ULTRASOUND APPARATUSES FOR THERMALLY-INDUCED 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.
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Citations
50 Claims
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1-30. -30. (canceled)
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31. An ultrasound apparatus for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation, the apparatus comprising:
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a catheter configured for delivery within a blood vessel to a vicinity of neural fibers that contribute to renal function; and an ultrasound transducer carried by the catheter, wherein the ultrasound transducer is configured to transmit ultrasound energy waves to target renal neural fibers outside of the blood vessel to thermally induce modulation of target neural fibers while protecting non-target tissue in the blood vessel wall from thermal injury. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)
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47. An ultrasound apparatus for thermal modulation of nerves that contribute to renal function via heating of tissue, the apparatus comprising:
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an elongated shaft configured for intravascular delivery through vasculature and placement within a renal blood vessel; an ultrasound element coupled to a distal end of the elongated shaft, wherein the ultrasound element is configured for placement within the renal blood vessel proximate to nerves that contribute to renal function, and wherein the thermal element is further configured to apply thermal treatment to the nerves from within the renal blood vessel while protecting non-target tissue in the wall of the renal blood vessel wall from thermal injury; a sensor proximate to the thermal element and configured to monitor a parameter; and means for controlling the application of thermal treatment via the thermal element based on the monitored parameter. - View Dependent Claims (48, 49, 50)
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Specification