Viscardia, Inc.

Edward Chinchoy

Peter T Bauer

Jay Snell

Patricia A Arand

Hemodynamic performance of a heart may be improved by determining, from a location associated with a diaphragm, an occurrence of a valid cardiac event; and then delivering asymptomatic electrical stimulation therapy directly to the diaphragm at termination of a diaphragmatic stimulation delay period that is timed relative to the occurrence of the valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period may be automatically established by sensing a plurality of cardiac events directly from a diaphragm; and for each of the sensed cardia events, determining whether the sensed cardiac event represents a valid cardiac event or a non-valid cardiac event. The diaphragmatic stimulation delay period is then calculated based on a plurality of sensed cardia events that are determined to be valid.

Systems, devices, and methods for improving hemodynamic performance through asymptomatic diaphragm stimulation

A controller delivers electrical stimulation therapy to a diaphragm through the one or more electrodes, and obtains a signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity from a pressure measurement source. The electrical stimulation therapy is defined by stimulation parameters. The controller obtains at least one additional signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity by changing at least one of the stimulation parameters, and delivering an electrical stimulation therapy to the diaphragm in accordance with the changed one of the plurality of stimulation parameters. The controller repeats the process of obtaining additional signals indicative of pressure based on a changing stimulation parameter by scanning through a range of values for the changing stimulation parameter. The controller derives a measure of interest from each of the obtained signals, and selects as an optimal stimulation therapy, the electrical stimulation therapy that results in a most acceptable measure of interest.

Implantable medical devices, systems, and methods for selection of optimal diaphragmatic stimulation parameters to affect pressures within the intrathoracic cavity

A controller detects a cyclic cardiac event of the patient based on a signal obtained from one or more electrodes configured for placement on or near a diaphragm, and delivers an electrical stimulation therapy to a diaphragm of the patient through the one or more electrodes. The delivery of electrical stimulation therapy is timed to the detection of the cyclic cardiac event, and the electrical stimulation therapy is defined by stimulation parameters. The controller monitors a pressure associated with the intrathoracic cavity of the patient based on a signal provided by a pressure measurement source configured to provide a signal indicative of a pressure within an intrathoracic cavity, to determine whether an adjustment of one or more of the stimulation parameters is warranted.

Implantable medical devices and methods for real-time or near real-time adjustment of diaphragmatic stimulation parameters to affect pressures within the intrathoracic cavity

A lead for placement on a diaphragm includes a sensor assembly, a connector, and a lead body. The sensor assembly includes a housing having a first end surface and a second end surface opposite the first end surface. The first end surface is intended to contact the diaphragm. The sensor assembly includes at least one fixation structure also associated with the first end surface. The fixation structure is configured to preserve the hermetic integrity of the intrathoracic cavity. The fixation structure may extend through the diaphragm and transition to a state that forms a seal between itself and tissue of the diaphragm. Alternatively, the fixation structure may surround the sensor assembly and form a seal between itself and the surface of the diaphragm.

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Studio City, CA, United States of America

Edward Chinchoy