System and method for neuromodulation

Abstract

A method of treating a patient having a blood pressure comprises delivering neuromodulation therapy to sustain or increase the blood pressure. The neuromodulation therapy includes placing a sympathetic therapy electrode in a posterior portion of a blood vessel and stimulating at least one extravascular cardiac sympathetic nerve fiber using said electrode.

We claim: 
     
         1 . A method of treating a patient having a blood pressure, comprising:
 delivering neuromodulation therapy to sustain or increase the blood pressure, said neuromodulating therapy including placing a sympathetic therapy electrode in a posterior portion of a blood vessel and stimulating at least one extravascular cardiac sympathetic nerve fiber using said electrode.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further including introducing a therapy device into the vasculature, the therapy device having the electrode thereon, and advancing the therapy device within the vasculature to position the electrode in the posterior portion of the blood vessel. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1  the placing step positions the electrode in venous vasculature superior to the heart. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the placing step positions the electrode in the superior vena cava. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the placing step includes positioning the electrode in a segment of the superior vena cava extending between a right atrium and a junction of brachiocephalic veins. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further including energizing the first and second electrodes using a stimulator disposed external to the patient. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further including monitoring blood pressure and heart rate of the patient, and modifying stimulus from the electrode in response to detected changes in heart rate and/or blood pressure.