U.S. patent application number 12/725450 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-19 for external autonomic modulation.
Invention is credited to Michael Gertner.
Application Number | 20110118600 12/725450 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44011830 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110118600 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Gertner; Michael |
May 19, 2011 |
External Autonomic Modulation
Abstract
In some embodiments, nerves surrounding arteries or leading to
organs are targeted with energy sources to correct or modulate
physiologic processes. In some embodiments, different types of
energy sources are utilized singly or combined with one another. In
some embodiments, bioactive agents or devices activated by the
energy sources are delivered to the region of interest and the
energy is enhanced by such agents.
Inventors: |
Gertner; Michael; (Menlo
Park, CA) |
Family ID: |
44011830 |
Appl. No.: |
12/725450 |
Filed: |
March 16, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61303307 |
Feb 10, 2010 |
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61261741 |
Nov 16, 2009 |
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61291359 |
Dec 30, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
600/439 ;
601/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 6/032 20130101;
A61B 5/412 20130101; A61B 34/20 20160201; A61N 7/02 20130101; A61B
2090/3762 20160201; A61B 6/037 20130101; A61B 2018/00982 20130101;
A61B 8/06 20130101; A61B 5/489 20130101; A61B 5/0225 20130101; A61B
8/485 20130101; A61B 8/0841 20130101; A61N 5/062 20130101; A61N
2007/0039 20130101; A61B 6/03 20130101; A61B 8/4245 20130101; A61N
5/0601 20130101; A61N 2007/0026 20130101; A61B 8/00 20130101; A61B
6/506 20130101; A61N 7/022 20130101; A61B 5/4041 20130101; A61B
5/4839 20130101; A61B 5/4893 20130101; A61B 5/4528 20130101; A61B
18/04 20130101; A61B 90/37 20160201; A61B 2090/374 20160201; A61B
2090/378 20160201; A61N 5/0622 20130101; A61N 2005/063 20130101;
A61N 2007/0078 20130101; A61B 5/055 20130101; A61B 8/0833 20130101;
A61B 8/08 20130101; A61N 7/00 20130101; A61N 2007/025 20130101;
A61N 2007/003 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
600/439 ;
601/2 |
International
Class: |
A61B 8/00 20060101
A61B008/00; A61N 7/00 20060101 A61N007/00 |
Claims
1) A method to inhibit the function of a renal nerve comprising: a.
Introducing an intravascular catheter into a renal artery; b.
Applying vibrational energy, from the catheter, in an unfocused
manner, to at least a portion of the circumference of the artery
sufficient to at least inhibit a partial function of a renal
nerve.
2) A method to at least partially inhibit the function of a renal
nerve comprising: a. Introducing an intravascular catheter into a
renal artery; b. Stabilizing the catheter in the renal artery; c.
Determining the size of the renal artery; d. Modeling the transfer
of vibrational power from the catheter inside the artery to the
region outside the artery and determining the appropriate power
required to the catheter to reach a level outside the artery to
inihibit nerve function; e. Applying vibrational power from inside
the artery to the region outside the artery at the appropriate
pre-determined power level.
3) The method of claim 2 wherein the vibrational power outside the
artery is in the range from 20 mW/cm2 to 500 W/cm2.
4) The method of claim 1 further comprising: stabilizing the
catheter within the artery and approximating the distance to the
renal nerves outside the artery based on one of: angiography,
ultrasound, CT scan, MRI.
5) The method of claim 1 further comprising introducing a cooling
lumen or independent cooling catheter into the artery.
6) The method of claim 1 wherein the energy transmitting element
does not contact the arterial wall.
7) A method to inhibit the function of a renal nerve comprising: a.
Introducing an intravascular catheter into an aorta; b. Applying
energy, from the catheter, in an unfocused manner, to at least a
portion of the circumference of the aorta to affect the function of
nerves traveling to the kidney.
8) The method of claim 7 further comprising cooling the region
immediately adjacent the intravascular catheter during inhibition
of the renal nerve function.
9) The method of claim 7 wherein the intravascular catheter is
placed into the ostium of at least one of the renal arteries.
10) A method to stimulate or inhibit the function of a nerve
traveling to or from the kidney comprising: a. Identifying an
acoustic window at the posterior region of a patient in which the
renal arteries can be visualized; b. transmitting a first energy
through the skin of a patient from the posterior region of the
patient; c. imaging an arterial region using the first transmitted
energy; d. applying a second transmitted energy to the arterial
adventitia by coupling the imaging and the second transmitted
energy.
11. The method of claim 10 further comprising: tracking the image
created by the first transmitted energy.
12. A method to locate the position of a blood vessel in the body
of a patient comprising: Applying a first wave of ultrasound, from
a first direction, to a region of a blood vessel from outside of
the patient and detecting its return signal; Comparing the applied
first wave and its return signal; Simultaneously, or sequentially,
applying a second wave of ultrasound from a second direction to the
blood vessel and detecting a its return signal; Integrating the
return signals from the first wave and the return signals from the
second wave to determine the position, in a three dimensional
coordinate reference, of the blood vessel.
13. The method of claim 12 further comprising the step of
instructing a therapeutic ultrasound transducer to apply energy to
the position of the blood vessel.
Description
PRIORITY DATA
[0001] This applications claims priority to the following
applications:
[0002] 61/303307 filed Feb. 10, 2010 Provisional Patent
[0003] 12/685655 filed Jan. 11, 2010 Non-Provisional Patent
[0004] 60/256983 filed Oct. 31, 2009 Provisional Patent
[0005] 60/250857 filed Oct. 12, 2009 Provisional Patent
[0006] 61/261741 filed Nov. 16, 2009 Provisional Patent
[0007] 61/291359 filed Dec. 30, 2009 Provisional Patent
BACKGROUND
[0008] Energy delivery from a distance involves transmission of
energy waves to affect a target some distance a way. It allows for
more efficient delivery of energy to targets and greater cost
efficiency and technologic flexibility on the generating side. For
example, cellular phones receive targets from towers close to the
user and the towers communicate with one another over a long range;
this way, the cell phones can be low powered and communicate over a
relatively small range yet the network can quickly communicate
across the world. Similarly, electricity distribution from large
generation stations to the users is more efficient than the users
themselves looking for solutions.
[0009] In terms of treating a patient, delivering energy over a
distance affords great advantages as far as targeting accuracy,
technologic flexibility, and importantly, limited invasiveness into
the patient. In a simple form, laparoscopic surgery has replaced
much of the previous open surgical procedures and lead to creation
of new procedures and devices as well as a more efficient
procedural flow for disease treatment. Laparoscopic tools deliver
the surgeon's energy to the tissues of the patient from a distance
and results in improved imaging of the region being treated as well
as the ability for many surgeons to visualize the region at the
same time. Perhaps most important is the fact that patients have
much less pain, fewer complications, and the overall costs of the
procedures are lower.
[0010] Continued advances in computing, miniaturization and
economization of energy delivery technologies, and improved imaging
will lead to still greater opportunities to apply energy from a
distance into the patient and treat disease.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
[0011] What is described herein are procedures and devices which
advance the art of medical procedures involving transmitted energy
to treat disease. That is, the procedures and devices described
below follow along the lines of: 1) transmitting energy to produce
an effect in a patient from a distance; 2) allowing for improved
imaging or targeting at the site of treatment; 3) creating
efficiencies through utilization of larger and more powerful
devices from a position of distance from the patient as opposed to
attempting to be directly in contact with the target.
