Source: http://www.patentgenius.com/patent/8321024.html
Timestamp: 2019-01-20 14:43:21
Document Index: 379493536

Matched Legal Cases: ['Application No. 2005', 'Application No. 2005', 'Application No. 2006', 'Application No. 2006', 'Application No. 2006', 'Application No. 2009']

Devices and methods for treatment of heart failure and associated conditions - Patent # 8321024 - PatentGenius
8321024 Devices and methods for treatment of heart failure and associated conditions
Inventor: Georgakopoulos, et al.
U.S. Class: 607/44
Field Of Search: 607/2; 607/44; 600/436; 600/547; 600/354
Foreign Patent Documents: WO 2004/075928; WO 2006/031902; WO 2007/136851
Other References: International Search Report and Written Opinion; PCT/US2012/020516; Jun. 25, 2012; 12 pages. cited by other.
U.S. Appl. No. 12/485,895, filed Jun. 16, 2009, Dimitrios Georgakopoulos et al. cited by other.
U.S. Appl. No. 13/360,339, filed Jan. 27, 2012, Dimitrios Georgakopoulos et al. cited by other.
1. A method, comprising: causing a baroreflex therapy system to be manufactured and made available to a user, the baroreflex therapy system configured to be implantablewithin a patient and including a blood pressure sensor and a heart rate sensor; causing an implantable measurement device to be manufactured and made available to the user, the implantable measurement device configured to be implantable proximate ablood vessel of the patient, the implantable measurement device including an electrode; and causing a control system to be manufactured and made available to the user, the control system configured to be coupled to the baroreflex therapy system and theimplantable measurement device, the control system programmed to automatically: determine an impedance of the blood vessel with the implantable measurement device over a time period of at least one cardiac cycle; determine arterial stiffness of theblood vessel based on the impedance; determine blood pressure and heart rate; and activate, deactivate or otherwise modulate the baroreflex therapy system to deliver a baroreflex therapy based on the blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the control system contains pre-determined ranges for each of blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness, the method further comprising: delivering a first therapy when the arterial stiffness, heart rateand blood pressure are each within the pre-determined ranges; and delivering a second therapy when the arterial stiffness, heart rate and blood pressure all each exceed the pre-determined ranges.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the control system contains pre-determined ranges for each of blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness, the method further comprising: delivering a first therapy when the arterial stiffness and heartrate are each within the pre-determined ranges and the blood pressure exceeds the pre-determined range; and delivering a second therapy when the arterial stiffness, heart rate and blood pressure all each exceed the pre-determined ranges.
4. A system, comprising: an implantable baroreflex activation device; a blood pressure sensor; a heart rate sensor; an implantable measurement device configured to be implanted proximate a blood vessel of a patient, the implantablemeasurement device including an electrode; and a control system coupled to the baroreflex activation device, the blood pressure sensor, the heart rate sensor and the implantable measurement device, the control system programmed to automatically:determine an impedance of the blood vessel with the implantable measurement device over a time period of at least one cardiac cycle; determine arterial stiffness of the blood vessel based on the impedance; determine blood pressure and heart rate; andactivate, deactivate or otherwise modulate the baroreflex therapy system to deliver a baroreflex therapy based on the blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the implantable measurement device is integrated with the implantable baroreflex activation device.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the control system contains pre-determined ranges for each of blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness, the control system being further programmed to: deliver a first therapy when the arterialstiffness, heart rate and blood pressure are each within the pre-determined ranges; and deliver a second therapy when the arterial stiffness, heart rate and blood pressure all each exceed the pre-determined ranges.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein the control system contains pre-determined ranges for each of blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness, the control system being further programmed to: deliver a first therapy when the arterialstiffness and heart rate are each within the pre-determined ranges and the blood pressure exceeds the pre-determined range; and deliver a second therapy when the arterial stiffness, heart rate and blood pressure all each exceed the pre-determinedranges.
8. A method comprising: causing a baroreflex therapy system to be manufactured and made available to a user, the baroreflex therapy system including a blood pressure sensor and a heart rate sensor; causing an implantable measurement device tobe manufactured and made available to a user, the implantable measurement device configured to be implanted proximate a blood vessel of a patient, the implantable measurement device including an electrode; causing a control system to be manufactured andmade available to the user, the control system coupled to the baroreflex therapy system and the implantable measurement device; and programming the control system with instructions recorded on a tangible medium for operating the control system todeliver a baroreflex therapy, the instructions comprising: determining an impedance of the blood vessel with the implantable measurement device over a time period of at least one cardiac cycle; determining arterial stiffness of the blood vessel based onthe impedance; determining blood pressure and heart rate; and activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the baroreflex therapy system to deliver the baroreflex therapy based on the blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness.
The present invention relates generally to medical devices and methods of use for the treatment and/or management of heart failure and associated conditions, and more specifically to devices and methods for controlling the baroreflex system forthe treatment, diagnosis and/or management of heart failure and associated conditions and their underlying causes.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a major cardiovascular disorder that is estimated to affect over 50 million people in the United Sates alone, and is a leading cause of heart failure and stroke. It is the primary cause of death in over42,000 patients per year and is listed as a primary or contributing cause of death in over 200,000 patients per year in the United States alone. Hypertension occurs in part when the body's smaller blood vessels (arterioles) constrict, causing anincrease in blood pressure. Because the blood vessels constrict, the heart must work harder to maintain blood flow at the higher pressures. Sustained hypertension may eventually result in damage to multiple body organs, including the kidneys, brain,eyes and other tissues, causing a variety of maladies associated therewith. The elevated blood pressure may also damage the lining of the blood vessels, accelerating the process of atherosclerosis and increasing the likelihood that a blood clot maydevelop. This could lead to a heart attack and/or stroke.
