METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TREATMENT OF HYPERTENSION THROUGH AN ULTRASOUND IMAGING/THERAPY CATHETER

摘要

Apparatus and methods for deactivating renal nerves extending along a renal artery of a mammalian subject to treat hypertension and related conditions. An ultrasonic transducer configuration (30) or micro wave antenna is inserted into the renal artery (10) or alternatively the ureter as, for example, by advancing the distal end of a catheter (18) bearing the transducer configuration into the renal artery. The ultrasonic transducer configuration emits therapeutic ultrasound so as to heat tissues throughout a impact volume which has been identified in a A mode, 2D image or color Doppler image to a temperature sufficient to inactivate nerve conduction but insufficient to cause rapid ablation or necrosis of the tissues. The 2D image control provides the user with an acute procedural endpoint.