Electrodes and Electrode Positioning Systems for Transvascular Neuromodulation

Abstract

Electrode systems for transvascular stimulation of target nerves include electrode arrays, elements promoting blood flow between electrode surfaces and surrounding vascular walls, electrodes shaped to promote more even current density than electrodes having angular edges, features for retaining the electrode systems with blood vessels, and features for using electrode-carrying elements to asymmetrically distend blood vessel walls towards target nerve structures.

We claim: 
     
         1 . An intravascular electrode system comprising:
 an elongate support or substrate configured for positioning in a target blood vessel; and   a plurality of electrodes positioned on a face of the support or substrate, wherein each electrode has a perimeter defining a shape having only curved edges.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the shape is selected from the group of shapes consisting of circles, ellipses, and polyhedrons formed using rounded edges. 
     
     
         3 . An intravascular electrode system comprising:
 an electrode support or substrate configured for positioning in a target blood vessel; and   a plurality of electrodes positioned on a face of the support or substrate, wherein each electrode has a cross-sectional shape that curves outwardly from the face.   
     
     
         4 . The electrode system of  claim 3 , wherein the cross-sectional shape is selected from the group of shapes consisting of arcuate shapes and shapes having beveled edges.