Methods for treating heart arrhythmia

摘要

Methods and apparatus are provided for treatment of heart arrhythmia via renal neuromodulation. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, ablation, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of an electric field. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is achieved through application of neuromodulatory agents, of thermal energy and/or of high intensity focused ultrasound. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion.

主权项

1. A method for treating heart arrhythmia in a patient in need thereof, the method comprising:
introducing a modulation instrument proximate a first neural fiber that contributes to renal function of a first kidney of the patient, the modulation instrument comprising a catheter comprising an inflatable balloon and electrodes attached to the inflatable balloon; and delivering energy to the first neural fiber via the modulation instrument in order to modulate a function of the first neural fiber, thereby systemically reducing sympathetic tone in the patient.