Energetic modulation of nerves

Abstract

In some examples, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate physiologic processes. In some examples, different types of energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In some examples, bioactive agents or devices activated by the energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the energy is enhanced by such agents or the agents are enhanced by the energy sources.

1 - 148 . (canceled) 
     
     
         149 . A method to modulate a carotid baroreceptor complex in a patient comprising:
 placing an energy source proximate the carotid baroreceptor complex of a patient; and   delivering energy from a region external to the patient, through a skin of the patient, to the carotid baroreceptor complex; and   wherein the energy is delivered to produce a blood pressure change.   
     
     
         150 . The method of  claim 149 , wherein the energy is ultrasound energy. 
     
     
         151 . The method of  claim 149 , wherein the energy is focused ultrasound energy. 
     
     
         152 . The method of  claim 149 , wherein the blood pressure change is temporary. 
     
     
         153 . The method of  claim 149 , wherein the energy is ablative energy. 
     
     
         154 . The method of  claim 149 , where the energy is radiofrequency energy. 
     
     
         155 . The method of  claim 149 , wherein the energy is vibratory energy. 
     
     
         156 . The method of  claim 149 , wherein the energy is electrical energy to provide electrical stimulation to the carotid baroreceptor complex. 
     
     
         157 . The method of  claim 149 , wherein the energy is delivered to stimulate nerves associated with the carotid baroreceptor complex. 
     
     
         158 . The method of  claim 157 , wherein an effect of the delivered energy on the nerves is permanent. 
     
     
         159 . The method of  claim 149 , where in the energy is delivered to inhibit nerves associates with the carotid baroreceptor complex. 
     
     
         160 . The method of  claim 149 , wherein the energy is delivered to overstimulate the carotid baroreceptor complex. 
     
     
         161 . A method to modulate a carotid baroreceptor complex in a patient comprising:
 placing an energy source proximate the carotid baroreceptor complex of a patient;   delivering energy using the energy source from a region external to the patient, through a skin of the patient, wherein the energy is delivered to produce a relative change between a parasympathetic activity in the patient and a sympathetic activity in the patient;   quantifying the relative change between the parasympathetic activity and the sympathetic activity in the patient; and   delivering additional energy using the energy source in dependence on the quantified relative change.   
     
     
         162 . The method of  claim 161 , wherein the energy is radiofrequency energy. 
     
     
         163 . The method of  claim 161 , wherein the energy is vibratory energy. 
     
     
         164 . The method of  claim 161 , wherein the energy is electrical energy. 
     
     
         165 . The method of  claim 161 , where in the energy is ultrasound energy. 
     
     
         166 . The method of  claim 161 , wherein the energy is delivered to inhibit nerves associated with the carotid baroreceptor complex. 
     
     
         167 . The method of  claim 161 , wherein one or both of the energy and the additional energy are delivered to overstimulate nerves associated with the baroreceptor complex. 
     
     
         168 . The method of  claim 161 , wherein the energy is ablative energy.