Sustained high blood pressure may eventually result in an enlarged and damaged heart (hypertrophy), which may lead to heart failure. Heart failure is the final common expression of a variety of cardiovascular disorders, including ischemic heartdisease. It is characterized by an inability of the heart to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs and results in fatigue, reduced exercise capacity and poor survival. It is estimated that approximately 5,000,000 people in the United States sufferfrom heart failure, directly leading to 39,000 deaths per year and contributing to another 225,000 deaths per year.
Heart failure results in the activation of a number of body systems to compensate for the heart's inability to pump sufficient blood. Many of these responses are mediated by an increase in the level of activation of the sympathetic nervoussystem, as well as by activation of multiple other neurohormonal responses. Generally speaking, this sympathetic nervous system activation signals the heart to increase heart rate and force of contraction to increase the cardiac output; it signals thekidneys to expand the blood volume by retaining sodium and water; and it signals the arterioles to constrict to elevate the blood pressure. The cardiac, renal and vascular responses increase the workload of the heart, further accelerating myocardialdamage and exacerbating the heart failure state.
Heart failure can be generally classified into two categories: systolic and diastolic heart failure. The heart contracts and relaxes with each heartbeat--these phases are referred to as systole (the contraction phase) and diastole (therelaxation phase). Systolic heart failure (SHF) is characterized by low ejection fraction. In patients with diastolic heart failure (DHF), contraction may be normal but relaxation of the heart may be impaired. This impairment is generally caused by astiffening of the ventricles. Such impairment is referred to as diastolic dysfunction and if severe enough to cause pulmonary congestion (increased pressure and fluid in the blood vessels of the lungs), diastolic heart failure. DHF patients differ fromthose patients with SHF, in that DHF patients may have a "normal" ejection fraction. However, because the ventricle doesn't relax normally, the pressure within the ventricle increases and the blood filling the ventricle exceeds what is "normal". Peoplewith certain types of cardiomyopathy may also have diastolic dysfunction.
Left ventricular hypertrophy refers to a thickening of the left ventricle as a result of increased left ventricular load. Left ventricular hypertrophy can be a significant marker for cardiovascular disorders and most common complicationsinclude arrhythmias, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and sudden death. Although left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) increases naturally with age, it is more common in people who have high blood pressure or have other heart problems. Because LVHusually develops in response to hypertension, current treatment and prevention mainly includes managing hypertension. Typical diagnosis involves the use of echocardiograms (ECHO) and electrocardiograms (ECG).
The SphygmoCor system (AtCor) provides a non-invasive assessment of the cardiovascular system and autonomic function. The SphygmoCor waveform provides physicians with clinically important information using a variety of cardiovascular parametersincluding augmentation index, augmentation pressure, central pulse pressure, central systolic pressure, and ejection duration. The SphygmoCor system comprises a non-invasive pressure transducer that uses a radial artery (external wrist) measurement andBP monitor. It works by using the pressure probe to record the pressure wave at the radial artery, which is then calibrated with the brachial blood pressure. However, this system does not provide a direct measurement of pressure, and the system is notable to be used as an implanted, continuous system.
Vascular stiffness in aging and its relation to cardiovascular disease is an important topic of current research. Vascular stiffness has been proposed as a risk factor for overall cardiovascular morbidity and mortality because of its suggestedrole in elevated blood pressure, increased left ventricular mass and heart failure. Current therapies targeting vascular stiffness, therefore, include those prescribed for these conditions, such as hypertension drug therapy. Pulse pressure is a known,simple measurement that can be used as a surrogate to aortic stiffness. Additionally, wave reflections can be inferred from detailed computer-aided pulse wave contour analysis, such as with the AtCor SphygmoCor system.
Heart failure is known to be a multi-organ disease and there is recent evidence that the gut (including the splanchnic circulation) plays an important role in cardiac diseases. The circulatory system of humans includes the pulmonary circulationand the systemic circulation. The pulmonary circulation ensures deoxygenated blood is returned to the lungs and oxygenated blood returned to the heart, while the systemic circulation ensures that oxygenated blood is supplied to the body. The systemiccirculation includes the splanchnic circulation (or visceral circulation), which ensures that digestive organs receive blood through the vessels supplying the abdominal viscera. Acute decompensated heart failure or pulmonary congestion develops as aresult of blood being redistributed from the splanchnic circulation to the pulmonary circulation, manifesting in fluid build-up in the chest and an inability of the patient to breathe. The specific mechanism of this transfer of fluids between the two isnot yet fully understood.
The current standard of care for a patient exhibiting congestion is a variety of drugs, including diuretics, which causes excretion of fluid through the renal system. Splanchnic nerve stimulation has been described in the art to treat shock. For example, WO 2006/0031902 to Machado et. al teaches a method of treating hemodynamic derangement and controlling the mobilization of splanchnic circulation by stimulating the splanchnic nerve. Neither drug therapy, nor nerve stimulation therapy hasbeen successful in providing a controlled therapy for congestive heart failure or acute decompensated heart failure.
