Methods and apparatus for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation
First Claim
1. A method for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation, the method comprising:
- positioning a thermal apparatus at least proximate to a neural fiber that contributes to renal function; and
delivering pulsed energy via the thermal apparatus to modulate a function of the neural fiber via thermal effects.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues. In some embodiments, thermally-induced renal neuromodulation is achieved via delivery of a pulsed thermal therapy.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. A method for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation, the method comprising:
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positioning a thermal apparatus at least proximate to a neural fiber that contributes to renal function; and
delivering pulsed energy via the thermal apparatus to modulate a function of the neural fiber via thermal effects. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. Apparatus for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation, the apparatus comprising:
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a pulse generator configured to provide pulsed thermal energy;
a device configured for delivery within a blood vessel to a vicinity of a neural fiber that contributes to renal function; and
a thermal modulation element supported by the device, the thermal modulation element being configured to expand from a first dimension to a second dimension, wherein the thermal modulation element is configured to (a) contact a wall of the blood vessel upon expansion of the thermal modulation element to the second dimension within the blood vessel, and (b) transmit the pulsed thermal energy relative to the neural fiber to thermally induce modulation of a function of the neural fiber upon expansion of the thermal modulation element to the second dimension within the blood vessel. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification