Multi-Electrode Catheter for Renal Neuromodulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pharmacologic strategies for managing excessive renal sympathetic nerve activity, which contributes to hypertension and renal disease, have limitations such as limited efficacy, compliance issues, and side effects.

Innovation Solution

The development of a multi-electrode radio frequency (RF) ablation catheter apparatus for intravascular renal neuromodulation, which delivers energy to the renal arteries using a catheter with a multi-electrode array that can be deployed in a helical shape within the renal artery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If pharmacologic strategies are used to manage renal sympathetic nerve activity, then treatment can be administered orally, but efficacy is limited and side effects occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoral administration convenienceVSAvoidtreatment efficacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces pharmacologic (chemical) mechanisms with a mechanical/electrical intervention system. A catheter with electrodes is inserted into the renal artery to deliver electrical energy directly to the renal sympathetic nerves, substituting the chemical action of oral medications with direct electrical neuromodulation, thereby improving efficacy while eliminating the need for oral administration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary delivery system (catheter with electrodes) that serves as a mediator between the external control system and the renal sympathetic nerves. This intermediary allows precise, localized delivery of electrical energy to the nerves, improving treatment reliability compared to systemic pharmacologic approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If pharmacologic strategies are used to manage renal sympathetic nerve activity, then treatment can be administered systemically, but compliance issues arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystemic treatment coverageVSAvoidpatient compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the systemic pharmacologic approach with a localized mechanical/electrical intervention. The catheter delivers electrical energy directly to the renal sympathetic nerves through the renal artery, providing targeted treatment that eliminates the need for systemic medication compliance while maintaining effective coverage of the renal sympathetic nervous system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If pharmacologic strategies are used to manage renal sympathetic nerve activity, then multiple drug classes can be tried, but side effects accumulate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment optionsVSAvoidside effects

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the treatment mechanism from the pharmacologic system and places it in the electrical/neural system. By using a catheter with electrodes to deliver electrical energy directly to the renal sympathetic nerves, the approach eliminates dependence on multiple drug classes and their associated side effects, while maintaining the ability to treat renal sympathetic nerve activity through a different physiological mechanism

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical/pharmacologic system with an electrical/neural system. The catheter-based electrical neuromodulation provides a non-pharmacologic treatment option that avoids the side effects of multiple drug classes while maintaining effectiveness in managing renal sympathetic nerve activity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach effectively reduces renal sympathetic nerve activity, offering a potential alternative treatment for hypertension and renal disease by modulating renal nerves electrically and thermally.

Implementation Method 1

multi-electrode radio frequency (RF) ablation catheter apparatus for intravascular renal neuromodulation, which delivers energy to the renal arteries

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

multi-electrode radio frequency (RF) ablation catheter apparatus for intravascular renal neuromodulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250160942A1Catheter apparatuses having multi-electrode arrays for renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 MEDTRONIC IRELAND MFG UNLIMITED CO

AI summary

Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a multi-electrode array configured to be delivered to a renal blood vessel. The array is selectively transformable between a delivery or low-profile state (e.g., a generally straight shape) and a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally helical shape). The multi-electrode array is sized and shaped so that the electrodes or energy delivery elements contact an interior wall of the renal blood vessel when the array is in the deployed (e.g., helical) state. The electrodes or energy delivery elements are configured for direct and/or indirect application of thermal and/or electrical energy to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to renal function or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers.