WU ANDREW,CLARK BENJAMIN J,ZARINS DENISE,THAI ERIK
申请号：
NZ59433809
公开号：
NZ594338A
申请日:
2009.12.22
申请国别(地区):
NZ
年份:
2014
代理人:
摘要：
594338 Disclosed is a catheter apparatus for intravascular thermal neuromodular stimulation. The catheter apparatus comprises an elongated shaft (16), having a proximal end region (18) and a distal end region (20), and a handle (200) coupled to the proximal end region. The distal end region includes a first flexure zone (32) and a second flexure zone (34) adjacent to and extending distally beyond the first flexure zone. A thermal element (24), comprising a single distal tip electrode having an atraumatic tip, is carried by and extends distally beyond the second flexure zone and is configured to apply treatment to a tissue region adjacent to the tissue surface. A flexure control element (see 40, figure 15C) is coupled to the first flexure zone and is configured to apply a first force to the first flexure zone to move the first flexure zone of the distal region of the elongated shaft in a radial direction away from the axis. A flexure controller (260) is carried by the handle and is coupled to the flexure control element which is configured to cause the flexure control element to apply the first force to move the first flexure zone. A connector is carried by the handle and configured to connect the thermal element to a thermal energy source. A flexible structure (44) within the second flexure zone is coupled to the thermal element and is configured to allow passive flexure in any plane about the axis in response to a second force applied to the thermal element via contact with a tissue surface. This passive flexure is advantageous in accommodating flexure sufficient for the distal end to advance through an artery without straightening, to avoid damaging the artery walls, and also orients a side of the thermal element against an artery wall to provide additional stability.
