Selective Renal Nerve Modulation via Radiofrequency Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pharmacologic strategies for managing excessive renal sympathetic activation, such as hypertension and heart failure, have limitations including limited efficacy, compliance issues, and side effects, and do not effectively address the underlying sympathetic overactivity.
Innovation Solution
A renal neuromodulation system that selectively modulates renal nerves using electrically-induced, thermally-induced, or chemically-induced approaches to inhibit or disrupt neural communication, specifically targeting afferent or efferent renal nerves to reduce sympathetic tone and treat associated diseases.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pharmacologic strategies (centrally-acting sympatholytic drugs, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors, receptor blockers, diuretics) are used to manage excessive renal sympathetic activation, then blood pressure and fluid retention are controlled, but efficacy is limited and side effects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pharmacologic chemical intervention with a mechanical/physical intervention (radiofrequency energy delivery) to achieve renal nerve modulation. The renal neuromodulation system delivers RF energy through electrodes to selectively heat and modulate renal nerves, substituting drug-based chemical control with energy-based physical control to eliminate medication side effects while maintaining therapeutic efficacy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful pharmacologic agents from the treatment system by transitioning to a non-pharmacologic approach. By using radiofrequency energy delivery to directly modulate renal nerves, the system eliminates the need for continuously administered drugs that cause side effects, while still achieving the desired sympathetic inhibition
2Ease of operation
If pharmacologic strategies are used to treat renal sympathetic overactivity, then some symptom relief is achieved, but compliance issues arise and underlying sympathetic overactivity is not effectively addressed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by delivering the therapeutic effect through a one-time or limited-duration renal neuromodulation procedure that directly addresses sympathetic overactivity at its source. This upfront intervention modifies renal nerve function to produce sustained therapeutic effects, eliminating the need for ongoing patient compliance with daily medication regimens while effectively treating the underlying pathophysiology
3Adaptability or versatility
If non-selective renal denervation is performed, then sympathetic activity is reduced, but selective modulation of afferent or efferent nerves is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating distinct treatment zones within the renal nerve plexus through selective electrode positioning and RF energy delivery. By controlling the location, depth, and duration of RF heating, the system can selectively modulate afferent or efferent nerve fibers based on their anatomical distribution, achieving localized neural modulation with different therapeutic effects for different nerve types
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 renal neuromodulation system effectively reduces sympathetic activity, improving conditions like hypertension, heart failure, and metabolic syndrome by selectively targeting renal nerves, offering a potentially durable treatment with fewer side effects compared to traditional pharmacologic approaches.
Implementation Method 1
The generator can be configured to deliver radiofrequency energy to the treatment site
Implementation Method 2
The system can include an ultrasound generator operably coupled to the transducer array
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods for treating a patient using therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods including selectively neuromodulating afferent or efferent renal nerves. One or more measurable physiological parameters corresponding to systemic sympathetic overactivity or hyperactivity in the patient can thereby be reduced. Selectively neuromodulating afferent renal nerves can include inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a renal pelvis. This can include, for example, neuromodulating via fluid within the renal pelvis. Selectively neuromodulating efferent renal nerves can include inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a portion of a renal artery or a renal branch artery proximate a renal parenchyma. This can include, for example, neuromodulating via a therapeutic element within the portion of the renal artery or the renal branch artery.