An enzymatic sensor configured to determine the concentration of levodopa present in a sample according to a current or a resonant frequency produced in response to levodopa interactions with L-amino acid decarboxylase present in the sensor. A processor associated with the sensor determines levodopa concentration and produces dose recommendation or output according to levodopa concentration.

Methods and apparatuses for monitoring and regulating physiological states and functions are disclosed. Several embodiments include application of one or more microelectrode arrays to a dorsal root ganglion for measurement of sensory neuron activity, or stimulation of sensory reflex circuits. The methods and apparatuses can be used, for example, for monitoring or controlling bladder function in a patient.

The present specification discloses devices and methodologies for the treatment of GERD. Individuals with GERD may be treated by implanting a stimulation device within the patient's lower esophageal sphincter and applying electrical stimulation to the patient's lower esophageal sphincter, in accordance with certain predefined protocols. The presently disclosed devices have a simplified design because they do not require sensing systems capable of sensing when a person is engaged in a wet swallow, have improved energy storage requirements, enable improved LES function while concurrently delivering additional health benefits, and enable improved LES function post stimulation termination.

A method of neurostimulation includes applying a probe signal to an electrode implanted in or near a target neural structure of the brain. The method further includes detecting a first response from the target neural structure evoked by the probe signal and determining a first time period between application of the probe signal and a first temporal feature of the response. Further, the method includes generating a therapeutic signal comprising a plurality of pulses, at least two of the plurality of pulses separated by the first time period, and applying the therapeutic signal to the electrode or another electrode implanted in or near the target neural structure.

Systems and methods for treating pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) featuring a device that targets the vagal nerve fiber looped around both right and left main bronchi. The system comprises digital and analog electronics; a strain sensor for measuring arterial pressure operatively connected to the electronics, and a stimulator for selectively stimulating a vagus nerve operatively connected to electronics. The system is a closed- loop system. The strain sensor has sufficient flexibility to wrap around an artery. The system stimulates the vagus nerve with specific electrical signals that relax the smooth muscle of pulmonary vascular tree. The electric stimulation can be controlled to achieve localized pulmonary vascular smooth muscle relaxation with non or minimal systemic side effects.

An example of a neurostimulation system may include a stimulation output circuit to deliver neurostimulation to evoke responses from a patient using an evoking configuration, a sensing input circuit to sense one or more signals including the evoked responses using a recording configuration, and a control circuit. The control circuit may be configured to control the delivery of the neurostimulation using stimulation parameters including the evoking configuration, to control the sensing of the evoked responses using sensing parameters including the recording configuration, and to determine an evoking-recording parameter set by evaluating a sequence of evoking-recording parameter sets. The evoking-recording parameter set may include a set of the stimulation parameters suitable for controlling the stimulation output circuit to deliver the neurostimulation to evoke a target response and a set of the sensing parameters suitable for controlling the sensing input circuit to record the evoked target response.

An Implantable Pulse Generator (IPG) is disclosed that is capable of sensing a degree to which recruited neurons in a patient's tissue are firing synchronously, and of modifying a stimulation program to promote desynchronicity and to reduce paresthesia. An evoked compound action potential (ECAP) of the recruited neurons is sensed as a measure of synchronicity by at least one non-active electrode. An ECAP algorithm operable in the IPG assesses the shape of the ECAP and determines one or more ECAP shape parameters that indicate whether the recruited neurons are firing synchronously or desynchronously. If the shape parameters indicate significant synchronicity, the ECAP algorithm can adjust the stimulation program to promote desynchronous firing.

Neuromodulation is used to enhance left ventricular relaxation and/or left ventricular contractility, during contemporaneous use of a mechanical circulatory support device to increase cardiac output or aid in unloading the heart. An exemplary neuromodulation system includes a therapy element positionable in proximity to at least one nerve fiber, and a stimulator configured to energize the therapy element to delivery therapy to the at least one nerve fiber such that left ventricular relaxation and left ventricular contractility are contemporaneously enhanced.

A neuromodulation system and method of providing sub-threshold modulation therapy. Electrical modulation energy is delivered to a target tissue site of the patient at a programmed intensity value, thereby providing therapy to a patient without perception of stimulation. In response to an event, electrical modulation energy is delivered at incrementally increasing intensity values. At least one evoked compound action potential (eCAP) is sensed in a population of neurons at the target tissue site of the patient in response to the delivery of the electrical modulation energy at the incrementally increasing intensity values. One of the incrementally increased intensity values is selected based on the sensed eCAP(s). A decreased intensity value is automatically computed as a function of the selected intensity value. Electrical modulation energy is delivered to the target tissue site of the patient at the computed intensity value, thereby providing sub-threshold therapy to the patient.

An example method includes delivering one or more electrical stimulation signals to a patient, sensing a composite stimulation-evoked signal comprising a composite of signals generated by one or more signal sources in response to the one or more electrical stimulation signals, and controlling delivery of electrical stimulation therapy to the patient based on the composite stimulation-evoked signal.