The present invention provides systems and methods for modulating the plasticity and/or memory of the autonomic nervous system.

Provided herein are methods, devices and compositions for assessing neuromodulation efficacy based on changes in the level of one or more biomarkers in plasma or urine collected from a human subject following a renal neuromodulation procedure.

Autonomic nervous system control via high frequency spinal cord modulation, and associated systems and methods. A method for treating a patient in accordance with a particular embodiment includes selecting a neural modulation site to include a neural population of the patient's spinal cord, and selecting parameters of a neural modulation signal to at least reduce an autonomic system deficit in the patient.

Methods and apparatus are provided for intravascularly-induced neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation, etc., in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the intravascular PEF system comprises a catheter having a pair of bipolar electrodes for delivering the PEF, with a first electrode positioned on a first side of an impedance-altering element and a second electrode positioned on an opposing side of the impedance-altering element. A length of the electrodes, as well as a separation distance between the first and second electrodes, may be specified such that, with the impedance-altering element deployed in a manner that locally increases impedance within a patient's vessel, e.g., with the impedance-altering element deployed into contact with the vessel wall at a treatment site within the patient's vasculature, a magnitude of applied voltage delivered across the bipolar electrodes necessary to achieve desired neuromodulation is reduced relative to an intravascular PEF system having similarly spaced electrodes but no (or an undeployed) impedance-altering element. In a preferred embodiment, the impedance-altering element comprises an inflatable balloon configured to locally increase impedance within a patient's vasculature. The methods and apparatus of the present invention may be used to modulate a neural fiber that contributes to renal function.

Autonomic nervous system control via high frequency spinal cord modulation, and associated systems and methods. A method for treating a patient in accordance with a particular embodiment includes selecting a neural modulation site to include a neural population of the patient's spinal cord, and selecting parameters of a neural modulation signal to at least reduce an autonomic system deficit in the patient.

Described here are devices, systems, and methods for increasing tear production by stimulating the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. In some variations, the devices may be in the form of a contact lens. The contact lens may comprise a lens body and a stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip is embedded in the lens body. An external power source wirelessly transmits energy to the stimulator chip, where the stimulator chip may convert the energy to an electric waveform to stimulate the cornea, conjunctiva, and/or subconjunctiva. Stimulation may activate the lacrimal reflex to increase tear production. The devices and systems for increasing tear production may be used in methods of treating dry eye, reducing the symptoms of tired eye, increasing comfort for contact lens wearers, and extending the number of years a contact lens user can wear contacts. Also described are methods of manufacturing a contact lens.

Generally discussed herein are systems, devices, and methods for providing a therapy (e.g., stimulation) and/or data signal using an implantable device. Systems, devices and methods for interacting with (e.g., communicating with, receiving power from) an external device are also provided.

Provided herein are methods, devices, compositions, and kits for monitoring neuromodulation efficacy based on changes in the level or activity of one or more target biomarkers. One aspect includes a comparison of baseline and post-modulation levels of one or more biomarkers in bodily fluid that have each been collected from a human subject at a relevant time, and that may be used to assess the neuromodulation efficacy. The post-neuromodulation levels for the one or more biomarkers may be collected from the human subject within about 5 minutes to about 14 days post-neuromodulation.

Stimulation of neural activity in a nerve supplying the spleen, wherein the nerve is adjacent to the splenic artery at a position where the splenic artery is not in direct contact with the pancreas, can modulate pro- and anti-inflammatory molecules levels, thereby reducing inflammation and providing ways of treating disorders, such as disorders associated with inflammation. The invention provides improved ways of reducing inflammation with minimized off-target effects, in particular surgical trauma.

A physiologic signal transmission system for an individual includes a physiologic signal transmitter and receiver device. The physiologic transmitter device includes a first receiver configured to obtain sensor signals monitoring physiologic states of the individual; a first processor configured to determine stimulation signals based on the obtained sensor signals, where the stimulation signals encode instructions to modulate functions of a target organ of the individual; and a stimulation device configured to apply the determined stimulation signals to a physiologic system or structure of the individual. The physiologic signal receiver device includes a second receiver configured to receive the stimulation signals from the stimulation device, a second processor configured to decode the encoded instructions from the stimulation signals, and an effector device configured to affect or modulate the function of the target organ based on the decoded instructions to correct or alleviate the monitored physiologic states of the individual.