[0012] In some embodiments, an imaging system is provided, as is a
therapeutic delivery system.
[0013] In some embodiments, regions of the eye other than the
retina are targeted with ablative or sub-ablative energy from
outside the eye.
[0014] In some embodiments, the ciliary muscles are targeted and in
some embodiments, the zonules surrounding the lens are targeted. In
certain embodiments related to the eye, presbyopia is treated and
in certain embodiments, elevated intraocular pressure is
treated.
[0015] In some embodiments, the macula is targeted with
non-ablative focused energy. Non-ablative focused or unfocused
energy can be utilized to assist in the transcleral or intravitreal
release of bioactive agents into the eye.
[0016] In some embodiments, non-focal, non-ablative energy is
applied to the sclera to assist in the transcleral migration of
bioactive materials to the choroidal space below the retina.
[0017] In some embodiments, ducts such as the fallopian tubes or
the vas deferens are targeted for permanent or semi-permanent
sterilization using ablative energy.
[0018] In some embodiments, vascular structures such as the
saphenous vein, femoral vein, and iliac veins are directly targeted
to treat venous diseases such as occlusions or faulty venous
valves.
[0019] In some embodiments, intra-vascular clots, devices, or other
vascular abnormalities such as aneurysms or arterial-venous
malformations, are targeted.
[0020] In some embodiments, sympathetic nerves surrounding arteries
are targeted for ablation or sub-ablative interruption. In some
embodiments, the renal nerves which surround the pedicles of the
kidneys are targeted. In some embodiments, circles or elliptical
rings are created around the renal arteries and in some
embodiments, the circles or rings are created closer to the
bifurcation of the renal arteries as they reach the kidneys. In
other embodiments, nerves running down the aorta are targeted as
they branch off to the renal arteries. In some embodiments, the
nerves are targeted at the dorsal or ventral roots as they leave
the spinal canal.
[0021] In some embodiments, ultrasonic or ionizing energy is passed
through the blood vessel to affect a change in the walls or the
surroundings of the vessel.
[0022] In some embodiments, whole or partial sympathetic ganglia
positioned close to blood vessels are targeted. In some
embodiments, ganglia along the sympathetic chain along the spine
are targeted as entire structures to target and alter physiologic
processes. In other embodiments, the dorsal roots of the spinal
cord are targeted with energy to partially or fully ablate the
renal afferent nerves traveling through them.
[0023] In some embodiments, nerves to joints are targeted with
ablative or non-ablative energy such as for example, the spine, the
knee, or the hip.
[0024] In some embodiments, vessels are detected and placed in a
coordinate frame to be treated with the focused energy system but
regions (for example, nerves) just outside the vessels are treated.
For example, the carotid artery, superior mesenteric artery, aorta,
vena cava, renal veins, iliac arteries, ophthalmic artery, and
ciliary arteries are all arteries which are potential targets for
interruption of surrounding nerves, particularly autonomic nerves.
The vessels, however, are the targets localized by the external
imaging and energy delivery systems.
[0025] In some embodiments, a device and method to interrupt nerve
fibers, at least partially, from a position external to a patient
is described. The embodiment involves the application of energy
from a region external to the patient to the region of the nerve
fibers. In some embodiments, energy is delivered from multiple
directions and meet at the region of the nerve so as to deliver the
effect.
[0026] In some embodiments, an external energy source delivers
energy from two difference positions to focus energy on a region of
interest (for example, the sympathetic nerve regions of the renal
arteries).
[0027] In another embodiment, image detectors are embedded in the
devices delivering the energy so that the imaging of the region of
interest is also determined from two different angles to determine
the location of the target in three dimensions.
[0028] In another embodiment, range finders (e.g. acoustic or
sonar) are used to detect distances or positions of structures.
Time of flight type analysis is the technical term to determined th
distance and orietation of the blood vessel (e.g. Oraya).
[0029] In some embodiments, a renal artery is detected using
doppler ultrasound technology. By detecting the position of the
renal arteries from more than one angle via doppler triangulation,
a three dimensional map can be created and the renal artery can be
mapped into a coordinate reference frame. A pattern of energy can
be applied to the renal artery based on the knowledge of the
coordinate reference frame. Once the renal artery is placed in the
coordinate frame, an algorithm is utilized to localize the delivery
of focused ultrasound to heat the adventitia of the artery which
contains the sympathetic nerves to the kidney and thereby
decreasing the sympathetic stimulus to the kidney to potentially
control hypertension, renal disease, and heart disease.
[0030] In one embodiment, ultrasound is passed through the
posterior of a patient, avoiding the ribs and passing the
ultrasound to the region of the renal arteries.
[0031] In other embodiments, vessels are detected via doppler
ultrasound and placed in a coordinate frame to be treated with the
focused energy system. For example, the carotid artery, superior
mesenteric artery, aorta, vena cava, renal veins, iliac arteries,
ophthalmic artery, and ciliary arteries are all arteries which are
potential targets of sympathetic nerve interruption. In some
embodiments, the techniques described can be applied to any other
blood vessel adventitia or nerve plexus surrounding any blood
vessel in the body.
[0032] In some embodiments, the location of the stomach is utilized
because of its position overlying the celiac plexus and its
position partially overlying the abdominal aorta. In this
embodiment, a nasogastric tube is placed inside the stomach and can
be utilized to stimulate or inhibit the celiac axis through the
stomach wall using focused or non-focused energy sources.
[0033] In some embodiments, the celiac axis or associated nerves
can also be directly ablated using energy based transducers through
the stomach or through the aorta or from an external position.
[0034] In another embodiment, ionizing radiation is used and
generated from equipment such as a megavoltage linear accelerator,
proton beam accelerator, or orthovoltage X-ray generator.
[0035] In some embodiments, CT scan imaging or other imaging
systems (for example, ultrasound), such as MRI can be used to
target the region around the renal arteries where the sympathetic
nerves sit.
[0036] In some embodiments, the ionizing radiation sources may also
be coupled to CT or MRI scanners which can further aid in the
identification of the region of the sympathetic nerve plexus.
[0037] In some embodiments, the ultrasound transducers are placed
externally and the renal arteries are located in more than one axis
using a doppler signal detected from the renal artery blood
flow.
[0038] In some embodiments, an arrangement of the ultrasound
transducers is such that each transducer has the ability to be
moved relative to one another and with respect to the target (e.g.
renal blood vessels, aorta, femoral arteries, veins etc.). Such
movement allows for adjustment of focal distance and position in
the X-Y plan which may change with position.
[0039] In some embodiments, a kidney and a renal artery, or just a
kidney, is targeted with the ultrasound transducers.
[0040] In some embodiments, ultrasound transducers are used to
detect Doppler blood flow and simulate the position of the heating
spot at the focal region of the transducers. Focused ultrasound
energy is then applied to the region surrounding the blood flow,
utilizing the Doppler signal as the position to target.
[0041] In some embodiments, a three dimensional view of the renal
arteries and renal pedicle is obtained using the ultrasonic images
so that the heated region is simulated in three dimensions so as to
avoid the critical structures around the renal pedicle such as the
renal vein, adrenal artery, and the adrenal gland itself. In some
embodiments, the ultrasound transducer scans the region to be
treated to create a three dimensional image coordinate reference
for the artery and arterial region. In some embodiments, heating of
the renal vein is in fact permissible.
