Methods and devices for treating hypertension

Abstract

Devices, systems and methods are described which control blood pressure and nervous system activity by stimulating baroreceptors. By selectively and controllably activating baroreceptors and/or nerves, the present invention reduces blood pressure and alters the sympathetic nervous system; thereby minimizing deleterious effects on the heart, vasculature and other organs and tissues. A baroreceptor activation device or other sensory activation device is positioned near a dermal bone to provide the treatment.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 .- 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method of treating hypertension in a subject, the method comprising:
 applying vibratory energy with at least one transducer to at least one clavicle of the subject with at least a first vibration frequency;   the applying step being performed for time periods sufficient to lower the subject's blood pressure.   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first vibration frequency is between about 1 Hz and 20,000 Hz. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the first vibration frequency is between about 35 Hz and 150 Hz. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising applying vibratory energy with the at least one transducer to the at least one clavicle at a plurality of vibration frequencies. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the step of applying vibratory energy with the at least one transducer to the at least one clavicle at a plurality of vibration frequencies comprises stepping between the plurality of vibration frequencies. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24 , wherein the step of applying vibratory energy with the at least one transducer to the at least one clavicle at a plurality of vibration frequencies comprises sweeping between the plurality of vibration frequencies. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 24 , comprising using the at least one transducer to apply the plurality of vibration frequencies in a cyclic manner sufficient to activate a baroreflex response. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising, prior to the applying step, placing the at least one transducer over at least one clavicle. 
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 28 , wherein the placing step comprises adhesively coupling the at least one transducer over at least one clavicle. 
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 28 , further comprising adhesively attaching a bandage to a skin surface over the at least one clavicle, the placing step comprising coupling the at least one transducer to the bandage. 
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 30 , wherein the attaching step comprises magnetically coupling the at least one transducer to the bandage. 
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the applying steps comprises applying the at least the first vibration frequencies in a cyclic manner sufficient to activate a baroreflex response. 
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the applying step is performed for a time period between 1 second and 24 hours. 
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 21 , the applying step being performed for a time period sufficient to lower the subject's systolic blood pressure. 
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 21 , the applying step being performed for a time period sufficient to lower the subject's diastolic blood pressure. 
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 21 , the applying step being performed shortly prior to a subject's sleep cycle. 
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 21 , the applying step being performed during a subject's sleep cycle. 
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 21 , the applying step being performed shortly following to a subject's sleep cycle.