A number of drug treatments have been proposed for the management of hypertension, heart failure, and other cardiovascular disorders. These include vasodilators to reduce the blood pressure and ease the workload of the heart, diuretics toreduce fluid overload, inhibitors and blocking agents of the body's neurohormonal responses, and other medicaments. Such medications can be effective for a short time, but cannot be used for expended periods because of side effects. Various surgicalprocedures have also been proposed for these maladies. For example, heart transplantation has been proposed for patients who suffer from severe, refractory heart failure. Alternatively, an implantable medical device such as a ventricular assist device(VAD) may be implanted in the chest to increase the pumping action of the heart. Alternatively, an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) may be used for maintaining heart function for short periods of time, but typically no longer than one month.
Each of these approaches may be at least partly beneficial to patients, however each of the therapies has its own disadvantages. For example, drug therapy is often incompletely effective. Drugs often have unwanted side effects and may need tobe given in complex regimens. These and other factors contribute to poor patient compliance with medical therapy. Drug therapy may also be expensive, adding to the health care costs associated with these disorders. Likewise, surgical approaches arevery costly, may be associated with significant patient morbidity and mortality and may not alter the natural history of the disease.
Embodiments of the present invention comprises devices and methods of use for the diagnosis, treatment and/or management of heart failure and associated conditions. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises devices and methods forcontrolling the baroreflex system of a patient for the treatment and/or management of heart failure and associated conditions and their underlying causes.
In one embodiment, the present invention comprises methods and devices of sensing, measuring, and monitoring parameters indicative of cardiovascular function. In one embodiment, an impedance sensor is provided on, in or proximate a blood vesselto obtain waveform data of blood movement in the vessel. The obtained waveform data provides information relating to a forward wave and a reflected wave of a heart beat and also to the augmentation index. In another embodiment, the obtained waveformmay be used to calculate parameters indicative of cardiovascular disorders and associated conditions, such as splanchnic circulation or left ventricular mass. In a further embodiment, the sensed waveform may be used to provide feedback in conjunctionwith a delivered therapy, such as a baroreflex therapy or a cardiac resynchronization therapy.
In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a method including providing a baroreflex therapy system including a blood pressure sensor and a heart rate sensor, providing an implantable measurement device proximate a blood vessel of apatient, the implantable measurement device including an electrode, providing a control system coupled to the baroreflex therapy system and the implantable measurement device, the control system programmed to automatically determine an impedance of theblood vessel with the implantable measurement device over a time period of at least one cardiac cycle, determine arterial stiffness of the blood vessel based on the impedance, determine blood pressure and heart rate, and activate, deactivate or otherwisemodulate the baroreflex therapy system to deliver a baroreflex therapy based on the blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness.
In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a system including an implantable baroreflex activation device, a blood pressure sensor, a heart rate sensor, an implantable measurement device configured to be implanted proximate a bloodvessel of a patient, the implantable measurement device including an electrode, and a control system coupled to the baroreflex activation device, the blood pressure sensor, the heart rate sensor and the implantable measurement device, the control systemprogrammed to automatically determine an impedance of the blood vessel with the implantable measurement device over a time period of at least one cardiac cycle, determine arterial stiffness of the blood vessel based on the impedance, determine bloodpressure and heart rate, and activate, deactivate or otherwise modulate the baroreflex therapy system to deliver a baroreflex therapy based on the blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness.
In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a method including providing a baroreflex therapy system, including a blood pressure sensor and a heart rate sensor, providing an implantable measurement device proximate a blood vessel of apatient, the implantable measurement device including an electrode, providing a control system coupled to the baroreflex therapy system and the implantable measurement device, and providing instructions recorded on a tangible medium for operating thecontrol system to deliver a baroreflex therapy, the instructions comprising determining an impedance of the blood vessel with the implantable measurement device over a time period of at least one cardiac cycle, determining arterial stiffness of the bloodvessel based on the impedance, determining blood pressure and heart rate, and activating, deactivating or otherwise modulating the baroreflex therapy system to deliver the baroreflex therapy based on the blood pressure, heart rate and arterial stiffness.
The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar elements in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and arenot intended to limit the scope of the invention.
Methods for treating heart failure and associated conditions in a subject typically comprise identifying a patient in need of treatment and stimulating a baroreflex with a baroreflex activation device to improve the symptoms and conditionsassociated with heart failure. In some variations, the baroreflex activation device is implanted proximate the baroreceptor, and in other variations, the baroreflex activation device is external. The stimulation provided by the baroreflex activationdevice may be any suitable stimulation. For example, it may be electrical stimulation, mechanical stimulation, thermal stimulation, chemical stimulation, or combinations thereof. In some variations the stimulation is electrical stimulation. Thestimulation may be pulsed or continuous.
For additional information pertaining to cardiovascular anatomy and exemplary baroreceptor and baroreflex therapy systems, reference is made to the following patents and patent applications: Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0154418 toKieval et al., Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2005/0251212 to Kieval et al., Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0293712 to Kieval et al., Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2006/0004417 to Rossing et al., Published U.S. PatentApplication No. 2006/0074453 to Kieval et al., Published U.S. Patent Application No. 2009/0143837 to Rossing et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,522,926 to Kieval et al., and U.S. Pat. No. 6,985,774 to Kieval et al., the disclosures of which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entireties.
