ULTRASOUND-BASED NEUROMODULATION SYSTEM

摘要

A neuromodulation system including a catheter has a balloon along its distal end. An ultrasound transducer positioned within an interior of the balloon can be selectively activated to emit acoustic energy radially outwardly, targeting nerve tissue and other portions of the subject anatomy. Targeted nerve tissue can be heated by the application of ultrasonic energy to neuromodulate the tissue. The system may be delivered over a guidewire. A catheter enhances fluid delivery to a distal end of the catheter while reducing an overall diameter of the catheter. The catheter comprises a guidewire lumen that is eccentric relative to a center axis of the catheter.

主权项

1. An intravascular, ultrasound-based ablation system comprising:
a catheter comprising at least one fluid lumen; a balloon positioned at a distal end of the catheter, an interior of the balloon being in fluid communication with the at least one fluid lumen of the catheter, wherein the balloon is configured to inflate when fluid is delivered into the interior through the at least one fluid lumen of the catheter; a tip extending distally from a distal end of the balloon; an ultrasound transducer positioned within the balloon, the ultrasound transducer comprising a cylindrical tube with inner and outer surfaces, each of the inner and outer surfaces comprising an electrode, wherein the ultrasound transducer defines an internal space adjacent the inner electrode surface, the internal space being in fluid communication with the interior cavity of the balloon so that, when in use, fluid entering the balloon passes along both the inner and outer surfaces to transfer heat away from the ultrasound transducer; and a backing member extending from the catheter to the tip and connecting the catheter with the tip, the backing member positioned within the internal space of the ultrasound transducer.