Renal Denervation via Fluorescent Nerve Labeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current renal denervation procedures lack specificity in targeting renal nerves due to variability in nerve location and difficulty in visualizing nerves during treatment, leading to poor efficacy in procedures like thermally-induced renal neuromodulation and renal nerve ablation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using a fluorescent label that preferentially binds to nerve tissue, allowing for real-time imaging and enhanced visualization of afferent and efferent renal nerves through fluorescence, enabling precise targeting and treatment using an endoscope or external energy sources like high-intensity focused ultrasound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluoroscopic imaging with systemic contrast is used for renal nerve denervation, then the procedure can be performed under standard imaging guidance, but the nerves cannot be visualized and precise targeting is difficult or impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent labeling that causes nerves to emit specific wavelengths of light, creating a visual color change effect that distinguishes nerves from surrounding tissue. This allows direct visualization of nerve structures during the procedure, resolving the inability to see nerves under standard fluoroscopic imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescent dyes or peptides as intermediary substances that bind to nerve tissue and convert invisible nerve structures into visible fluorescent signals. This intermediary enables the imaging system to detect and display nerve locations, bridging the gap between standard imaging capabilities and nerve visualization requirements.
2Device complexity
If renal nerves are treated without specific visualization, then the procedure can be performed more simply, but the treatment lacks specificity for particular nerve structures leading to poor efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies fluorescent labeling to nerve tissue before the treatment procedure begins. This preliminary action of visualizing nerves in advance allows the operator to identify and target specific nerves with precision during subsequent treatment, ensuring reliable and effective denervation while maintaining procedural simplicity.
3Reliability
If the number of lesions is increased to ensure complete nerve coverage, then treatment completeness may improve, but side effects and treatment duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses real-time fluorescent imaging as feedback to guide the treatment process. The operator can directly observe which nerves are being treated and adjust the procedure accordingly, ensuring complete nerve coverage with the minimum necessary lesions. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for excessive lesions by providing visual confirmation of treatment effectiveness.
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 enables improved specificity and effectiveness in renal nerve denervation by allowing precise localization and treatment of target nerves, reducing the number of lesions required and maximizing treatment effect while minimizing side effects.
Implementation Method 1
using a fluorescent label that preferentially binds to nerve tissue, allowing for real-time imaging and enhanced visualization of afferent and efferent renal nerves through fluorescence
Data Source
AI summary
A target peripheral nerve is treated by providing a real-time fluorescent image of a tissue region where the target peripheral nerve has an enhanced appearance in the fluorescent image. A treatment element is advanced from an adjacent body lumen or cavity through the tissue region or externally aimed toward the peripheral nerve while viewing the fluorescent image, and the peripheral nerve is treated using the treatment element.