Shape-Memory Alloy Catheter Loop for Renal Nerve Denervation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for renal denervation, such as using conventional percutaneous catheters, struggle to effectively destroy renal nerves without damaging the renal artery or nearby tissues, leading to inefficiencies and potential complications like angiostenosis.

Innovation Solution

A catheter apparatus with a loop made of shape-memory alloy, designed to curl around vascular tissues like renal artery nerves, which receives energy to denervate the tissue, allowing for precise and effective nerve disruption without direct contact with the renal artery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

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 renal artery intima and adventitia occurs, leading to angiostenosis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve destruction capabilityVSAvoiddamage to renal artery

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by positioning the catheter loop on the outer side (adventitia side) of the renal artery rather than the inner side (intima side). This allows nerve destruction to occur from the exterior, avoiding direct contact with and damage to the arterial wall layers while still achieving effective denervation of the renal nerves surrounding the artery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the renal artery adventitia and surrounding connective tissue as an intermediary medium. The catheter delivers energy through this intermediary layer to reach and destroy the renal nerves, rather than requiring direct contact between the catheter and the nerves. This intermediary approach protects the arterial intima from direct damage while enabling effective nerve destruction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional catheters attempt to reach renal nerves distributed far from the intima, then nerve coverage is improved, but the complexity of the procedure and risk of arterial damage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenerve coverageVSAvoidcatheter design complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional approach (delivering energy through the arterial lumen from the inside) to a three-dimensional approach by positioning the catheter loop on the external surface of the artery. This dimensional change allows the catheter to access and treat renal nerves distributed throughout the perivascular space without requiring complex navigation through the arterial system or risk of intimal damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 catheter apparatus enables complete and effective denervation of renal nerves and other vascular nerves, reducing the risk of damaging the renal artery or nearby tissues, thus providing a safer and more efficient treatment for conditions like resistant hypertension.

Implementation Method 1

The loop includes at least a portion made of a shape-memory alloy whose shape changes at a critical temperature. In a first mode, the loop is configured to curl around the tissue at a first curvature at a temperature below the critical temperature. In a second mode, the loop is configured to curl around the tissue at a second curvature at a temperature above the critical temperature.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShape memory alloy effect: Shape Memory Alloy

Implementation Method 2

the loop... receive, via the shaft, energy to denervate at least a portion of the tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy delivery: Heating

Implementation Method 3

delivering energy to at least the portion of the loop... denervating at least a portion of the tissue using the energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal ablation: Ablation

Data Source

PatentUS12274489B2Systems and methods for perivascular nerve denervation

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 DEEPQURE INC

AI summary

Provided is a catheter including a shaft having a distal end removably connected to a distal portion and a proximal end coupled to a holder; 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; a loop control disposed on a butt of the holder and configured to deliver a mechanical bending force to the loop. The loop includes at least a portion made of a shape-memory alloy whose shape changes at a critical temperature. In a first mode, the loop is configured to curl around the tissue at a first curvature at a temperature below the critical temperature by the mechanical bending force. In a second mode, the loop is configured to curl around the tissue at a second curvature at a temperature above the critical temperature.