System and method for neuromodulation

摘要

A method of treating autonomic imbalance in a patient includes energizing a first therapeutic element disposed in a superior vena cava of the patient to deliver therapy to a parasympathetic nerve fiber such as a vagus nerve, and energizing a second therapeutic element disposed within the superior vena cava to deliver therapy to a sympathetic cardiac nerve fiber. A neuromodulation system includes a parasympathetic therapy element adapted for positioning within a blood vessel, a sympathetic therapy element adapted for positioning with the blood vessel; and a stimulator configured to energize the parasympathetic therapy element to deliver parasympathetic therapy to a parasympathetic nerve fiber disposed external to the blood vessel and energize the sympathetic therapy element within the blood vessel to deliver sympathetic therapy to a sympathetic nerve fiber disposed external to the blood vessel. Delivery of the parasympathetic and sympathetic therapy decreases the patient's heart rate and elevates or maintains the blood pressure of the patient.