Methods and apparatus for multi-vessel renal neuromodulation

摘要

Methods and apparatus are provided for multi-vessel neuromodulation, e.g., via a pulsed electric field. Such multi-vessel neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, 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, the multi-vessel neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. Such multi-vessel neuromodulation optionally may be performed bilaterally.

主权项

1. A treatment method for selectively affecting renal nerves proximate renal vasculature of a human patient, the method comprising:
positioning a first electrode within a first part of the renal vasculature, wherein the first part of the renal vasculature is located within a renal artery or a first vessel branching from the renal artery; positioning a second electrode within a second part of the renal vasculature, wherein the second part of the renal vasculature is located within the renal artery or the first vessel branching from the renal artery or a second, different vessel branching from the renal artery, and wherein the first and second parts of the renal vasculature are in different locations and are both connected to the same kidney of the human patient; delivering an electric field between the first and second electrodes, wherein at least a portion of the electric field defines a treatment zone between the first and second electrodes; and selectively modulating, via the electric field, a function of renal nerves passing through the treatment zone.