[0042] In some embodiments, a three-dimensional image of a renal
artery enables precise placement of the heat generating spot
because there are nerves proximal to the generated spot. In some
embodiments, coupling of the renal artery doppler signal using two
separate detectors allows the three dimensional coordinates of the
renal artery to be determined in real space. In some embodiments,
once the renal artery position is determined in real space, the 3D
location of the heating via the therapeutic ultrasound transducers
can be determined, in theory, quite quickly. Heating damage to
organs surrounding the renal arteries can also be determined,
modeled, and minimized.
[0043] In some embodiments, a puncture in the skin may be needed so
as to take advantage of additional refinements in technology or to
treat patients (e.g. obese patients) who are not amenable to
completely external therapy. In this embodiment, the puncture in
the skin may enable a catheter to be passed into an artery or vein
and to the renal artery or vein. In some embodiments, a catheter is
placed percutaneously, directly to the nerve region surrounding the
vessels; that is, not transvascularly but through the skin into the
retroperitoneum and to the region of the renal nerves.
[0044] In other embodiments, catheters may be placed through the
subcutaneous tissues and into the space around the renal artery or
vein. In either of these embodiments, the sympathetic nerves can be
ablated or the nerve conduction pathways can otherwise be
interrupted to result in a decrease in neurotransmitter release
from the sympathetic terminals at the level of the kidney.
[0045] In addition to, or in place of, the renal sympathetic
nerves, in some embodiments, it may be desirable to ablate or
partially inhibit nerves which relate to the carotid or aortic
baroreceptors. For example, cardiac afferent nerves have been known
to dampen the carotid body response when activated which results in
a loss of the parasympathetic response to elevated blood pressure.
In such a scenario, the cardiac afferent nerves can be ablated so
that the baroreceptor response remains sensitive to increased blood
pressure and can stimulate the parasympathetic system to decrease
adrenergic drive in the face of elevated blood pressure.
[0046] In some embodiments, the sympathetic or parasympathetic
nerves leading to the eye are ablated, stimulated, partially
ablated, or partially stimulated so as to control intraocular
hypertension or other physiologic processes. These sympathetic
nerves are well known as being causative for increases in
intraocular pressure. Indeed, a best selling pharmaceutical,
tenoptic, acts against the adrenergic response in the eye and so
ablating the sympathetic nerves would offer a more permanent fix to
the elevated intraocular blood pressure.
[0047] In one embodiment, the ultrasound transducers used for
ablation also contain at least one imaging transducer. The imaging
transducer can be utilized for quick imaging and registration with
the MRI or the transducer can be utilized for detection of
fiducials within the treatment region. Such fiducials can be placed
in the field or may be naturally present such as for example, a
Doppler flow signal in a renal artery. In one embodiment, an
intravascular catheter is placed with a recognizeable beacon to
indicate the position of the catheter, artery, and hence the nerves
surrounding the artery.
[0048] In another embodiment, radiation (e.g. ionizing radiation)
is applied to the region outside the artery to prevent re-growth of
the sympathetic nerves after ablation.
[0049] In another embodiment, ablative energy is applied to a
region of a fallopian tube to close the tube and prevent ovulation
and transfer of ovum to a uterus.
[0050] In one embodiment, a method of inhibiting the function of a
nerve traveling with an artery comprises; providing an external
imaging modality to determine the location of the artery through
the skin of a patient; placing the artery in a three dimensional
coordinate reference based on the imaging; placing a therapeutic
energy generation source in a three dimensional coordinate
reference frame; coupling the three dimensional coordinate frame of
the energy source and the artery; modeling the delivery of energy
to the adventitial region of the artery or a region adjacent to the
artery where a nerve travels; delivering therapeutic energy from
the therapeutic energy source, from at least two different angles,
through the skin of a patient, to intersect at an artery or the
region adjacent to the artery to at least partially inhibit the
function of a nerve.
[0051] In some embodiments, the imaging source is one of:
ultrasound, MRI, and CT.
[0052] In some embodiments, the therapeutic energy is ultrasound.
In some embodiments, the energy delivered to the region of the
nerves is at the level of 10-100 watts/cm2 or 100-400 watts/cm2,
400-800 watts/cm2, 800-2 kW/cm2, 2-50 kW/cm2, 51-200 kW cm/2. In
some instances the level is up to and exceeding 1 MW/cm2. In some
embodiments, a duty cycle of 100% is utilized by the system and in
some embodiments, the duty cycle is 50-99% or lower, for example,
1-49%.
[0053] In some embodiments, intensity is important and the dose is
delivered over a period less than 2 seconds or less than 30 seconds
or less than a minute. In some embodiments, the energy delivered is
not heat but vibratory energy with minimal heating.
[0054] In some embodiments, the artery is a renal artery.
[0055] In some embodiments the involve placing the artery in a
three dimensional reference frame involving locating the artery
using a doppler ultrasound signal.
[0056] In some embodiments, the fiducial is placed internal to the
patient.
[0057] In some embodiments, the fiducial is temporarily placed in a
position internal to the patient.
[0058] In some embodiments the fiducial is a catheter placed in the
artery of the patient.
[0059] In some embodiments the catheter is detectable using an
acoustic signal and said imaging modality is ultrasound.
[0060] In some embodiments, the method involves therapeutic energy
from the energy source which is delivered in a distribution along
the length of the artery.
[0061] In some embodiments the therapeutic energy is ionizing
radiation.
[0062] In some embodiments, a system to inhibit the function of a
nerve traveling with a renal artery comprises a detector to
determine the location of the renal artery and renal nerve through
the skin of a patient; an ultrasound component to deliver
therapeutic energy through the skin from at least two directions to
the nerve surrounding the renal artery; a modeling algorithm
comprising an input and an output said input to the modeling
algorithm comprising a three dimensional coordinate space
containing a therapeutic energy source and the position of the
renal artery; and, the output from the modeling algorithm
comprises: the direction and energy level of the ultrasound
component; a locateable fiducial, adapted to be temporarily placed
in the artery of a patient and communicate with the detector to
determine the location of the renal artery in a three dimensional
reference, the information regarding the location transmittable as
the input to the model.
[0063] In some embodiments, the fiducial is a passive reflector of
ultrasound placed inside the artery.
[0064] In some embodiments, the fiducial has an air interface
inside a balloon. In some embodiments, the fiducial is an
intravascular balloon with air inside which can be detected from
outside the patient.
[0065] In some embodiments, the system fiducial generates
radiofrequency energy which is detectable outside the patient by a
detector.
[0066] In some embodiments, the system fiducial is activated to
transmit energy based on a signal from an ultrasound generator.
[0067] In some embodiments, the system output from the model
instructs the ultrasound component to deliver a lesion on the
artery in which the major axis of the lesion is longitudinal along
the length of the artery.
[0068] In some embodiments, the system output from the model
instructs the ultrasound component to deliver multiple lesions
around an artery simultaneously. In some embodiments, the energy is
delivered across the kidney with the energy crossing the kidney not
affecting the kidney in any way.
[0069] In some embodiments, the system output from the model
instructs the ultrasound component to deliver a circumferential
lesion around the artery in which the HIFU overlap reaches across
the artery and/or vein. In some embodiments, the ultrasound overlap
has a maximal diameter of about 1 cm and covering the renal artery,
the renal vein, and the renal nerves. Such energy can be applied
within 30 s, 11 minute, or within 3-5 minutes.
[0070] In some embodiments, a lesion is placed around the renal
artery just proximal to the bifurcation of the artery at the hilum
of the kidney.
[0071] In some embodiments, a lesion is placed around the artery by
targeting approximately the center of the artery.
