One aspect of the present disclosure relates a system that can quickly and reversibly block conduction in a nerve. The system can include a first nerve block modality that provides heat to the nerve to block conduction in the nerve. For example, the heat can provide the quick nerve block. The system can also include a second nerve block modality that provides an electrical signal to the nerve to block the conduction in the nerve. For example, the electrical signal can provide the reversibility. In some instances, the heat can be provided by an infrared light signal and the electrical signal can be provided by a kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) signal or a direct current (DC) signal.

Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a therapeutic assembly that includes an elongated tubular shaft having a pre-formed spiral shape when in a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally spiral/helical shape) and a thermocouple assembly helically wrapped about the shaft. In one embodiment, the thermocouple assembly comprises first and second wires composed of dissimilar metals with the first wire including a plurality of exposed and insulated regions along the distal portion of the treatment device. The exposed regions of the first wire define a plurality of energy delivery portions positioned to deliver electrical energy (e.g., RF energy, pulsed energy, etc.) to target tissue adjacent a wall of an artery (e.g., a renal artery) to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to physiological function (e.g., renal function).

Catheter apparatuses, systems, and methods for achieving neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology, for example, is directed to a treatment device having a therapeutic assembly that includes an elongated tubular shaft having a pre-formed spiral shape when in a deployed state (e.g., a radially expanded, generally spiral/helical shape) and a thermocouple assembly helically wrapped about the shaft. In one embodiment, the thermocouple assembly comprises first and second wires composed of dissimilar metals with the first wire including a plurality of exposed and insulated regions along the distal portion of the treatment device. The exposed regions of the first wire define a plurality of energy delivery portions positioned to deliver electrical energy (e.g., RF energy, pulsed energy, etc.) to target tissue adjacent a wall of an artery (e.g., a renal artery) to heat or otherwise electrically modulate neural fibers that contribute to physiological function (e.g., renal function).

One aspect of the present disclosure relates a system that can quickly and reversibly block conduction in a nerve. The system can include a first nerve block modality that provides heat to the nerve to block conduction in the nerve. For example, the heat can provide the quick nerve block. The system can also include a second nerve block modality that provides an electrical signal to the nerve to block the conduction in the nerve. For example, the electrical signal can provide the reversibility. In some instances, the heat can be provided by an infrared light signal and the electrical signal can be provided by a kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) signal or a direct current (DC) signal.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates a system that can quickly and reversibly block conduction in a nerve. The system can include a first nerve block modality that provides heat to the nerve to block conduction in the nerve. For example, the heat can provide the quick nerve block. The system can also include a second nerve block modality that provides an electrical signal to the nerve to block the conduction in the nerve. For example, the electrical signal can provide the reversibility. In some instances, the heat can be provided by an infrared light signal and the electrical signal can be provided by a kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) signal or a direct current (DC) signal.

Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.

Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.

A neuromodulation catheter in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an elongate shaft and a neuromodulation element operably connected to the shaft. The shaft includes a proximal hypotube segment at its proximal end portion and a jacket disposed around at least a portion of an outer surface of the hypotube segment. The jacket may be made at least partially of a polymer blend including polyether block amide and polysiloxane. The neuromodulation element includes a distal hypotube segment and a tubular jacket disposed around at least a portion of an outer surface of the distal hypotube segment. The jacket has reduced-diameter segments spaced apart along its longitudinal axis. The neuromodulation element further includes band electrodes respectively seated in the reduced-diameter segments and respectively forming closed loops extending circumferentially around the jacket.

A neuromodulation catheter in accordance with a particular embodiment includes an elongate shaft and a neuromodulation element operably connected to the shaft. The shaft includes a proximal hypotube segment at its proximal end portion and a jacket disposed around at least a portion of an outer surface of the hypotube segment. The jacket may be made at least partially of a polymer blend including polyether block amide and polysiloxane. The neuromodulation element includes a distal hypotube segment and a tubular jacket disposed around at least a portion of an outer surface of the distal hypotube segment. The jacket has reduced-diameter segments spaced apart along its longitudinal axis. The neuromodulation element further includes band electrodes respectively seated in the reduced-diameter segments and respectively forming closed loops extending circumferentially around the jacket.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates a system that can quickly and reversibly block conduction in a nerve. The system can include a first nerve block modality that provides heat to the nerve to block conduction in the nerve. For example, the heat can provide the quick nerve block. The system can also include a second nerve block modality that provides an electrical signal to the nerve to block the conduction in the nerve. For example, the electrical signal can provide the reversibility. In some instances, the heat can be provided by an infrared light signal and the electrical signal can be provided by a kilohertz frequency alternating current (KHFAC) signal or a direct current (DC) signal.