Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for pulsed electric field neuromodulation via an intra-to-extravascular approach, e.g., to effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, changes in cytokine upregulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, the ITEV PEF system comprises an intravascular catheter having one or more electrodes configured for intra-to-extravascular placement across a wall of patient's vessel into proximity with target neural fibers.; With the electrode(s) passing from an intravascular position to an extravascular position prior to delivery of the PEF, a magnitude of applied voltage or energy delivered via the electrode(s) and necessary to achieve desired neuromodulation may be reduced relative to an intravascular PEF system having one or more electrodes positioned solely intravascularly. The methods and apparatus of the present invention may, for example, be used to modulate one or more target neural fibers that contribute to renal function.
Abstract:
Medical devices and methods and making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include an elongate shaft having a distal region. An expandable member may be coupled to the distal region. The expandable member may be capable of shifting between a first configuration and an expanded configuration. The expandable member may have a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a body portion disposed between the distal portion and the proximal portion. The body portion may have a projection formed therein that projects radially outward from the body portion. A flexible electrode assembly may be coupled to the projection.
Abstract:
A coupler for coupling a flexible coaxial cable (32), a fluid cooling system (40) and the outer sheath (35) of a catheter (30), the coupler comprising: a fluid coupler body (845a) including: a fluid inlet (842a) configured to operably couple to a source of cooling fluid and receive fluid therefrom; a fluid outlet (843a) configured to operably couple to a fluid discharge; and an outer sheath coupler (845b) forming an aperture for coupling with an outer sheath (35) of a catheter while forming a fluid-tight seal therewith; and
a fluid sealing system (819) housed in the fluid coupler body including: a distal sealing diaphragm (819a) configured to form a fluid-tight seal about an outer surface of an inflow lumen (842) and a fluid-tight seal with an interior surface of the fluid coupler body (845a) defining an outflow plenum (843b) in fluid communication with the fluid outlet (843a); and a proximal sealing diaphragm (819b) configured to form a fluid-tight seal about an outer surface of the coaxial cable (32) and a fluid-tight seal with an interior surface of the fluid coupler body(845a) thereby forming an inflow plenum (842b) in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (842a).
Abstract:
An energy delivery system for delivering electrical energy to tissue, includes an elongate catheter member defining a longitudinal axis and dimensioned for passage within a body vessel and an expandable treatment member mounted to the catheter member. The treatment member includes an inflatable element adapted to transition between an initial condition and an at least partially expanded condition upon introduction of an anesthetic solution within the inflatable element, an electrode for delivering electrical energy to at least the nerve tissue associated with the body vessel to cause at least partial denervation thereof and at least one aperture dimensioned to permit passage of the anesthetic solution from the inflatable element to contact the body vessel whereby the solution at least enters the body vessel to at least partially anesthetize the nerve tissue therewithin. The electrode may be mounted to at least the inflatable element of the treatment member and may be generally helical.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for renal neuromodulation using a pulsed electric field to effectuate electroporation or electrofusion. It is expected that renal neuromodulation (e.g., denervation) may, among other things, reduce expansion of an acute myocardial infarction, reduce or prevent the onset of morphological changes that are affiliated with congestive heart failure, and/or be efficacious in the treatment of end stage renal disease. Embodiments of the present invention are configured for percutaneous intravascular delivery of pulsed electric fields to achieve such neuromodulation.
Abstract:
Methods and devices (e.g., for nerve modulation) may include at least one thermistor and a balloon having a balloon wall. In one or more embodiments, the medical device is configured and arranged to transfer heat to the medical device surroundings. In one or more embodiments, the at least one thermistor is a portion of a thermistor array disposed on the balloon wall, the thermistor array including a plurality of thermistors and operatively engaged with a source of electric current. In one or more embodiments, the device includes at least one flexible circuit mounted on the outer surface of the expandable balloon, the at least one flexible circuit including at least one temperature-sensing device that includes at least one thermistor, wherein at least a portion of a conductive layer is electronically coupled to the thermistor, with the proviso that no electrode is associated with the conductive layer.
Abstract:
A medical device including an elongate member having a proximal end configured to be electrically coupled to an energy source, and a distal member disposed at a distal end of the elongate member. The distal member may include a plurality of contact elements configured to deliver stimulating energy to innervated tissue, detect a response from the innervated tissue to the stimulating energy, and deliver therapeutic energy to the innervated tissue based on the response from the innervated tissue.