In one embodiment, the invention provides a system and methods for obtaining a blood pressure waveform, and using the pressure waveform to derive parameters indicative of cardiovascular disorders. The waveform may be obtained independent of atherapy, such as for a stand-alone diagnostic and monitoring system, or the waveform may be used to provide feedback to a closed-loop therapy system. In such closed-loop system, one can use the waveform data to program, or adjust therapy to improve saidcardiovascular disorders, and continuously monitor the status of the therapy in order to provide targeted, precise and controlled therapy.
The pressure waveform may be obtained with the use of electrodes positioned on, in or proximate a blood vessel, such as the carotid sinus or carotid artery. The electrodes measure impedance along or through the blood vessel. Methods anddevices for obtaining blood vessel impedance measurements can be found in patent application Ser. No. 12/345,558, filed Dec. 28, 2008, entitled "Measurement of Patient Physiological Parameters," the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference inits entirety. From the obtained impedance values, a waveform can be generated, such as in FIG. 5. The waveform may comprise a forward wave component and a reflected wave component. Suitable electrode arrangements for obtaining the waveform include anextravascular wrap having a plurality of electrodes positioned radially or longitudinally on the vessel, or an intravascular device resembling an electrophysiology catheter, having at least a plurality of electrodes. Signals from the sensor can bemeasured continuously or on an appropriate basis to gather hemodynamic information for the patient.
In one embodiment, the waveform data is used to determine the augmentation index, which is indicative of arterial stiffness. The system and methods of this embodiment increase venous reserve and capacitance, thereby improving vascularelasticity and vascular compliance with the majority of bodily vessels.
In one embodiment, the waveform data is indicative of LV mass and/or LV mass index. Referring to the waveform of FIG. 6A, the shaded area represents extra energy expenditure (Ew) imposed on the left ventricle during ejection. Referring stillto FIG. 6A, Ew can be calculated as 2.09*(Ps-Pl)*(Ed-Tr), wherein Tr is the reflected wave time. This energy expenditure correlates with LV mass index, such that LV mass index can be monitored and logged with a waveform generated from an implantedtransarterial impedance measurement device.
Well-known historical data on primary wave and augmentation index from a variety of sources demonstrated that reflected waves arrive earlier and central augmentation increases markedly with advancing age. Such data also supports speculationthat central aortic stiffness and forward wave amplitude are the primary mechanism for increased central and peripheral systolic and pulse pressure with advancing age in healthy adults. It would be advantageous to reduce the amplitude of forward andreflected waves, as well as delay the reflected wave.
To demonstrate the efficacy of the device and methods of the invention, experiments were performed on canines. FIG. 2 depicts the reduction in amplitude of the reflected wave as well as the delay in time of the reflected wave. This datasuggests a significant improvement in the vascular properties after delivery of a baroreflex activation therapy (BAT).
To demonstrate the efficacy of the present invention on human patients, studies were performed that measured the reflected wave before and after delivery of baroreflex activation therapy. FIG. 3 depicts the results illustrating the efficacy ofbaroreflex activation therapy in both reducing the amplitude of the reflected wave and delaying the time of the wave.
It is possible to derive many parameters from a pressure waveform. FIG. 4 depicts a "textbook" pressure waveform, while FIG. 5 depicts a pressure waveform obtained by a transarterial impedance measurement according to embodiments of the presentinvention. Reference numerals are used consistently throughout FIGS. 4-6A unless otherwise noted. Many parameters obtainable from the pressure waveform are presented in FIG. 6. While the derivation of these parameters from a pressure waveform haspreviously been known, until now it has not been possible to obtain such a waveform from a chronically-implanted arrangement, allowing real-time monitoring of a patient.
In one embodiment, the processed signal is displayable on a computer monitor so as to be readable by a physician. The physician may select one or more of the indices of interest. Such indices may include those, for example, in FIG. 6. In oneembodiment, pulse wave velocity is derived. In one embodiment, the invention provides algorithms and computer-readable media to automatically generate the parameters of interest. In one embodiment, the invention may provide automated feedback to thetherapy device in order to adjust or modify therapy based on these waveform-derived indices.
In one embodiment, the system derives augmentation index (AI) information and relies on the AI to adjust therapy. For example, if an AI is above a predetermined threshold level, baroreflex activation therapy is applied until the desired result(reduced AI) is achieved. In order to prove efficacy of baroreflex activation therapy in reducing AI in humans, an experiment was performed that delivered baroreflex activation therapy acutely to human implant patients. FIG. 7 depicts the results whichconclude that AI was reduced when baroreflex activation therapy was delivered acutely in a human patient. Because AI is an indicator of arterial stiffness/compliance, this illustrates that baroreflex activation therapy affects arterial compliance,thereby reducing stiffness of vessels.
Examination and analysis of pressure waveform data provides new insight to the effects of a baroreflex activation therapy. Embodiments of the invention have beneficial applications for diagnosing and managing heart failure and associatedconditions. It has been observed experimentally that baroreflex activation therapy works by affecting a number of structures and function in the patient. Without limiting the scope of the invention, below is a list of observed benefits of the currentinvention and how each benefit may be measured or confirmed with the system of the invention.
One benefit is improved splanchnic circulation by way of increasing reservoir capacity of splanchnic circulation, resulting in net fluid transfer from lungs to gut. This fluid transfer may be measured by for example, trans thoracic impedancesensors that monitor fluid; other fluid sensors located for example in a vessel of the gut and a vessel of the pulmonary circulation; a sensor to measure elevated pulmonary artery pressure; monitoring weight gain; or monitoring incline during sleep.
