of a subject using a medical device, detecting that a value of the respiration parameter is outside of a target value range for the respiration parameter, and delivering neural stimulation to the subject with the medical device to stimulate respiration and delivering neural stimulation to the subject to adjust respiration to maintain the value of the respiration parameter within the target value range. Delivering neural stimulation to the subject to stimulate respiration includes delivering neural stimulation to the carotid sinus of the subject.

Such subject matter can include a means for monitoring a respiration parameter, illustrative examples of which can include a physiologic sensing circuit, chemical sensing circuit, a respiration sensing circuit, an implantable impedance sensing circuit, a motion sensing circuit. Such subject matter can include a means for detecting that a value of the respiration parameter is outside of a target value range for the respiration parameter, illustrative examples of which can include a respiration monitor circuit. Such subject matter can include a means for delivering neural stimulation such as a therapy circuit.

In Example 13, the subject matter of Example 12 can optionally include detecting that the respiration parameter value satisfies a hyperpnea detection threshold, and stimulating a vagal nerve of the subject to depress respiration of the subject.

In Example 14, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 12 and 13 can optionally include detecting that the respiration parameter value satisfies a sleeping disordered breathing detection threshold, and stimulating a carotid sinus in response to the respiration parameter satisfying the sleeping disordered breathing detection threshold.

In Example 15, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 12-14 can optionally include detecting that the respiration parameter value satisfies a hypopnea detection threshold, and stimulating a carotid sinus in response to the respiration parameter satisfying the respiration hypopnea detection threshold.

In Example 16, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 12-15 can optionally include detecting that the respiration parameter value satisfies an apnea detection threshold, and stimulating the carotid sinus in response to the respiration parameter satisfying the respiration apnea detection threshold.

In Example 17, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 12-16 can optionally include discriminating between an episode of central apnea and an episode of obstructive apnea of the subject using the medical device, and stimulating the carotid sinus in response to the respiration parameter satisfying the respiration apnea detection threshold and identifying the respiration apnea as central apnea.

In Example 18, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 12-17 can optionally include monitoring a respiration parameter that includes a sensed serum partial pressure of carbon dioxide or hydrogen ion (pH).

In Example 19, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 12-18 can optionally include monitoring a respiration parameter that includes at least one of tidal volume or minute volume calculated for the subject.

In Example 20, the subject matter of one or any combination of Examples 12-19 can optionally include monitoring a respiration parameter that includes at least one of a respiration rate of the subject, an inter-breath interval of the subject, a measure of variability of respiration rate of the subject, or a measure of variability of an inter-breath interval of the subject.

Example 21 can include, or can optionally be combined with any portion or combination of any portions of any one or more of Examples 1-20 to include, subject matter that can include means for performing any one or more of the functions of

Examples 1-20, or a machine-readable medium including instructions that, when performed by a machine, cause the machine to perform any one or more of the functions of Examples 1-20.

These non-limiting examples can be combined in any permutation or combination.

The above detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These embodiments are also referred to herein as “examples.” Such examples can include elements in addition to those shown and described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples in which only those elements shown and described are provided.