Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for renal neuromodulation

摘要

Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a catheter treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver an energy delivery element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermal or electrical renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or cool, or otherwise electrically modulate, neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

主权项

1. A catheter apparatus for thermally modulating renal nerves from within a renal artery of a patient, the catheter apparatus comprising:
an elongated tubular shaft extending along an axis, the elongated tubular shaft having a proximal end and a distal end; a handle proximal to the proximal end of the elongated tubular shaft; a flexible tubular structure distal from the distal end of the elongated tubular shaft, the flexible tubular structure adapted to make a transitional bend from the aorta of the patient to the renal artery; a deflectable tubular body distal from the flexible tubular structure; a flexure control element coupled to the deflectable tubular body; a flexure controller carried by the handle and coupled to the flexure control element, the flexure controller adapted to apply a force via the flexure control element to the deflectable tubular body; a force dampening section distal from the deflectable tubular body; and a single energy delivery element distal from and carried by the force dampening section; wherein the deflectable tubular body is adapted for flexure in a predetermined direction upon application of the force from the flexure control element to position the energy delivery element into contact with the renal artery wall; wherein the force dampening section comprises a passively flexible structure that is adapted for passive flexure in any plane through the axis in response to a force applied to the energy delivery element upon contact with the renal artery wall, and further wherein the force dampening section is configured to accommodate stable contact between the energy delivery element and the renal artery wall; wherein at least one of the deflectable tubular body and the force dampening section comprises a force redirecting element that is adapted to facilitate atraumatic contact between the energy delivery element and the renal artery wall.