[0072] In some embodiments, outflow restrictions are created in the
kidney or in the renal vein (for example) to indicate a high
pressure state to the kidney which will lead to the kidney
autoregulating system blood pressure lower.
[0073] In some embodiments, a clinical feedback loop is utilized in
which application of energy to control hypertension is followed by
an assay for the effect, the assay might include one of: ultrasound
of the kidneys, assessment of microneurometry in the periphery,
biopsy of the kidney, evaluation of the concentration of
norepinephrine in the blood.
[0074] In one embodiment, a skin patch acts as a detector of
sympathetic activity, the sympathetic activity being altered by
heat applied to one or more regions of the autonomic nervous
system.
DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES
[0075] FIGS. 1a-b depict the focusing of energy sources on nerves
of the autonomic nervous system.
[0076] FIG. 1c depicts an imaging system.
[0077] FIG. 2 depicts targeting and/or therapeutic ultrasound
delivered through the stomach to the autonomic nervous system
posterior to the stomach.
[0078] FIG. 3a depicts focusing of energy waves on the renal
nerves
[0079] FIG. 3b depicts a coordinate reference frame
[0080] FIG. 4 depicts the application of energy to the autonomic
nervous system surrounding the carotid arteries
[0081] FIGS. 5a-b depict the application of focused energy to the
autonomic nervous system of the eye.
[0082] FIG. 6 depict the application of lesions to the kidney deep
inside the calyces.
[0083] FIG. 7a depicts a patient in an imaging system receiving
treating with focused energy waves.
[0084] FIG. 7b depicts visualization of a kidney being treated.
[0085] FIG. 7 depicts a close up view of the renal nerve region of
the kidney being treated.
[0086] FIG. 7d depicts a method to treat the autonomic nervous
system using MRI and energy transducers.
[0087] FIG. 8a depicts a percutaneous approach to treating the
autonomic nervous system surrounding the kidneys.
[0088] FIG. 8b depicts an intravascular approach to treating the
autonomic nervous system.
[0089] FIGS. 9a-c depicts the application of energy from inside the
aorta to regions outside the aorta.
[0090] FIG. 10 depicts steps to treat a disease using HIFU.
[0091] FIG. 11a depicts treatment of brain lesions using cross
sectional imaging.
[0092] FIG. 11b depicts an image on a viewer showing therapy of the
region of the brain being treated.
[0093] FIG. 11c depicts another view of a brain lesion.
[0094] FIG. 12 depicts treatment of the renal nerve region using a
laparoscopic approach.
[0095] FIG. 13 depicts a methodology for destroying a region of
tissue using imaging markers.
[0096] FIG. 14 depicts the partial treatment of a nerve bundle
using converging imaging waves.
[0097] FIG. 15 depicts the application of focused energy to the
vertebral column.
[0098] FIG. 16 depicts the types of lesions which are created
around the renal arteries to affect a response.
[0099] FIG. 17a depicts the application of multiple transducers to
treat regions of the autonomic nervous system.
[0100] FIGS. 17b-c depict methods and devices to treat a specific
region surrounding an artery.
[0101] FIG. 17d depicts a method for localizing HIFU transducers
relative to Doppler ultrasound signals.
[0102] FIG. 17e depicts an arrangement of transducers relative to a
target
[0103] FIG. 17f depicts ablation zones in a multi-focal region in
cross-section.
[0104] FIG. 18 depicts the application of energy internally within
the kidney.
[0105] FIG. 19 depicts the direction of energy wave propagation to
treat regions of the autonomic nervous system around the kidney
region.
[0106] FIG. 20 depicts the application of ultrasound waves through
the wall of the aorta
[0107] FIG. 21a depicts application of focused energy to the
ciliary muscles and processes of the eye.
[0108] FIG. 21b depicts the application of focused non-ablative
energy to the back of the eye to enhance drug or gene delivery or
another therapy such as ionizing radiation.
[0109] FIG. 22 depicts the application of focused energy to nerves
surrounding the knee joint.
[0110] FIG. 23-b depicts the application of energy to the fallopian
tube to sterilize a patient.
[0111] FIG. 24 depicts an algorithm to assess the effect of the
neural modulation procedure on the autonomic nervous system. After
a procedure is performed on the renal nerves, assessment of the
autonomic response is performed by, for example, simulating the
autonomic nervous system in one or more places.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0112] Hypertension is a disease of extreme national and
international importance. There are 80 million patients in the US
alone who have hypertension and over 200 million in developed
countries worldwide. In the United States, there are 60 million
patients who have uncontrolled hypertension meaning that they are
either non-compliant or cannot take the medication because of the
side effect profile. Up to 10 million people might have completely
resistant hypertension in which they do not reach target levels no
matter what the medication regimen. The morbidities associated with
uncontrolled hypertension are profound, including stroke, heart
attack, kidney failure, peripheral arterial disease, etc. A
convenient and straightforward minimally invasive procedure to
treat hypertension would be a very welcome advance in the treatment
of this disease.
[0113] Congestive Heart Failure ("CHF") is a condition which occurs
when the heart becomes damaged and blood flow is reduced to the
organs of the body. If blood flow decreases sufficiently, kidney
function becomes altered, which results in fluid retention,
abnormal hormone secretions and increased constriction of blood
vessels. These results increase the workload of the heart and
further decrease the capacity of the heart to pump blood through
the kidneys and circulatory system.
[0114] It is believed that progressively decreasing perfusion of
the kidneys is a principal non-cardiac cause perpetuating the
downward spiral of CHF. For example, as the heart struggles to pump
blood, the cardiac output is maintained or decreased and the
kidneys conserve fluid and electrolytes to maintain the stroke
volume of the heart. The resulting increase in pressure further
overloads the cardiac muscle such that the cardiac muscle has to
work harder to pump against a higher pressure. The already damaged
cardiac muscle is then further stressed and damaged by the
increased pressure. Moreover, the fluid overload and associated
clinical symptoms resulting from these physiologic changes result
in additional hospital admissions, poor quality of life, and
additional costs to the health care system. In addition to
exacerbating heart failure, kidney failure can lead to a downward
spiral and further worsening kidney function. For example, in the
forward flow heart failure described above, (systolic heart
failure) the kidney becomes ischemic. In backward heart failure
(diastolic heart failure), the kidneys become congested vis-a-vis
renal vein hypertension. Therefore, the kidney can contribute to
its own worsening failure.
[0115] The functions of the kidneys can be summarized under three
broad categories: filtering blood and excreting waste products
generated by the body's metabolism; regulating salt, water,
electrolyte and acid-base balance; and secreting hormones to
maintain vital organ blood flow. Without properly functioning
kidneys, a patient will suffer water retention, reduced urine flow
and an accumulation of waste toxins in the blood and body. These
conditions result from reduced renal function or renal failure
(kidney failure) and are believed to increase the workload of the
heart. In a CHF patient, renal failure will cause the heart to
further deteriorate as fluids are retained and blood toxins
accumulate due to the poorly functioning kidneys. The resulting
hypertension also has dramatic influence on the progression of
cerebrovascular disease and stroke.
