Neuromodulation Catheters Having Braided Shafts and Associated Systems and Methods

摘要

Methods for treating a patient using therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a catheter apparatus including an elongated shaft defined by a braid embedded within a polymer. The braid can include one or more thermocouple assemblies intertwined with a braiding element. The thermocouple assemblies can be coupled to one or more electrodes at a distal portion of the shaft.

主权项

1. A catheter apparatus, comprising:
an elongated tubular shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the elongated tubular shaft includes—
a polymer material;a first thermocouple assembly wrapped about and/or embedded within the polymer material of the shaft, wherein the first thermocouple assembly comprises a first pair of wires composed of dissimilar metals;a second thermocouple assembly wrapped about and/or embedded within the polymer material of the shaft, wherein the second thermocouple assembly comprises a second pair of wires composed of dissimilar metals, and wherein the second pair of wires is physically and electrically isolated from the first pair of wires along the elongated shaft between the proximal portion and the distal portion; a first electrode at the distal portion of the elongated shaft and electrically coupled to the first thermocouple assembly; a second electrode at the distal portion of the elongated shaft and electrically coupled to the second thermocouple assembly, wherein the distal portion of the shaft and the first and second electrodes together define a therapeutic assembly adapted to be located at a target location within a blood vessel of a human patient, wherein the elongated shaft and the therapeutic assembly together define therethrough a guide wire lumen configured to slidably receive a medical guide wire, wherein axial movement of the guide wire relative to the therapeutic assembly transforms the therapeutic assembly between (a) a low-profile delivery configuration and (b) a deployed configuration having a spiral shape.