Perivascular Catheter Loop for Renal Nerve Denervation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional percutaneous catheters for renal denervation struggle to effectively destroy renal nerves without damaging the renal artery and nearby tissues, often causing complications like angiostenosis.
Innovation Solution
A catheter apparatus with a loop structure that curls around the renal artery to deliver thermal energy via electrodes, allowing for localized nerve denervation outside the artery, using RF, laser, or ultrasonic energy, and incorporating a sensor for impedance and temperature monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional percutaneous catheters are used to destroy renal nerves from the inner side of the renal artery, then nerve destruction capability is improved, but damage to the intima and adventitia of the renal artery increases, causing angiostenosis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by delivering thermal energy from the outer side of the renal artery rather than from the inner side. The catheter applies heat to the adventitia and periadventitial tissue where renal nerves are located, avoiding direct contact with and damage to the intima and arterial lumen, thus preventing angiostenosis while achieving effective nerve destruction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating thermal energy delivery to specific zones: the adventitia and periadventitial tissue where renal nerves are located. The thermal ablation is localized to these outer layers while preserving the intima and lumen, creating different treatment zones with distinct thermal profiles to achieve selective nerve destruction without arterial damage
2Reliability
If thermal energy is delivered to destroy renal nerves, then nerve denervation effectiveness is improved, but risk of damaging nearby organs and tissues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates distinct thermal treatment zones by delivering energy from the outer surface, concentrating heat in the adventitia and periadventitial tissue where nerves are located. This localized thermal application destroys renal nerves while the intima and lumen remain thermally protected, preventing damage to nearby organs and tissues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the adventitia and periadventitial tissue as an intermediary layer between the heat source and the renal artery lumen. This intermediate tissue layer absorbs and dissipates thermal energy, acting as a thermal barrier that protects the intima and surrounding organs from excessive heat while allowing effective nerve destruction in the target zone
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
The apparatus effectively denervates renal nerves with minimal damage to the artery, reducing the risk of complications and providing a safer, more efficient treatment for hypertension and other conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode to deliver thermal energy to a first treatment zone of the tissue and a second electrode to deliver thermal energy to a second treatment zone of the tissue
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of electrodes are configured to form a bipolar configuration to localize the thermal energy
Implementation Method 3
The sensor is electrically insulated from the plurality of electrodes and sense at least one of an impedance of the plurality of electrodes and a temperature of the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a catheter including a shaft having a distal end and a loop disposed near the distal end and configured to curl around a tissue and receive, via the shaft, energy to denervate at least a portion of the tissue. The loop includes: a first film capable of bending to curl around the tissue; a plurality of electrodes disposed on the first film and arranged in parallel to each other with a predetermined distance; a sensor disposed at a position corresponding to a position between the plurality of electrodes.