Methods and apparatus for performing renal neuromodulation via catheter apparatuses having inflatable balloons

US8740896B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventors

• Denise Zarins · Los Gatos, US
• Hanson S. Gifford, III · Woodside, US
• Mark Deem · Mountain View, US
• Nicolas Zadno · Fremont, US
• Benjamin J. Clark · Redwood City, US
• Andrew Wu · Los Altos Hills, US
• Kenneth J. Michlitsch · Livermore, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 12, 2013
• Grant date: Jun 3, 2014
• Expiry date: Jul 12, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC A): Human Necessities
• CPC primary: A61N7/022
• WIPO field: Medical technology
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Methods and apparatus are provided for non-continuous circumferential treatment of a body lumen. Apparatus may be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and may deliver energy at a first lengthwise and angular position to create a less-than-full circumferential treatment zone at the first position. The apparatus also may deliver energy at one or more additional lengthwise and angular positions within the body lumen to create less-than-full circumferential treatment zone(s) at the one or more additional positions that are offset lengthwise and angularly from the first treatment zone. Superimposition of the first treatment zone and the one or more additional treatment zones defines a non-continuous circumferential treatment zone without formation of a continuous circumferential lesion. Various embodiments of methods and apparatus for achieving such non-continuous circumferential treatment are provided.