Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided including a stent (20) configured to be placed in a blood vessel. The stent includes first (214) and second (216) strut portions at first and second ends of the stent, and a flexible central portion (210) of the stent. In the absence of any force being applied to the stent, the length of the central portion is more than 50 percent of a total length of the stent. At any given longitudinal location along the central portion, the central portion defines no struts around a continuous angular region of more than 180 degrees around a longitudinal axis of the stent. A control capsule (30), coupled to the second strut portion, drives a current into the blood vessel via an electrode (22), which is coupled to the stent. An antenna (28), coupled to the first strut portion, receives power and powers the control capsule.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a blood vessel of a subject, including a stent (20) configured to be placed in the blood vessel. The stent includes at least first (32), second (34), and third (36) strut portions disposed along the stent. The first and second strut portions are coupled to one another at a first junction (37A) that facilitates bending of the first and second strut portions with respect to one another. The second and third strut portions are coupled to one another at a second junction (37B) that facilitates bending of the second and third strut portions with respect to one another. At least one electrode (22) is disposed on at least an outer surface of the stent. Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a blood vessel of a subject, including a stent (20) configured to be placed in the blood vessel. The stent includes at least first (32), second (34), and third (36) strut portions disposed along the stent. The first and second strut portions are coupled to one another at a first junction (37A) that facilitates bending of the first and second strut portions with respect to one another. The second and third strut portions are coupled to one another at a second junction (37B) that facilitates bending of the second and third strut portions with respect to one another. At least one electrode (22) is disposed on at least an outer surface of the stent. Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are described including an electrode device (30) that is configured to assume a coiled configuration when the device is in an unconstrained state, the electrode device being shaped to define a lumen (40). At least one electrode (21) is disposed on the electrode device. At least one electrical wire (32) is coupled to the electrode. A flexible lead (34) defines a lumen (42) therethrough, the electrical wire being housed inside the lead. A stylet (36) constrains the electrode device into a straightened configuration by being inserted into the lumen defined by the electrode device. The stylet additionally stiffens the flexible lead by being inserted into the lumen defined by the flexible lead. Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a heart of a subject, including a set of one or more electrodes (28). A control unit (16) paces the heart by driving a first electric current via the electrode set into tissue of the subject, in accordance with a first set of parameters. The control unit stimulates nitric oxide production by a portion of the heart by driving a second electric current via the electrode set into the portion of the heart, in accordance with a second set of parameters. Other embodiments are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are provided for use with a heart of a subject, including a set of one or more electrodes (28). A control unit (16) paces the heart by driving a first electric current via the electrode set into tissue of the subject, in accordance with a first set of parameters. The control unit stimulates nitric oxide production by a portion of the heart by driving a second electric current via the electrode set into the portion of the heart, in accordance with a second set of parameters. Other embodiments are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods are described including a mechanical support element (28) that is placed inside a first vein of a subject. At least one electrode (26) disposed on the mechanical support element is placed inside the first vein, in a vicinity of a site upstream of a bifurcation with a second vein of the subject. A control unit (30) enhances downstream blood flow from the first vein by driving the at least one electrode to divert blood downstream into the second vein by constricting the first vein at the upstream site, by driving the at least one electrode to apply a current to the vicinity of the site. The mechanical support element prevents the first vein from collapsing by providing mechanical support to the vein. Other embodiments are also described.