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 catheter apparatus, comprising:
an elongated tubular shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion; and a therapeutic assembly disposed at the distal portion of the elongated shaft and adapted to be located at a target location within a renal artery of a human patient, the therapeutic assembly including a support structure comprising—
a control member comprising a pre-formed helical shape, wherein the control member is a tubular structure having a lumen therethrough and is composed of a nitinol multifilar stranded wire; anda plurality of energy delivery elements carried by the support structure, wherein the elongated tubular shaft and the therapeutic assembly together define therethrough a guide wire lumen configured to slidably receive a medical guide wire, and wherein axial movement of the guide wire relative to the therapeutic assembly transforms the support structure between (a) a low-profile delivery configuration and (b) a deployed configuration tending to assume the pre-formed helical shape of the control member.