Iontophoresis drug delivery system and method for denervation of the renal sympathetic nerve and iontophoretic drug delivery

Abstract

A system for denervation of the renal sympathetic nerve and iontophoresis drug delivery includes an iontophoresis catheter fitted with a drug coated balloon. The balloon contacts the vessel wall when inflated. One or more electrodes are associated with a surface of the balloon, and may be disposed on an outer surface of the balloon. The electrodes are operably coupled to an energy source configured to produce a bipolar or monopolar electric field between two balloon electrodes and / or between one balloon electrode and another electrode placed in contact with the patient's body. The drug-delivery catheter produces an electric potential gradient within adjacent tissue, that, facilitates iontophoresis delivery of a drug. The catheter can also include a store of one or more drugs to be delivered to the targeted tissue.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application claims the benefit of, and priority to, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 473,569 filed on Apr. 8, 2011, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Technical Field[0003]The present disclosure is related to renal denervation and endovascular drug delivery. More particularly, the present disclosure is related to an iontophoretic catheter system and method for denervation of the renal sympathetic nerve and iontophoretic drug delivery.[0004]2. Description of Related Art[0005]Chronic elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant cause of heart disease and death and afflicts millions worldwide. Generally, one having chronic blood pressure of over 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic is classified as suffering from hypertension. It is believed that renal sympathetic nerve activity initiates, and sustains, the elevation of blood pressure. The ren...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010]The electric field may be continuous or pulsed direct current. During use, the disclosed catheter produces an electric potential gradient within adjacent tissue (e.g., blood vessel wall, nerves, and surrounding tissues), that, in turn, facilitates iontophoresis delivery of a drug.

Problems solved by technology

Chronic elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, is a significant cause of heart disease and death and afflicts millions worldwide.

There exist several disadvantages of conventional methods of renal denervation for the treatment of hypertension.

Conventional methods involve the application of intense heat to several discrete sites of the renal artery, which can be very painful to the patient and increase recovery times. Additionally, the application of intense heat may produce flow limiting stenosis.

Another disadvantage has to do with not knowing the exact location of the nerve bundle within the artery wall.

Another disadvantage includes the difficulty in maintaining apposition with the blood vessel wall during treatment.

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