Other benefits include reduced end diastolic pressure (EDP); increased cardiac output, measured by stroke volume and heart rate and by pulse contour methodology of the central pressure waveform; reduced diastolic stiffness, measured by -dp/dt,tau, edpvr; improved cardiac elasticity, measured by for example augmentation index; improved cardiac contractility, measured by arterial PV loop information derived from the central pressure waveform; +dp/dt, end systolic pressure-volume relationship(espvr); reduced likelihood that lone atrial fibrillation will occur; reduced likelihood that ventricular arrhythmias will occur; beneficial ventricular remodeling over time as evidenced by the changes in central pressure waveform; reduced detrimentalremodeling that has previously occurred in the heart; reduced exercise intolerance as measured by patient activity with activity sensors; improved gut permeability; improved lung permeability; alleviation of fluid retention as measured by weight andother fluid sensors. Example embodiments of the present invention are described below.
In one embodiment, sensors are used to monitor the fluids in a patient. Such sensors can be selected form a group consisting of edema sensors and other fluid/wetness sensors, chemical sensors, such as sensors to assay circulating plasmacatecholamine, norepinephrine, angiotensin or BNP sensors, pressure sensors such as transarterial impedance, trans thoracic impedance, pulmonary artery or other intravascular pressure sensors and other pressure sensors. Such sensors can be located in avariety of locations including the heart, vessels, internal and external in order to measure parameters indicative of heart failure. Such sensors and methods of using them can be used as a stand alone system to monitor the build-up of fluids in thepulmonary circulation that is indicative of, for example heart failure. In another embodiment, such sensors can be used in a closed loop system with a therapy. In this embodiment, sensors monitor the presence or increase of fluids in the pulmonarycirculation and provide baroreflex activation therapy. The sensors subsequently monitor the fluids in the splanchnic circulation and modulate therapy in order to move the fluids from pulmonary circulation to splanchnic circulation. Once the sensorssense the movement of fluids (that the pulmonary fluid has been reduced to an appropriate level), the therapy can be halted or adjusted to maintain the result. One could additionally use non-invasive methods to measure parameters conceived of by theinventions such as MRI and echocardiography.
In one embodiment, sensors are used to monitor the left ventricular mass of the patient in order to assess and monitor left ventricular hypertrophy. The methods of the invention could be used to treat patients exhibiting hypertrophy or as amonitor for ensuing hypertrophy in order to prevent it. Recent studies indicate that LVH was common at 1 year after heart transplantation, present in 83% of heart transplant recipients. Heart transplant recipients with severe LVH had significantlydecreased survival. Therefore, the methods of the invention can be useful in the heart transplant population to monitor the development of hypertrophy and prevent it, thus improving outcomes for these patients. The sensors of the invention and methodsof using them can be used as a stand alone system to monitor the LV mass, indicative of, for example left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure or ensuing heart failure. In another embodiment, such sensors can be used in a closed loop system with atherapy. In this embodiment, sensors monitor the LV mass index in a patient and provide baroreflex activation therapy. The sensors subsequently monitor the LV mass and modulate therapy in order to reduce the LV mass. Once the sensors sense thereduction in LV mass, the therapy can be halted or adjusted to maintain the result.
To demonstrate efficacy of baroreflex activation therapy in human patients, experiments were performed to measure LV mass and related parameters. The experimental study results in FIGS. 8A and 8B using the LV Mass Index measurements and therapymethods of the invention show that baroreflex activation therapy reduced the following: blood pressure, LV wall thickness, LV mass, LV mass index (LVMI), and relative wall thickness.
Recent studies suggest that therapies which increase the diameter of the proximal aorta and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) may lower pulse pressure (PP) and thus may beneficially impact cardiovascular risk. As illustrated in FIG. 8B,baroreflex activation therapy increases LVOT diameter while reducing blood pressure, pulse pressure, and LVMI. Benefits are in addition to those achieved with intensive drug therapy.
In one embodiment, the present invention may reduce myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2). MVO2 refers to the amount of oxygen consumed (or required) by the heart muscle for a contraction, and is increased under conditions such as in a heartfailure patient, when heart rate is increased, contractility is increased, ventricular volume is increased, ventricular pressure is increased, etc. As described herein, heart failure is a cyclic mechanism where the body tries to compensate in response toreduced cardiac output. The increase in sympathetic tone results in increase in heart rate (to maintain cardiac output), an increase in peripheral arterial resistance (to maintain blood pressure), etc., and also an increase in MVO2 (to meet themyocardial oxygen demand). Thus, an increase in MVO2 means the heart is working much harder to meet the demand. Therefore, MVO2 is important in the assessment of heart failure, and therapy that reduces MVO2 would be useful in treating heart failure.
Baroreflex therapy works to reverse the sympathetic response and results in reduced MVO2 in patients as seen in FIG. 8C. Measuring the MVO2 indicates how hard the heart is working to contract and also whether the baroreflex therapy can bedeactivated or reduced or whether it should continue or be increased until MVO2 falls within an accepted range (generally 7,000-10,000 bpm*mmHg in patients with systolic blood pressure of 120 mmHg and heart rate of 65-80 bpm). As can be seen in FIG. 8C,baroreflex therapy reduced MVO2 to acceptable levels within 4 months and continued to reduce it through 13 months.
In another embodiment, the present invention may improve arterial elasticity and/or vascular compliance. Arterial compliance is determined by structural factors, such as collagen and elastin, and functional factors, such as vasoactiveneurohormones. The elastic behavior of conduit arteries contributes importantly to left ventricular function and aortic flow. Increased pulse pressure, an index of the pulsatile hemodynamic load, is a risk factor for the development of congestive heartfailure. The increased pulsatile load that results from a decrease in arterial compliance reduces left ventricular stroke volume more so when the contractile state is depressed than in the normally functioning ventricle. Therefore, impaired arterialelasticity is particularly deleterious in patients with congestive heart failure.
Baroreflex therapy works to improve such factors as venous reserve and capacitance, thus improving elasticity of vessels. Measuring arterial compliance by means of such measures as augmentation index, and also pulse pressure (which is anindicator of aortic stiffness) can indicate a patient's propensity for or current heart failure status. FIG. 8C depicts measurements of arterial compliance with echocardiogram and is measured in units of mL/mmHg. The normal range for patients usingthis measurement is approximately 1-2 mL/mmHg depending on age (as compliance generally is reduced with age). As seen in FIG. 8C, baroreflex therapy results in increased arterial compliance at 4 months and continues to 13 months. Pulse pressure is alsoreduced.
In one embodiment, the invention provides an implantable, real-time pressure-volume loop monitoring device. Pressure-volume loops and their relationships to various mechanisms of the heart have been described since the early 1900s. Forexample, Starling described the relationship between filling pressure of the ventricle and stroke volume in 1914. The well known Frank-Starling mechanism describes the ability of the heart to match an increased venous return with an augmented strokevolume. PV loops are currently used for measuring pressure and volume perioperatively.
Generally, left ventricular (LV) PV loops are derived from pressure and volume information found in a cardiac cycle diagram. To generate a PV loop for the left ventricle, the left ventricular pressure (LVP) is plotted against LV volume atmultiple time points during a complete cardiac cycle. Various parameters related to cardiac function can be derived from LV loops. For example, parameters related to information such as ventricular filling, contraction, ejection, relaxation, enddiastolic volume and end diastolic pressure can be obtained from PV loops and are known in the art. FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate the cardiac phases and a typical PV loop, wherein 1 corresponds to the mitral valve closing, 2 corresponds to the aortic valveopening, 3 corresponds to the aortic valve closing, and 4 corresponds to the mitral valve opening. Further, a corresponds to diastolic filling, b corresponds to isovolumetric contraction, c corresponds to ejection, and d corresponds to isovolumetricrelaxation.
In this embodiment, the left ventricular end-systolic pressure and stroke volume are measured and assessed continuously or as needed by a physician. In one embodiment, the system and methods of the invention provide a device that stimulates abaroreflex in order to reduce left ventricular pressure and increase left ventricular volume. In one embodiment, the device receives information from the PV loop monitor and adjusts therapy to optimize the result. In one embodiment, the pressureportion of the PV loop is derived from a transarterial pressure waveform. In one embodiment, the pressure portion is derived from an LV conductance catheter. In one embodiment, the pressure portion is derived from a pressure sensor in the aorta and thesignal is obtained during the systole phase of the cardiac cycle. In one embodiment, the volume portion is derived from transarterial impedance waveform, which is derived from a flow measurement. In another embodiment, a separate sensor capable ofdetermining blood flow is provided, and is used to generate the volume portion of the PV loop. In one embodiment reduced left ventricular pressure is confirmed by the implanted, real time, continuous PV loop of the invention. In one embodiment, theincreased left ventricular volume is confirmed by the implanted, real time, continuous PV loop of the invention.
At least a portion of the PV loop can be generated from an impedance measurement on the aorta. During systole, the aortic valve is open, such that the pressure in the aorta the same as the pressure in the left ventricle. The impedance of theaorta is measured, and a pressure waveform is generated from the measured impedance values. In one embodiment, the pressure waveform may be processed to obtain a value indicative of flow, which can be integrated over time to obtain volume. From thesevalues, the "top" portion of an LV loop (corresponding to systole) can be generated.
To demonstrate efficacy of baroreflex activation therapy effects on hemodynamic measures, experiments were performed on canines. FIGS. 9A-10B depict the reduction in LV pressure and increase in LV volume after BAT; FIG. 10B illustrates thehemodynamic characteristics. Referring specifically to FIG. 9A, the PV loop illustrates lower arterial pressures and increased stroke volumes following BAT. FIG. 9B illustrates that in a normal canine subject, application of baroreflex activationtherapy reduces heart rate, reduces cardiac load (pressures), and slightly reduces the speed with which the heart contracts (dpdt). Reduced fatigue and improved coronary perfusion should occur in a patient that has received baroreflex activationtherapy.
Referring to FIGS. 10A-10B, a reduction in heart rate and an increase in each of stroke volume, ejection fraction, and cardiac output can be seen following application of baroreflex activation therapy. Further, a reduction in Tau (time constantof LV relaxation) and an increase in peak filling rate indicate improved diastolic function. The rate-pressure-product (RPP) decrease indicates the heart is consuming less energy, despite the increased cardiac output.
In one embodiment, the invention comprises a system that improves the normalization of sympathetic/parasympathetic balance by combining baroreflex activation therapy with a vagal nerve electrode that provides efferent vagal nerve stimulation tothe heart for more precise and robust heart rate control, or provides a stimulus to inhibit efferent vagal nerve activity to the heart if heart rate drops too low with baroreflex activation therapy. The advantages of this therapy for heart failure arethat vagal nerve stimulation alone lowers heart rate but does not affect the vasculature. Current baroreflex activation therapy affects both heart rate and the vasculature but does not provide selective control of heart rate and blood pressure and maybe perceived to cause precipitous drops in arterial pressure in certain heart failure patients. By providing an additional mechanism to augment the heart rate drop, this invention allows for greater heart rate and pressure control than either systemalone.
The parasympathetic nervous system has a complementary relationship with the sympathetic nervous system. The body uses these two systems to regulate blood pressure. Stimulation or enhancement of the parasympathetic nervous system generallycauses a decrease in blood pressure. Stimulating or enhancing the sympathetic nervous system, on the other hand, generally causes blood pressure to increase. If cardiac output is insufficient to meet demand (i.e., the heart is unable to pump sufficientblood), the brain activates a number of body systems, including the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, and other organs/tissues to correct this.
In one embodiment, baroreflex activation therapy is achieved by electrodes placed around the carotid sinus, and vagal nerve stimulation is achieved by an electrode placed around the right vagus nerve. In other embodiments, vagal nervestimulation is achieved by an electrode placed intravascularly, for example either in the jugular vein for stimulating the right vagus nerve, or in the superior vena cava to stimulate the cardiac branches of the vagus nerve. Using sensors for monitoringheart rate and blood pressure, the combined system alters baroreflex activation therapy intensity and vagal nerve stimulation intensity to achieve target heart rate reductions without compromising blood pressure. For example, if the heart rate targethas not been achieved with baroreflex activation therapy, but the blood pressure target value has been achieved, vagal nerve stimulation is applied to reduce heart rate further.
The system is also programmable to alter intensities of baroreflex activation therapy and vagal nerve stimulation to achieve target blood pressures and heart rates in a more efficient manner than baroreflex activation therapy or vagal nervestimulation alone. For example, when high intensity baroreflex activation therapy is required to achieve target heart rate but blood pressure is not too low, the system operates in a closed-loop fashion to reduce intensity of baroreflex activationtherapy as much as possible, without losing any of the pressure response, while increasing vagal nerve stimulation to account for any loss of heart rate response. The system uses an algorithm to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, baroreflex activationtherapy intensity, and vagal nerve stimulation intensity, to find the most efficient combination of baroreflex activation therapy and vagal nerve stimulation intensities to achieve target blood pressure and heart rate values. In the event that thebaroreflex activation therapy intensity required for achieving a target pressure response causes heart rate to drop too far, the system inhibits efferent vagal nerve activity by providing vagal nerve stimulation to inhibit nerve traffic in the efferentdirection, thereby counteracting the parasympathetic activity enhancement by baroreflex activation therapy.
Baroreceptor signals in the arterial vasculature are used to activate a number of body systems which collectively may be referred to as the baroreflex system. For the purposes of the present invention, it will be assumed that the "receptors" inthe venous and cardiopulmonary vasculature (including the pulmonary artery) and heart chambers function analogously to the baroreceptors in the arterial vasculature, but such assumption is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Inparticular, the methods described herein will function and achieve at least some of the stated therapeutic objectives regardless of the precise and actual mechanism responsible for the result. Moreover, the present invention may activate baroreceptors,mechanoreceptors, pressoreceptors, stretch receptors, chemoreceptors, or any other venous, heart, or cardiopulmonary receptors which affect the blood pressure, nervous system activity, and neurohormonal activity in a manner analogous to baroreceptors inthe arterial vasculation. For convenience, all such venous receptors will be referred to collectively herein as "baroreceptors" or "receptors" unless otherwise expressly noted.
While there may be small structural or anatomical differences among various receptors in the vasculature, for the purposes of some embodiments of the present invention, activation may be directed at any of these receptors and/or nerves and/ornerve endings from these receptors so long as they provide the desired effects. In particular, such receptors will provide afferent signals, i.e., signals to the brain, which provide the blood pressure and/or volume information to the brain. Thisallows the brain to cause "reflex" changes in the autonomic nervous system, which in turn modulate organ activity to maintain desired hemodynamics and organ perfusion. Stimulation of the baroreflex system may be accomplished by stimulating suchreceptors, nerves, nerve fibers, or nerve endings, or any combination thereof.
A study was performed examining the effects of baroreflex activation therapy on the induction of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation in canines with intracoronary microembolization-induced advanced heart failure (LV ejectionfraction .about.0.20%). Canines with heart failure underwent programmed ventricular stimulation performed from the right ventricular apex. Stimulation parameters of the baroreflex therapy system were chosen for each subject in order to achieve adesired level of baroreflex activation therapy, measured as an approximate 10-20% drop in arterial pressure under anesthesia (1% isofluorane). Devices were then programmed to these stimulation parameters at the beginning of the therapy period andremained at these settings throughout the three month therapy period.
The results in FIG. 11 show that in addition to improving LV function and attenuating LV remodeling, long-term baroreflex activation therapy reduces the incidence of inducible lethal ventricular arrhythmias in canine patients with chronicadvanced heart failure. This added benefit of baroreflex activation therapy provides further support for the use of this novel approach for the treatment of chronic heart failure.
In one embodiment, the pressure waveform is generated with information from a sensor located in for example an artery and used to input to a cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device. In this embodiment, the CRT pulse is adjusted based onthe measured time and/or amplitude variables obtained from the waveform. In one embodiment, the CRT programming adjustment can be made manually by for example a physician. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor is connected to the CRT therapy deviceand programming can be done automatically by the CRT device. In one embodiment, the device determines if the CRT therapy is working and adjusts the baroreflex activation therapy accordingly. For example, the device may use information for the derivedpressure waveform and determine if the CRT is improving for example the reflected wave. If it is not, baroreflex activation therapy is applied until a desired reflected wave modification is seen.
In one embodiment, a closed-loop system monitors circulating markers indicative of heart failure or ensuing heart failure. Possible markers could include but are not limited to norepinephrine, angiotensin II, aldosterone or BNP. Other knownmarkers in the art could be used. In one embodiment, the HF marker monitoring system is used in combination with the baroreflex activation therapy system to monitor and adjust therapy in order to optimize efficacy and efficiency of the device.
To prove efficacy of baroreflex activation therapy to reduce markers indicative of heart failure, studies were performed to measure norepinephrine (NE) and angiotensin II (ANG) plasma levels before and after baroreflex activation therapy in dogswith HF. Results indicate that baroreflex activation therapy of the carotid sinus delays the increase in plasma NE and ANG II and significantly enhances survival in dogs with pacing-induced HF. Chronic baroreflex activation therapy reduces renalvasoconstriction during exercise in dogs with pacing-induced HF. These data suggest that baroreflex activation therapy may be of benefit in the treatment of severe heart failure. FIGS. 12 and 13 depict the results of three separate experiments. FIG.12 depicts mRNA expression of Angiotensin AT-2 Receptors (du) in dogs. FIG. 13 depicts the results of whole body NE kinetics during baroreflex activation therapy, including mean arterial pressure, plasma NE levels, NE spillover and NE clearance.
Accounting for Changes in Atmospheric Pressure
In a clinical setting, blood pressure is measured with a sphygmomanometer, an inflatable cuff placed externally around the upper arm of a patient. The cuff is connected to a mercury manometer, which displays pressure values relative toatmospheric pressure. For instance, if the arterial pressure indicated by the manometer is 100 mmHg on a day when the atmospheric pressure is 760 mmHg, then the relative arterial pressure is 100 mmHg while the absolute arterial pressure is 860 mmHg. Internal blood pressure sensors must also take into account atmospheric pressure, and typically rely on an external reference.
In one embodiment, the present invention can distinguish true changes in blood pressure from changes due to fluctuations in atmospheric pressure. Blood pressure may be measured, such as with an implanted pressure transducer, and additionalparameters such as heart rate and arterial properties (e.g., stiffness) are simultaneously monitored. Arterial properties may be determined from an arterial impedance measurement, as discussed above. By monitoring blood pressure, heart rate andarterial properties such as stiffness as part of a therapy, an implantable device may be able to distinguish a true change in arterial blood pressure of a patient from a change in pressure due to atmospheric pressure. For example, if blood pressure asmeasured by a blood pressure sensor increases, but heart rate and arterial stiffness do not, this can be indicative of an increase in atmospheric pressure and baroreflex therapy need not be administered by the device (or modulated, if therapy is alreadybeing delivered). However, if blood pressure as measured by the blood pressure sensor increases, and heart rate and arterial stiffness also increase, this is indicative of an actual increase in blood pressure that may require initiation or modificationof baroreflex therapy. In this way, baroreflex therapy delivery can be modulated based on a blood pressure measurement without an external reference measurement.
The implantable device may be programmed with predetermined ranges and/or thresholds for each monitored parameter that may be used in controlling therapy. For example, ranges may be established for each of blood pressure, heart rate andarterial stiffness such that a first therapy is provided when one or more measured parameters is within its respective range, while a second therapy is provided when one or more measured parameters is outside of the range and/or reaches a predeterminedthreshold and/or is otherwise indicative of a need to apply or modify therapy.
Each of the first and second therapies may comprise activating, deactivating, initiating, terminating, or otherwise modifying or modulating therapy. Modulating therapy may comprise modulating one or more characteristics of the therapy, such asbut not limited to amplitude, frequency, pulse width, duration, or power level.
Various modifications to the embodiments of the inventions may be apparent to one of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. For example, persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that the various features describedfor the different embodiments of the inventions can be suitably combined, un-combined, and re-combined with other features, alone, or in different combinations, within the spirit of the invention. Likewise, the various features described above shouldall be regarded as example embodiments, rather than limitations to the scope or spirit of the inventions. Therefore, the above is not contemplated to limit the scope of the present inventions.
Persons of ordinary skill in the relevant arts will recognize that the inventions may comprise fewer features than illustrated in any individual embodiment described above. The embodiments described herein are not meant to be an exhaustivepresentation of the ways in which the various features of the inventions may be combined. Accordingly, the embodiments are not mutually exclusive combinations of features; rather, the inventions may comprise a combination of different individualfeatures selected from different individual embodiments, as understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art.
Any incorporation by reference of documents above is limited such that no subject matter is incorporated that is contrary to the explicit disclosure herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is further limited such that noclaims included in the documents are incorporated by reference herein. Any incorporation by reference of documents above is yet further limited such that any definitions provided in the documents are not incorporated by reference herein unless expresslyincluded herein.
For purposes of interpreting the claims for the embodiments of the present inventions, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms "means for" or"step for" are recited in a claim.
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