Method and device for lymphatic system monitoring

Abstract

A device and method are disclosed for physiological monitoring of the lymphatic system. An implantable device is configured with a lymphatic sensor disposed in a lymphatic vessel for sensing pressure, flow, and/or the concentration of particular markers within the vessel. The device may be further configured to deliver appropriate therapy in accordance with the lymphatic monitoring.

1 . A device, comprising:
 monitoring and therapy circuitry contained within an implantable housing;   a lead electrically connected to the monitoring circuitry that is adapted for implantation into a lymphatic vessel, the lead having a lymphatic sensor incorporated therein for sensing a physiological parameter related to lymphatic function;   a controller interfaced to the therapy circuitry and interfaced to the monitoring circuitry for processing sensing signals generated by the lymphatic sensor;   wherein the controller is programmed to modify the delivery of therapy when edema is detected from the lymphatic sensor signals.   
   
   
       2 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the lymphatic sensor is a pressure sensor. 
   
   
       3 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the lymphatic sensor is a flow sensor. 
   
   
       4 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the lymphatic sensor is a chemo-sensor for generating a voltage proportional to the concentration of a particular chemical species in the lymphatic fluid. 
   
   
       5 . The device of  claim 1  further comprising a telemetry transceiver interfaced to the controller for enabling wireless communication with the controller. 
   
   
       6 . The device of  claim 5  wherein the controller is programmed to transmit an alarm message via the telemetry transceiver if a value sensed by the lymphatic sensor reaches a specified limit value. 
   
   
       7 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the therapy circuitry comprises:
 cardiac pacing circuitry, including pulse generation circuitry and cardiac sensing circuitry;   one or more leads with pacing/sensing electrodes electrically connected to the cardiac pacing circuitry; and,   wherein the controller is programmed to deliver bradycardia pacing therapy based upon sensing signals generated by the lymphatic sensor.   
   
   
       8 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the therapy circuitry comprises:
 pulse generation circuitry;   one or more leads with electrodes electrically connected to the pulse generation circuitry for delivering neural stimulation; and,   wherein the controller is programmed to deliver neural stimulation therapy based upon sensing signals generated by the lymphatic sensor.   
   
   
       9 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the therapy circuitry comprises:
 a drug delivery device actuated by the therapy circuitry; and,   wherein the controller is programmed to deliver medication based upon sensing signals generated by the lymphatic sensor.   
   
   
       10 . The device of  claim 1  wherein the therapy circuitry comprises:
 cardiac pacing circuitry, including pulse generation circuitry and cardiac sensing circuitry;   one or more leads with pacing/sensing electrodes electrically connected to the cardiac pacing circuitry; and,   wherein the controller is programmed to deliver cardiac resynchronization therapy based upon sensing signals generated by the lymphatic sensor.   
   
   
       11 . The device of  claim 10  wherein the controller is programmed to initiate, or increase, the delivery of cardiac resynchronization therapy upon sensing a lymphatic flow or pressure value indicative of edema. 
   
   
       12 . The device of  claim 10  wherein the controller is programmed to adjust one or more cardiac resynchronization parameters upon sensing a lymphatic flow or pressure value indicative of edema.