[0116] The autonomic nervous system is a network of nerves which
affect almost every organ and physiologic system to a variable
degree. Generally, the system is composed of sympathetic and
parasympathetic nerves. For example, the sympathetic nerves to the
kidney traverse the sympathetic chain along the spine and synapse
within the ganglia of the chain or within the celiac ganglia, then
proceeding to innervate the kidney via post-ganglionic fibers
inside the "renal nerves." Within the renal nerves, which travel
along the renal hila (artery and to some extent the vein), are the
post-ganglionic sympathetic nerves and the afferent nerves from the
kidney. The afferent nerves from the kidney travel within the
dorsal root (if they are pain fibers)and into the anterior root if
they are sensory fibers, then into the spinal cord and ultimately
to specialized regions of the brain. The afferent nerves deliver
information from the kidneys back to the sympathetic nervous system
via the brain; their ablation or inhibition is at least partially
responsible for the improvement seen in blood pressure after renal
nerve ablation, or dennervation, or partial disruption. It has also
been suggested and partially proven experimentally that the
baroreceptor response at the level of the carotid sinus is mediated
by the renal artery afferent nerves such that loss of the renal
artery afferent nerve response blunts the response of the carotid
baroreceptors to changes in arterial blood pressure.
[0117] It has been established in animal models that the heart
failure condition results in abnormally high sympathetic activation
of the kidneys. An increase in renal sympathetic nerve activity
leads to decreased removal of water and sodium from the body, as
well as increased renin secretion which stimulates aldosterone
secretion from the adrenal gland. Increased renin secretion can
lead to vasoconstriction of blood vessels supplying the kidneys,
which leads to a decrease in renal blood flow. Reduction in
sympathetic renal nerve activity, e.g., via de-innervation, may
reverse these processes. Similarly, in obese patients, the
sympathetic drive is very high and is felt to be one of the causes
of hypertension in obese patients.
[0118] Recent clinical work has shown that de-innervation of the
renal sympathetic chain and other nerves which enter the kidney
through the hilum can lead to profound systemic effects in patients
with hypertension, heart failure, and other organ system diseases.
Such treatment can lead to long term reduction in the need for
blood pressure medications and improvements in blood pressure
(O'Brien Lancet 2009 373; 9681 incorporated by reference). The
devices used in this trial were highly localized radiofrequency
(RF) ablation to ablate the renal artery adventitia with the
presumption that the nerves surrounding the renal artery are being
inhibited in the heating zone as well. The procedure is performed
in essentially a blind fashion in that the exact location of the
nerve plexus is not known prior to, during, or after the procedure.
In addition, the wall of the renal artery is invariably damaged by
the RF probe and patients whose vessels have a great deal of
atherosclerosis cannot be treated safely. In addition, depending on
the distance of the nerves from the vessel wall, the energy may not
consistently lead to ablation or interruption. Finally, the use of
internal catheters may not allow for treatment inside the kidney or
inside the aorta if more selective or less selective blockade of
the renal sympathetic nerves is desired.
[0119] Ultrasound is a cyclically generated sound pressure wave
with a frequency greater than the upper limit of human hearing . .
. 20 kilohertz (kHz). In medicine, ultrasound is widely utilized
because of its ability to penetrate tissues. Reflection of the
sound waves reveals a signature of the underlying tissues and as
such, ultrasound can be used extensively for diagnostics and
potentially therapeutics as well in the medical field. As a
therapy, ultrasound has the ability to both penetrate tissues and
can be focused to create ablation zones. Because of its
simultaneous ability to image, ultrasound can be utilized for
precise targeting of lesions inside the body. Ultrasound intensity
is measured by the power per cm.sup.2. Generally, high intensity
refers to intensities over 1 kW/cm.sup.2. Low intensity ultrasound
encompasses the rage up to 1 kW/cm.sup.2 from about 1 or 10 Watts
per cm2.
[0120] Ultrasound can be utilized for its forward propagating waves
and resulting reflected waves or where energy deposition in the
tissue and either heating or slight disruption of the tissues is
desired. For example, rather than relying on reflections for
imaging, lower frequency ultrasonic beams (e.g. <1 MHz) can be
focused at a depth within tissue, creating a heating zone or a
defined region of cavitation in which micro-bubbles are created,
cell membranes are opened to admit bioactive molecules, or damage
is otherwise created in the tissue. These features of ultrasound
generally utilize frequencies in the 0.25 Megahertz (MHz) to 10 MHz
range depending on the depth required for effect. Focusing is or
may be required so that the surface of the tissue is not
excessively injured or heated by single beams. In other words, many
single beams can be propagated through the tissue at different
angles to decrease the energy deposition along any single path yet
allow the beams to converge at a focal spot deep within the tissue.
In addition, reflected beams from multiple angles may be utilized
in order to create a three dimensional representation of the region
to be treated in a coordinate space.
[0121] Time of flight measurements with ultrasound can be used to
range find, or find distances between objects in tissues. Such
measurements can be utilized to place objects such as vessels into
three dimensional coordinate reference frames so that energy can be
utilized to target the tissues. SONAR is the acronym for sound
navigation and ranging and is a method of acoustic localization.
Sound waves are transmitted through a medium and the time for the
sound to reflect back to the transmitter is indicative of the
position of the object of interest. Doppler signals are generated
by a moving object. The change in the forward and reflected wave
results in a velocity for the object.
[0122] Lithotripsy was introduced in the early part of the 1980's.
Lithotripsy utilizes shockwaves to treat stones in the kidney. The
Dournier lithotripsy system was the first system produced for this
purpose. The lithotripsy system sends ultrasonic waves through the
patient's body to the kidney to selectively heat and vibrate the
kidney stones; that is, selectively over the adjacent tissue.
[0123] Histotripsy is a term given to a technique in which tissue
is essentially vaporized using cavitation rather than heating
(transcutaneous non-thermal mechanical tissue fractionation). These
mini explosions do not require high temperature and can occur in
less than a second. The generated pressure wave is in the range of
megapascals (MPa) and even up to or exceeding 100 MPa. To treat
small regions of tissue very quickly, this technique can be very
effective. The border of the viable and non-viable tissue is
typically very sharp and the mechanism of action has been shown to
be cellular disruption.
[0124] Cross-sectional imaging is utilized to visualize the
internal anatomy of patients via radiation (CT) or magnetic fields
(MRI). Ultrasound can also be utilized to obtain cross-sections of
specific regions but only at high frequencies; therefore,
ultrasound is typically limited to imaging superficial body
regions. CT and MRI are often more amenable to cross sectional
imaging because the radiation penetrates well into tissues. In
addition, the scale of the body regions is maintained such that the
anatomy within the coordinate references remains intact relative to
one another; that is, distances between structures can be
measured.
[0125] With ultrasound, scaling can be more difficult because of
unequal penetration as the waves propagate deeper through the
tissue. CT scans and MRIs and even ultrasound devices can be
utilized to create three dimensional representations and
reconstructed cross-sectional images of patients; anatomy can be
placed in a coordinate reference frame using a three dimensional
representation. Once in the reference frame, energy devices
(transducers) can be placed in positions and energy emitting
devices directed such that specific regions of the body are
targeted. Once knowledge of the transducer position is known
relative to the position of the target in the patient body, energy
can be delivered to the target.
[0126] In one embodiment, ultrasound is focused on the region of
the renal arteries or veins from outside the patient; the
ultrasound is delivered from multiple angles to the target,
allowing the current invention to overcome many of the deficiencies
in previous methods and devices put forward to ablate renal
sympathetic nerves which surround the renal arteries.
[0127] Specifically, one embodiment of this invention allows for
precise visualization of the ablation zone so that the operator can
be confident that the correct region is ablated and that the
incorrect region is not ablated. Because some embodiments do not
require a puncture in the skin, they are considerably less
invasive, which is more palatable and safer from the patient
standpoint. Moreover, unusual anatomies and atherosclerotic vessels
can be treated using external energy triangulated on the renal
arteries to affect the sympathetic and afferent nerves to and from
the kidney respectively.
[0128] With reference to FIG. 1A, the human renal anatomy includes
the kidneys 100 which are supplied with oxygenated blood by the
renal arteries 200 and are connected to the heart via the abdominal
aorta 300. Deoxygenated blood flows from the kidneys to the heart
via the renal veins (not shown) and thence the inferior vena cava
(not shown). The renal anatomy includes the cortex, the medulla,
and the hilum. Blood is delivered to the cortex where it filters
through the glomeruli and is then delivered to the medulla where it
is further filtered through a series of reabsorption and filtration
steps in the loops of henle and individual nephrons; the
ultrafiltrate then percolates to the ureteral collecting system and
is delivered to the ureters and bladder for ultimate excretion.
[0129] The hila is the region where the major vessels (renal artery
and renal vein) and nerves 150 (efferent sympathetic, afferent
sensory, and parasympathetic nerves) travel to and from the
kidneys. The renal nerves 150 contain post-ganglionic efferent
nerves which supply sympathetic innervation to the kidneys.
[0130] Energy transducers 500 (FIG. 1a) deliver energy
transcutaneously to the region of the sympathetic ganglia 520 or
the post-ganglionic renal nerves 150 or the nerves leading to the
adrenal gland 400. The energy is generated from outside the
patient, from multiple directions, and through the skin to the
region of the renal nerves 150 which surround the renal artery 640.
The energy can be focused or non-focused but in one preferred
embodiment, the energy is focused with high intensity focused
ultrasound (HIFU). Focusing with low intensity focused ultrasound
(LIFU) may also occur. Focusing occurs by delivering energy from at
least two different angles through the skin to meet at a focal
point where the highest energy intensity and density occurs. At
this spot, a therapy is delivered and the therapy can be
sub-threshold nerve interruption (partial ablation), ablation
(complete interruption) of the nerves, controlled interruption of
the nerve conduction apparatus, partial ablation, or targeted drug
delivery. The region can be heated to a temperature of less than 60
degrees for non-ablative therapy or can be heated greater than 60
degrees for heat based destruction (abalation). To ablate the
nerves, even temperatures in the 40 degree range can be used and if
generated for a time period greater than several minutes, will
result in ablation. Heating aside, a vibratory effect for a much
shorter period of time at temperatures below 60 degrees Celsius can
result in partial or complete paralysis of destruction of the
nerves. If the temperature is increased beyond 50-60 degrees, the
time required for heating is decreased considerably to affect the
nerve via the sole mechanism of heating. In some embodiments, an
imaging modality is included as well in the system. The imaging
modality can be ultrasound based, MRI based, CT (Xray) based. The
imaging modality can be utilized to target the region of ablation
and determined the distances to the target.
[0131] The delivered energy can be ionizing or non-ionizing energy.
Forms of non-ionizing energy can include electromagnetic energy
(e.g. a magnetic field, light, an electric field), radiofrequency
energy, and light based energy. Forms of ionizing energy include
x-ray, proton beam, gamma rays, electron beams, and alpha rays. In
some embodiments, the energy modalities are combined. For example,
heat ablation of the nerves is performed and then ionizing
radiation is delivered to the region to prevent re-growth of the
nerves.
[0132] Alternatively, ionizing radiation is applied first as an
ablation modality and then heat applied afterward in the case of
re-growth of the tissue as re-radiation may not be possible
(complement energy utilization). Ionizing radiation may prevent or
inhibit the re-growth of the nervous tissue around the vessel if
there is indeed re-growth of the nervous tissue. Therefore, another
method of treating the nerves is to first heat the nerves and then
apply ionizing radiation to prevent re-growth.
[0133] In some embodiments, external neuromodulation is performed
in which low energy ultrasound is applied to the nerve region to
modulate the nerves. For example, it has been shown in the past
that low intensity (e.g. non-thermal) ultrasound can affect nerves
at powers which range from 30-500 mW/Cm.sup.2 whereas HIFU (thermal
modulation), by definition generates heat at a focus, requires
power levels exceeding 1000 W/Cm.sup.2. The actual power flux to
the region to be ablated is dependent on the environment including
surrounding blood flow and other structures. With low intensity
ultrasound, the energy does not have to be so strictly focused to
the target because it's a non-ablative energy; that is, the
vibration or mechanical pressure may be the effector energy and the
target may have a different threshold for effect depending on the
tissue. However, even low energy ultrasound may require focusing if
excessive heat to the skin is a worry or if there are other
susceptible structures in the path and only a pinpoint region of
therapy is desired. Nonetheless, transducers 500 in FIG. 1a provide
the ability to apply a range of different energy and power levels
as well as modeling capability to target different regions and
predict the response.
[0134] In FIG. 1a, and in one embodiment, a renal artery is
detected 640 with the assistance of imaging techniques 600 such as
Doppler ultrasound, B-mode ultrasound, MRI, or a CT scan. With an
image of the region to be treated, measurements in multiple
directions on a series of slices can be performed so as to create a
three-dimensional representation of the area of interest. By
detecting the position of the renal arteries from more than one
angle via Doppler triangulation (for example) or another
triangulation technique, a three dimensional positional map can be
created and the renal artery can be mapped into a coordinate
reference frame. In this respect, given that the renal nerves
surround the renal blood vessels in the hilum, locating the
direction and lengths of the blood vessels in three dimensional
coordinate reference is the predominant component of the procedure
to target the sympathetic nerves. Within the three dimensional
reference frame, a pattern of energy can be applied to the vicinity
of the renal artery from a device well outside the vicinity (and
outside of the patient altogether) based on knowledge of the
coordinate reference frame.
[0135] For example, once the renal artery is placed in the
coordinate reference frame with the origin of the energy delivery
device, an algorithm is utilized to localize the delivery of
focused ultrasound to heat or apply mechanical energy to the
adventitia and surrounding regions of the artery which contain
sympathetic nerves to the kidney and afferent nerves from the
kidney, thereby decreasing the sympathetic stimulus to the kidney
and its afferent signaling back to the autonomic nervous system;
affecting these targets will modulate the propensity toward
hypertension which would otherwise occur. The ultrasonic energy
delivery can be modeled mathematically by predicting the wave
dissipation using the distances and measurements taken with the
imaging modalities of the tissues and path lengths.
[0136] In one embodiment of an algorithm, the Doppler signal from
the artery is identified from at least two different directions and
the direction of the artery is reconstructed in three dimensional
space. With two points in space, a line is created and with
knowledge of the thickness of the vessel, a tube, or cylinder, can
be created to represent the blood vessel as a virtual model. The
tube is represented in three dimensional space over time and its
coordinates are known relative to the therapeutic transducers
outside of the skin of the patient. Therapeutic energy can be
applied from more than one direction as well and can focus on the
cylinder (blood anterior vessel wall, central axis, or posterior
wall.
[0137] Focused energy (e.g. ultrasound) can be applied to the
center of the vessel (within the flow), on the posterior wall of
the vessel, in between (e.g. when there is a back to back artery
and vein next to one another) the artery vessel and a venous
vessel, etc.
[0138] Imaging 600 of the sympathetic nerves or the sympathetic
region (the target) is also utilized so as to assess the direction
and orientation of the transducers relative to the target 620.
