Methods and apparatus for monopolar renal neuromodulation
First Claim
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1. A method for renal neuromodulation of a patient, the method comprising:
- placing a monopolar electrode in proximity to a neural fiber that contributes to renal function of a kidney of a patient;
electrically coupling a ground electrode to an exterior of the patient; and
delivering an electric field between the monopolar electrode and the ground electrode to modulate a function of the neural fiber.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for monopolar neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such monopolar neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, monopolar neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such monopolar neuromodulation is performed bilaterally.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for renal neuromodulation of a patient, the method comprising:
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placing a monopolar electrode in proximity to a neural fiber that contributes to renal function of a kidney of a patient;
electrically coupling a ground electrode to an exterior of the patient; and
delivering an electric field between the monopolar electrode and the ground electrode to modulate a function of the neural fiber. - View Dependent Claims (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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2. The method of claim 2, wherein delivering the electric field further comprises delivering a pulsed electric field.
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11. A method for a renal neuromodulation of a patient, comprising:
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placing a monopolar electrode at least substantially proximate to a neural fiber that contributes to renal function of a kidney of a patient;
electrically coupling a ground electrode to an exterior of the patient; and
delivering an electric field between the monopolar electrode and the ground electrode such that the resulting electric field is generally aligned with a longitudinal axis of a renal artery associated with the kidney, thereby modulating a function of the neural fiber. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13)
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14. Apparatus for performing renal neuromodulation of a patient, the apparatus comprising:
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a pulsed electric field generator;
a device configured for percutaneous placement proximate a renal vasculature of the patient, the device comprising a monopolar electrode electrically coupled to the pulsed electric field generator; and
a ground electrode configured for electrical coupling to an exterior of the patient, wherein the apparatus is configured for delivery of a pulsed electric field between the monopolar electrode and the ground electrode to modulate a neural fiber that contributes to renal function while the device is located proximate the renal vasculature. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A method for at least partially denervating a kidney of a patient, the method comprising:
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placing a monopolar electrode in proximity to a neural fiber that contributes to renal function of the kidney;
electrically coupling a ground electrode to an exterior of the patient; and
delivering an electric field between the monopolar electrode and the ground electrode to at least partially denervate the kidney.
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Specification