Neuromodulation therapy
Apparatus, systems, and methods for achieving thermally-induced renal neuromodulation by intravascular access are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present application, for example, is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods that incorporate a treatment device comprising an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft is sized and configured to deliver a thermal element to a renal artery via an intravascular path. 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.
1 . A method to treat one or more conditions affecting sex organs or genitalia of a patient, the method comprising:
advancing a neuromodulation element through a blood vessel of the patient to a target location proximate one or more nerves of the patient; and
delivering, via the neuromodulation element, neuromodulation therapy at the target location to treat the one or more conditions.
2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein delivering the neuromodulation therapy to the target location alters the one or more nerves of the patient.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more conditions comprises one or more of:
infertility;
polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS);
premature ejaculation;
erectile dysfunction;
dyspareunia; or
vaginismus.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more nerves innervate the sex organs or genitalia.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the blood vessel is an inferior mesenteric artery of the patient.
6 . The method of claim 5 , wherein the one or more nerves encircle the inferior mesenteric artery.
7 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the neuromodulation therapy comprises a radiofrequency (RF) energy.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the neuromodulation therapy comprises an ultrasound energy.
9 . The method of claim 1 ,
wherein the neuromodulation element is disposed on a distal portion of an elongate body of a catheter, and
wherein advancing the neuromodulation element through the blood vessel to the target location comprises advancing the distal portion of the elongate body through the blood vessel until the neuromodulation element is at the target location.
10 . A method to treat one or more conditions affecting at least one of sex organs or genitalia of a patient, the method comprising:
advancing a neuromodulation element through a blood vessel of the patient to a target location proximate one or more nerves innervating the at least one of sex organs or genitalia of the patient; and
delivering, via the neuromodulation element, neuromodulation therapy at the target location to modulate the one or more nerves innervating the at least one of sex organs or genitalia of the patient.
11 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the delivering the neuromodulation therapy at the target location to modulate the one or more nerves treats one or more of:
infertility;
polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS);
premature ejaculation;
erectile dysfunction;
dyspareunia; or
vaginismus.
12 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the blood vessel is an inferior mesenteric artery of the patient.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the one or more nerves encircle the inferior mesenteric artery.