Continuous feedback of the position of the transducers 500 relative
to the target 620 is provided by the imaging system in which the
coordinate space of the imaging system. The imaging may be a
cross-sectional imaging technology such as CT or MRI or it may be
an ultrasound imaging technology which yields faster real time
imaging. In some embodiments, the imaging may be a combination of
technologies such as the fusion of MRI/CT and ultrasound. The
imaging system can detect the position of the target in real time
at frequencies ranging from 1 hz to thousands and tens of thousands
of images per second.
[0139] In the example of fusion, cross-sectional imaging (e.g.
MRI/CT) is utilized to place the body of the patient in a three
dimensional coordinate frame and then ultrasound is linked to the
three dimensional reference frame and utilized to track the
patient's body in real time under the ultrasound linked to the
cross-sectional imaging. The lack of resolution provided by the
ultrasound is made up for by the cross-sectional imaging since only
a few consistent anatomic landmarks are required for an ultrasound
image to be linked to the MRI image. As the body moves under the
ultrasound, the progressively new ultrasound images are linked to
the MRI images and therefore MRI "movement" can be seen at a
frequency not otherwise available to an MRI series.
[0140] In one embodiment, ultrasound is the energy used to inhibit
nerve conduction in the sympathetic nerves. In one embodiment,
focused ultrasound (HIFU) from outside the body through the skin is
the energy used to inhibit sympathetic stimulation of the kidney by
delivering waves from a position external to the body of a patient
and focusing the waves on the sympathetic nerves on the inside of
the patient and which surround the renal artery of the patient.
[0141] As is depicted in FIG. 3, transducers 900 can emit
ultrasound energy to the region of the renal sympathetic nerves at
the renal pedicle. As shown in FIG. 1a, an image of the renal
artery 620 using an ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan can be utilized to
determine the position of the kidney 610 and the renal artery 620
target. Doppler ultrasound can be used to determine the location
and direction of a Doppler signal from an artery and therefore
enable the arteries 200 and hence the sympathetic nerves 220 (FIG.
3a) around the artery to be much more visible so as to process the
images and then utilize focused external energy to pinpoint the
location and therapy of the sympathetic nerves. In this embodiment,
ultrasound is likely the most appropriate imaging modality.
[0142] FIG. 1a also depicts the delivery of focused energy to the
sympathetic nerve trunks which run along the vertebral column; the
renal artery efferent nerves travel in these trunks and synapse to
ganglia within the trunks. In another embodiment, ablation of the
dorsal roots at the level of the ganglia or dorsal root nerves at
T9-T11 (through which the afferent renal nerves travel) would
produce the same or similar effect to ablation at the level of the
renal arteries.
[0143] FIG. 1b illustrates the application of ionizing energy to
the region of the sympathetic nerves on the renal arteries 620 or
renal veins. In general, energy levels of greater than 20 Gy (Gray)
are required for linear accelerators or low energy x-ray machines
to ablate nervous tissue using ionizing energy; however, lower
energy is required to stun, inhibit nervous tissue, or prevent
re-growth of nervous tissue; in some embodiment, energy levels as
low as 2-5 Gy or 5-10 Gy or 10-15 Gy are delivered in a single or
fractionated doses.
[0144] Combinations of ionizing energy and other forms of energy
can be utilized in this embodiment as well so as to prevent
re-growth of the nervous tissue. For example, a combination of heat
and/or vibration and/or cavitation and/or ionizing radiation might
be utilized to prevent re-growth of nervous tissue after the
partial or full ablation of the nervous tissue surrounding the
renal artery.
[0145] FIG. 2 illustrates the renal anatomy and surrounding anatomy
with greater detail in that organs such as the stomach are shown in
its anatomic position overlying the abdominal aorta and renal
arteries. In this embodiment, energy is delivered through the
stomach to reach an area behind the stomach. In this embodiment,
the stomach is utilized as a conduit to access the celiac ganglion,
a region which would otherwise be difficult to reach. The aorta 705
is shown underneath the stomach and the celiac ganglion 710 is
depicted surrounding the superior mesenteric artery and aorta. A
transorally placed tube 720 is placed through the esophagus and
into the stomach. The tube overlies the celiac ganglion when placed
in the stomach and can therefore be used to deliver sympatholytic
devices or pharmaceuticals which inhibit or stimulate the autonomic
celiac ganglia behind the stomach; these therapies would be
delivered via transabdominal ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance
(for imaging) through the stomach. Similar therapies can be
delivered to the inferior mesenteric ganglion, renal nerves, or
sympathetic nerves traveling along the aorta through the stomach or
other portion of the gastrointestinal tract. The energy delivery
transducers 730,731 are depicted external to the patient and can be
utilized to augment the therapy being delivered through the stomach
to the celiac ganglion.
[0146] Temporary neurostimulators can also be placed through the
tube, such as, for example, in an ICU setting where temporary
blockage of the autonomic ganglia may be required. Temporary
neurostimulators can be used to over pace the celiac ganglion nerve
fibers and inhibit their function as a nerve synapse. Inhibition of
the celiac ganglion may achieve a similar function as ablation or
modulation of the sympathetic nerves around the renal arteries.
That is, the decrease in the sympathetic activity to the kidneys
(now obtained with a more proximal inhibition) leads to the
lowering of blood pressure in the patient by decreasing the degree
of sympathetic outflow from the sympathetic nerve terminals. In the
celiac ganglia, the blood pressure lowering effect is more profound
given that the celiac ganglia are pre-ganglionic and have more
nerve fibers to a greater number of regions than each renal nerve.
The effect is also likely more permanent than the effect on the
post-ganglionic nerve fibers.
[0147] FIG. 3a illustrates the renal anatomy more specifically in
that the renal nerves 220 extending longitudinally along the renal
artery 200, are located generally within, or just outside the
adventitia, of the outer portion of the artery. Arteries are
typically composed of three layers: the first is the intimal, the
second is the media, and the third is the adventitia. The outer
layer, the adventitia, is a fibrous tissue which contains blood
vessels and nerves. The renal nerves are generally postganglionic
sympathetic nerves although there are some ganglia which exist
distal to the takeoff from the aorta such that some of the nerve
fibers along the renal artery are in fact pre-ganglionic. By the
time the fibers reach the kidney, the majority of the fibers are
post-ganglionic.
[0148] Energy generators 900 deliver energy to the renal nerves
accompanying the renal artery, depositing energy from multiple
directions to target inhibition of the renal nerve complex. The
energy generators can deliver ultrasound energy, ionizing
radiation, light (photon) therapy, or microwave energy to the
region. The energy can be non-focused in the case where a
pharmaceutical agent is targeted to the region to be ablated or
modulated. Preferably, however, the energy is focused, being
applied from multiple angles from outside the body of the patient
to reach the region of interest (e.g. sympathetic nerves
surrounding blood vessels). The energy transducers 900 are placed
in an X-Y-Z coordinate reference frame 950, as are the organs such
as the kidneys. Once in the coordinate reference frame,
cross-sectional imaging using MRI, CT scan, and/or ultrasound is
utilized to couple the internal anatomy to the energy transducers.
The transducers 900 in this embodiment are focused on the region of
the renal nerves at the level of the renal blood vessels, the
arteries and veins.
[0149] When applying ultrasonic energy across the skin to the renal
artery region, energy densities of potentially over 1 MW/cm.sup.2
might be required so as to reach the region of interest. The energy
may be pulsed across the skin in an unfocused manner; however, for
application of heat, the transducers must be focused otherwise the
skin and underlying tissues will receive too much heat. Under
imaging with MRI, temperature can be measured with the MRI image.
