Devices and Methods for Photodynamically Modulating Neural Function in a Human
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Abstract
Devices and methods for therapeutic photodynamic modulation of neural function in a human. One embodiment of a method in accordance with the technology includes administering a photosensitizer to a human, wherein the photosensitizer preferentially accumulates at nerves proximate a blood vessel compared to non-neural tissue of the blood vessel. The method can further include irradiating the photosensitizer using a radiation emitter positioned within the human, wherein the radiation has a wavelength that causes the photosensitizer to react and alter at least a portion of the nerves thereby providing a therapeutic reduction in sympathetic neural activity. Several embodiments of the technology are useful for disrupting renal nerves, such as renal denervation, for treating hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and other indications.
46 Citations
40 Claims
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1. -34. (canceled)
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35. A system for performing photodynamic therapy, comprising:
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a treatment device having an elongated shaft and a radiation unit at a distal portion of the elongated shaft, wherein the radiation unit has a positioning member and at least one radiation emitter, and wherein the positioning member is configured to have a low-profile delivery state for intravascular passage to a target site and a deployed state in which the positioning member is configured to contact a wall of a body lumen such that the radiation emitter is stabilized at a desired location relative to target tissue; and a controller configured to be coupled to the treatment device, wherein the controller is adapted to cause radiation at a wavelength of 351 nm-355 nm to be delivered from the radiation unit to deliver 0.5-500 J/cm2 of radiation to a target. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39)
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40. A device for therapeutically modulating sympathetic neural system activity, comprising:
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an elongated shaft configured to pass through vascular passages of a human; a balloon at a distal portion of the elongated shaft, the balloon having a wall configured to contact an inner wall of a blood vessel and an exterior channel through which blood can flow when inflated to a deployed state; and a radiation element at the balloon configured to deliver radiation to perivascular nerves along the blood vessel.
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Specification