Ecg input to implantable pulse generator using carotid sinus leads

Abstract

A monitoring device is provided to monitor a patient. The monitoring device includes at least one lead having an electrode. The lead is positioned proximate a location within the patient's body, and the lead is adapted to sense cardiac electrical activity. The monitoring device also includes a control system coupled to the at least one lead to receive a signal representative of the cardiac electrical activity.

1 . A monitoring device that monitors a patient, comprising: 
 at least one lead having an electrode, positioned proximate a location within a body of the patient and adapted to sense cardiac electrical activity; and    a control system coupled to the at least one lead to receive a signal representative of the cardiac electrical activity.    
   
   
       2 . The monitoring device of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one lead is positioned proximate a location selected from one of a carotid artery and a carotid sinus.  
   
   
       3 . The monitoring device of  claim 1 , wherein the control system is adapted to generate an electrocardiogram based on the cardiac electrical activity sensed by the at least one lead.  
   
   
       4 . The monitoring device of  claim 3 , wherein the control system is further adapted to store the electrocardiogram.  
   
   
       5 . A baroreflex activation system, comprising: 
 at least one lead having an electrode at a distal end, positioned proximate a location within the body of a patient and adapted to sense cardiac electrical activity;    a control system coupled to the at least one lead and to receive a signal representative of the cardiac electrical activity, and to deliver a baroreflex therapy through the at least one lead.    
   
   
       6 . The baroreflex activation system of  claim 5 , wherein the baroreflex therapy is delivered in response to the cardiac electrical activity sensed by the at least one lead.  
   
   
       7 . The baroreflex activation system of  claim 5 , wherein the at least one lead is positioned proximate a baroreflex site selected from one of a carotid artery and a carotid sinus.  
   
   
       8 . The baroreflex activation system of  claim 5 , wherein the control system is adapted to generate an electrocardiogram based on the sensed cardiac electrical activity.  
   
   
       9 . A method of monitoring cardiac activity and applying a baroreflex therapy for a patient, comprising: 
 implanting a baroreflex activation system within a body of the patient, the baroreflex activation device including a control system and at least one electrode, the at least one electrode adapted to deliver a signal and to sense cardiac electrical activity;    positioning the at least one electrode at a location within the body of a patient;    causing the baroreflex activation system to sense cardiac electrical activity via the at least one electrode; and    causing the baroreflex activation system to deliver a baroreflex therapy.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein the baroreflex therapy delivered by the baroreflex activation system is modulated in response to the sensed cardiac electrical activity.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the control system generates an electrocardiogram based on the sensed electrical cardiac activity by the at least one electrode.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the at least one electrode is positioned proximate a baroreflex site selected from one of a carotid artery and a carotid sinus.  
   
   
       13 . A method of monitoring cardiac activity for a patient, comprising: 
 providing at least one lead having an electrode adapted to sense a cardiac parameter;    providing a control system adapted to be coupled to the at least one lead to receive signals from the at least one lead representative of the cardiac parameter; and    providing instructions to position the at least one lead proximate a first location within a body of the patient.    
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the control system is adapted to generate an electrocardiogram based on the sensed cardiac electrical activity.  
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein providing instructions to position the at least one lead comprises providing instructions to position the at least one lead proximate a baroreflex site selected from one of a carotid artery and a carotid sinus.