Multi-electrode catheter assemblies for renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods

摘要

Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally spiral/helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., spiral/helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function.

主权项

1. A renal denervation catheter for treatment of a human patient, the renal denervation catheter comprising:
a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the shaft is configured for intravascular delivery over a guide wire to a renal blood vessel of the patient; a pre-shaped helical structure disposed at or proximate to the distal end of the shaft, wherein the helical structure is configured to transform between a low-profile delivery state and a deployed state tending to assume the shape of the pre-shaped helical structure, and wherein the helical structure is composed, at least in part, of nitinol; and a plurality of energy delivery elements carried by the helical structure,
wherein the shaft and the helical structure together define a guide wire lumen therethrough, and wherein—
the guide wire lumen is configured to slidably receive the guide wire to locate the helical structure at a target treatment site within the renal blood vessel of the patient and to restrain the helical structure in the low-profile delivery state, andthe helical structure is reversibly transformable from the delivery state to the deployed state by proximally moving the guide wire through the guide wire lumen until a distalmost end of the guide wire is disposed within the helical structure.