Methods and apparatus for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation
First Claim
1. A method for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation of a human patient, the method comprising:
- intravascularly positioning a thermal apparatus at least proximate to a neural fiber that contributes to renal function;
delivering pulsed energy via the thermal apparatus to modulate a function of the neural fiber via thermal effects; and
intravascularly removing the thermal apparatus from the patient after renal neuromodulation.
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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.
570 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation of a human patient, the method comprising:
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intravascularly positioning a thermal apparatus at least proximate to a neural fiber that contributes to renal function; delivering pulsed energy via the thermal apparatus to modulate a function of the neural fiber via thermal effects; and intravascularly removing the thermal apparatus from the patient after renal neuromodulation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method for catheter-based renal denervation, the method comprising:
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positioning a catheter having an energy delivery element within a renal artery of a human patient; delivering pulsed energy via the energy delivery element to reduce renal sympathetic nerve activity; and removing the catheter from the patient after treatment.
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Specification