CATHETER APPARATUSES HAVING EXPANDABLE MESH STRUCTURES FOR RENAL NEUROMODULATION AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

Catheter apparatuses having expandable mesh structures and associated systems and methods for intravascular renal neuromodulation are disclosed herein. A catheter treatment device includes an expandable mesh structure configured to position an energy delivery element in contact with a renal artery via an intravascular path. The mesh structure can assume an expanded configuration 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. A collapsed configuration may facilitate insertion and/or removal of the catheter or repositioning of the energy delivery element within the renal artery. The catheter can have means for improving blood mediated cooling of the energy delivery element, such as a variable mash density or a fluid redirecting element. The energy delivery element can be configured such that less than 50% of its total exposed area is in contact with the renal artery.