Devices and Methods for Photodynamically Modulating Neural Function in a Human

Abstract

Devices and methods for therapeutic photodynamic modulation of neural function in a human. One embodiment of a method in accordance with the technology includes administering a photosensitizer to a human, wherein the photosensitizer preferentially accumulates at nerves proximate a blood vessel compared to non-neural tissue of the blood vessel. The method can further include irradiating the photosensitizer using a radiation emitter positioned within the human, wherein the radiation has a wavelength that causes the photosensitizer to react and alter at least a portion of the nerves thereby providing a therapeutic reduction in sympathetic neural activity. Several embodiments of the technology are useful for disrupting renal nerves, such as renal denervation, for treating hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and other indications.

1 - 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . A system for performing photodynamic therapy, comprising:
 a treatment device having an elongated shaft and a radiation unit at a distal portion of the elongated shaft, wherein the radiation unit has a positioning member and at least one radiation emitter, and wherein the positioning member is configured to have a low-profile delivery state for intravascular passage to a target site and a deployed state in which the positioning member is configured to contact a wall of a body lumen such that the radiation emitter is stabilized at a desired location relative to target tissue; and   a controller configured to be coupled to the treatment device, wherein the controller is adapted to cause radiation at a wavelength of 351 nm-355 nm to be delivered from the radiation unit to deliver 0.5-500 J/cm 2  of radiation to a target.   
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 35 , wherein the controller has a radiation source and the radiation emitter of the radiation unit comprises an optic element configured to distributed the radiation to the target tissue, and wherein the system further comprises a light guide coupled to the controller and the optic element to transmit the radiation from the controller to the optic element. 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 35 , wherein the controller has a power source and the radiation emitter of the radiation unit comprises a radiation generator coupled to the positioning member, and wherein the system further comprises an electrical lead electrically coupled to the power source and the radiation generator. 
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 37 , wherein the radiation generator comprises a light emitting diode. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 37 , wherein the radiation generator comprise an array of light emitting diodes. 
     
     
         40 . A device for therapeutically modulating sympathetic neural system activity, comprising:
 an elongated shaft configured to pass through vascular passages of a human;   a balloon at a distal portion of the elongated shaft, the balloon having a wall configured to contact an inner wall of a blood vessel and an exterior channel through which blood can flow when inflated to a deployed state; and   a radiation element at the balloon configured to deliver radiation to perivascular nerves along the blood vessel.