Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving intravascular, thermally-induced renal neuromodulation related application

Abstract

Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced 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 treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.

1 . A catheter apparatus, comprising:
 an elongated shaft extending along an axis, the elongated shaft comprising a proximal end region and a distal end region, the distal end region including a first flexure zone and a second flexure zone adjacent to and extending distally beyond the first flexure zone;   a handle coupled to the proximal end region;   a thermal element carried by and extending distally beyond the second flexure zone;   a flexure control element coupled to the first flexure zone and configured to apply a first force to the first flexure zone to move the first flexure zone of the distal region of the elongated shaft in a radial direction away from the axis;   a flexible structure within the second flexure zone that is coupled to the thermal element and configured to allow passive flexure about the axis in response to a second force applied to the thermal element via contact with a tissue surface;   a flexure controller carried by the handle and coupled to the flexure control element, wherein the flexure controller is configured to cause the flexure control element to apply the first force to move the first flexure zone; and   a connector carried by the handle and configured to connect the thermal element to a thermal energy source;   wherein the thermal element is configured to apply treatment to a tissue region adjacent to the tissue surface.   
     
     
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