Methods and apparatus to increase secretion of endogenous naturetic hormones
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11577059-B2
Publication Date
2023-02-14
Expiration Date
Abstract
A method and apparatus for treatment of heart failure by increasing secretion of endogenous naturetic hormones ANP and BNP such as by stimulation of the heart atria. Heart pacing is done at an atrial contraction rate that is increased and can be higher than the ventricular contraction rate. Pacing may include mechanical distension of the right atrial appendage. An implantable device is used to periodically cyclically stretch the walls of the appendage with an implanted balloon.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to treating a patient suffering from a condition comprising one or more of hypertension, excessive fluid retention, or excessive sodium retention by stressing a wall of at least one atrium of a heart beyond a natural stress condition. The stressed atrial wall secretes a hormone at an elevated level above a natural secretion level occurring naturally when the atrial wall is not stressed, and the therapeutic effect is achieved based on the hormone secreted at the elevated level.
The invention further includes stressing the atrium by stretching the atrium through pulling on an atrial appendage, pulling on the at least one atrium, or pulling on a junction between the at least one atrium and a vessel. In the disclosed approach, atrial wall stress is used as the mechanism to elevate secretion of endogenous natriuretic hormones such as ANP and BNP to provide therapeutic benefits associated with the treated cardiovascular and fluid-balance conditions.
Claims Coverage
Only one independent claim is provided. It contains two core inventive features: atrial wall stressing beyond natural stress to elevate hormone secretion, and mechanical stretching by pulling on atrial structures or an atrial-vessel junction.
Atrial wall stressing beyond natural stress condition to elevate hormone secretion
Treating hypertension, excessive fluid retention, or excessive sodium retention by stressing a wall of at least one atrium beyond a natural stress condition such that the stressed atrial wall secretes a hormone at an elevated level above a natural secretion level.
Mechanical stretching of the atrium by pulling on atrial structures or an atrial-vessel junction
Stressing the wall of the at least one atrium by stretching the atrium through pulling on an atrial appendage, pulling on the at least one atrium, or pulling on a junction between the at least one atrium and a vessel.
The claim coverage centers on using increased atrial wall stress, via mechanical stretching or pulling, to drive elevated hormone secretion from an atrium and achieve beneficial therapeutic effects including reduction in blood pressure.
Stated Advantages
Reduction in blood pressure.
Increasing urine output [procedural detail omitted for safety].
Limiting vasoconstriction, limiting sodium retention, inhibiting a renin-angiotensin system, inhibiting endothelin secretion, and inhibiting systemic and renal sympathetic activity, or counteracting effects of norepinephrine, endothelin, and angiotensin II [procedural detail omitted for safety].
Documented Applications
Treating a patient suffering from one or more of hypertension, excessive fluid retention, or excessive sodium retention by stressing at least one atrial wall beyond a natural stress condition.
Providing beneficial therapeutic effect including reduction in blood pressure in connection with elevated secretion of the hormone from a stressed atrial wall.
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