Systems and Methods for Neuromodulation for Treatment of Pain and Other Disorders Associated with Nerve Conduction

• US 20150216588A1
• Filed: 02/04/2015
• Published: 08/06/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg SARL (Medtronic Plc)
• Original Assignee: Medtronic Ardian Luxembourg SARL (Medtronic Plc)
• Inventors: Deem, Mark E., Gifford, Hanson III
• Granted Patent: US 9,345,538 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 18/1477 Needle-like probes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0412 Specially adapted for transcutaneous electroporation, e.g. including drug reservoirs
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0456 Specially adapted for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation [TENS]
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0492 Patch electrodes A61N1/0412, A61N1/0428 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/05 for implantation or insertion into the body, e.g. heart electrode A61N1/06 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/0551 Spinal or peripheral nerve electrodes
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/327 for enhancing the absorption properties of tissue, e.g. by electroporation
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36017 with leads or electrodes penetrating the skin
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36021 for treatment of pain
• CPC Class Codes: A61N 1/36071 Pain

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for selective destruction or temporary disruption of nerves and/or conduction pathways in a mammalian body for the treatment of pain and other disorders. Apparatus comprises catheters having electrodes for targeting and affecting nerve tissue at a cellular level to reversible and irreversible nerve poration and incapacitation.

Claims

1-20. -20. (canceled)

21. A method for treating a disorder associated with nerve conduction in a human patient, the method comprising:

advancing a catheter comprising one or more electrodes through an artery of the patient, wherein the one or more electrodes comprise a treatment electrode and a monitoring electrode;

delivering a first energy from the treatment electrode to a treatment area of nerve tissue of the patient, wherein the nerve tissue comprises nerves located adjacent to the artery of the patient; and

after delivering the first energy, using the monitoring electrode to monitor the treatment area and thereby determine a degree of treatment achieved therein.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the treatment electrode and the monitoring electrode are the same electrode.

23. The method of claim 21, wherein the nerve tissue comprises a nerve running directly along an outside of the artery of the patient.

24. The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more electrodes are axially aligned on one side of the catheter.

25. The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more electrodes have a ring structure.

26. The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more electrodes are in a bipolar configuration.

27. The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more electrodes are in a monopolar configuration.

28. The method of claim 21, wherein the one or more electrodes comprise multiple pairs of electrodes.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein the multiple pairs of electrodes may be activated in pairs.

30. The method of claim 28, wherein the multiple pairs of electrodes may be activated in groups.

31. The method of claim 28, wherein the multiple pairs of electrodes may be activated in a sequential manner.

32. The method of claim 21, wherein the artery comprises a carotid artery.

33. The method of claim 21, wherein the artery comprises a radial artery.

34. The method of claim 21, wherein the nerve tissue comprises peripheral nerves.

35. The method of claim 21, further comprising, in conjunction with delivering the first energy, modulating disruption of the nerve tissue using a nerve blocking agent, chemical or other therapeutic agent.

36. The method of claim 21, wherein the first energy comprises electric energy.

37. The method of claim 21, wherein the first energy comprises ultrasonic energy.

38. The method of claim 21, further comprising injecting a therapeutic agent from the catheter before, during or after delivery or the first energy.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein the therapeutic agent comprises a nerve blocking agent.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein the therapeutic agent comprises lidocaine.

41. The method of claim 21, further comprising delivering a second energy from the catheter while the catheter is in the artery, wherein the second energy stimulates the nerve tissue of the patient.

42. The method of claim 41, further comprising observing a nerve reflex after delivery of the second energy, to localize the treatment area.