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Methods and apparatus for renal neuromodulation

  • US 8,934,978 B2
  • Filed: 04/22/2014
  • Issued: 01/13/2015
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/08/2002
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for treatment of a human patient diagnosed with hypertension, the method comprising:

  • positioning a distal portion of a catheter within a renal artery and proximate to a renal nerve of the patient, wherein the catheter includes—

    a helical structure at the distal portion of the catheter, wherein the helical structure comprises a plurality of infusion ports or outlets, and wherein the helical structure is transformable between a low-profile delivery configuration and a deployed configuration sized and shaped to fit within the renal artery; and

    a plurality of electrodes carried by the helical structure;

    transforming the helical structure from the delivery configuration to the deployed configuration to place the electrodes in apposition with an inner wall of the renal artery;

    inhibiting neural communication along the renal nerve via radio frequency (RF) energy from the electrodes; and

    infusing a protective agent from the plurality of infusion ports or outlets into the renal artery before, during, and/or after delivery of RF energy from the electrodes.

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