When low energy ultrasound is applied to the region, energy
densities in the range of 50 mW/cm.sup.2 to 500 mW/cm.sup.2 may be
applied. Low energy ultrasound may be enough to stun or partially
inhibit the renal nerves. High intensity ultrasound applied to the
region with only a few degrees of temperature rise may have the
same effect and this energy range may be in the 0.5 kW/cm2 to the
500 kW/cm2 range. In some of the embodiments, cooling may be
applied to the skin if the temperature rise is deemed too large to
be acceptable. Alternatively, the ultrasound transducers can be
pulsed or can be alternated with another set of transducers to
effectively spread the heat across the surface of the skin.
[0150] In one method of altering the physiologic process of renal
sympathetic excitation, the region around the renal arteries is
imaged using CT scan, MRI, thermography, infrared imaging, optical
coherence tomography (OCT), photoacoustic imaging, pet imaging,
SPECT imaging, or ultrasound, and the images are placed into a
three dimensional coordinate reference frame. Energy transducers
which can deliver ultrasound, light, radiation, ionizing radiation,
or microwave energy are placed in the same three-dimensional
reference frame as the renal arteries at which time an algorithm
can determine how to direct the transducers to deliver energy to
the region of the nerves. The algorithm consists of a targeting
feature (planning feature) which allows for prediction of the
position and energy deposition of the energy leaving the
transducer. Once the three dimensional coordinate reference frames
are linked or coupled, the planning and prediction algorithm can be
used to precisely position the energy beams at a target in the
body.
[0151] The original imaging utilized to locate the renal
sympathetic region can be used to track the motion of the region
during treatment. For example, the imaging technology used at time
zero is taken as the baseline scan and subsequent scans at time t1
are compared to the baseline scan. The frequency of updates can
range from a single scan every few seconds to many scans per
second. With ultrasound as the imaging technology, the location
might be updated at a frame rate greater than 50 Hz and up to
several hundred Hz or thousand Hz. With MRI as the imaging
modality, the imaging refresh rate might be closer to 30 Hz. In
other embodiments, internally placed fiducials transmit positional
information at a high frequency and this information is utilized to
fuse the target with an initial external imaging apparatus.
Internal fiducials might be one more imageable elements including
doppler signal, regions of blood vessels, ribs, kidneys, blood
vessels other than the target (e.g. vena cava). These fiducials can
be used to track the region being treated and/or to triangulate to
the region to be treated.
[0152] A test dose of energy can be applied to the renal
sympathetic region and then a test performed to determine if an
effect was created. For example, a small amount of heat can be
delivered to the region of the sympathetic nerves and then a test
of sympathetic activity such as microneurometry (detection of
sympathetic nerve activity around muscles and nerves which
correlate with the beating heart) can be performed. Past research
and current clinical data have shown that the sympathetic nerves to
the peripheral muscles are affected by interruption of the renal
afferent nerves. The temperature rise with the small degree of heat
can be determined through the use of MRI thermometry and the
temperature rise can be determined or limited to an amount which is
reversible.
[0153] Alternatively, ultrasonic imaging can be utilized to
determine the approximate temperature rise of the tissue region.
The speed of ultrasonic waves is dependent on temperature and
therefore the relative speed of the ultrasound transmission from a
region being heated will depend on the temperature, therefore
providing measureable variables to monitor. In some embodiments,
microbubbles are utilized to determine the rise in temperature.
Microbubbles expand and then degrade when exposed to increasing
temperature so that they can then predict the temperature of the
region being heated. A technique called ultrasound elastography an
also be utilized. In this embodiment, the elastic properties of
tissue are dependent on temperature and therefore the elastography
may be utilized to track features of temperature change. The
microbubbles can also be utilized to augment the therapeutic effect
of the region being targeted. For example, the microbubbles can be
utilized to release a pharmaceutical when the ultrasound reaches
them.
[0154] In another embodiment, a test may be performed on the
baroreceptor complex at the region of the carotid artery
bifurcation. After the test dose of energy is applied to the renal
artery complex, pressure can be applied to the carotid artery
complex; typically, with an intact baroreceptor complex, the
systemic blood pressure would decrease after application of
pressure to the carotid artery. However, with renal afferent nerves
which have been inhibited, the baroreceptors will not be sensitive
to changes in blood pressure and therefore the efficacy of the
application of the energy to the renal nerves can be
determined.
[0155] Other regions of the autonomic nervous system can also be
affected directly by the technology in this invention by applying
energy from one region to another. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates
a system in which external energy 1020 is applied to a portion of
the autonomic nervous system, the carotid body complex 1000,
through the internal jugular vein 1005, and to the carotid body
1000 and/or vagus nerve 1020 region. Ablative energy or electrical
stimulation energy can be utilized to affect the transmission of
signals to and from these nerves. The transmission in this complex
can be augmented, interrupted, inhibited with over-stimulation, or
a combination of these effects via energy (e.g. ultrasound,
electrical stimulation, etc.)
[0156] A catheter 1010 is advanced into the internal jugular vein
1005 and when in position, stimulation or ablative energy 1020 is
directed toward the autonomic nerves, the vagus nerve, and the
carotid sinus from the catheter positioned in the venous system. A
similar type of catheter can be inserted into the region of the
renal arteries or renal veins to stimulate or inhibit the renal
nerves from the inside of the vessel. For example, a catheter
delivering unfocused ultrasound energy in the range of 50
mW/cm.sup.2 to 50 W/cm.sup.2 can be placed into the renal artery
and the energy transmitted radially around the artery to the
nerves.
[0157] This therapy can be delivered on an acute basis such as for
example in an ICU or critical care setting. In such a case, the
therapy would be acute and intermittent, with the source outside
the patient and the catheter within the patient as shown in FIG. 4.
The therapy can be utilized during times of stress for the patient
such that the sympathetic system is slowed down. After the
intensive care admission is nearing a close, the catheter and unit
can be removed from the patient.
[0158] FIGS. 5a-b illustrates the eye in close up detail with
sympathetic nerves surrounding the posterior of the eye. In the
eye, glaucoma is a problem of world-wide importance. The most
commonly prescribed medication to treat glaucoma is timoptic, which
is a non-selective .beta.1 and .beta.2 (adrenergic) antagonist.
Compliance with this pharmaceutical is a major problem and limits
its effectiveness in preventing the complications of glaucoma, the
major complication being progression of visual dysfunction.
[0159] Ultrasound, or other energy transducers 7000, can be applied
to focus energy from an external region (e.g. a distance from the
eye in an external location) anterior to the eye or to a region
posteriorly behind the eye 2500 on the sympathetic 2010 or
parasympathetic ganglia, all of which will affect lowering of
intra-ocular pressure. The energy transducers 700 apply ablative or
near ablative energy to the adventitia of the blood vessel. In some
embodiments, the energy is not ablative but vibratory at
frequencies and penetration depths sufficient to inhibit the
function of the nerves which are responsible for intra-ocular
pressure.
[0160] FIG. 5b depicts the anatomy behind the eye. In this
illustration, a catheter 2000 is tunneled through the vasculature
to the region of the sympathetic nerves surrounding the arteries of
the eye 2010 and utilized to ablate, stun, or otherwise modulate
the efferent and/or afferent nerves through the wall of the
vasculature.
[0161] FIG. 6 illustrates an overall schematic of the renal artery,
renal vein, the collecting system, and the more distal vessels and
collecting system within the renal parenchyma. The individual
nerves of the autonomic nervous system typically follow the body
vasculature and they are shown in close proximity 3000 to the renal
artery as the artery enters the kidney 3100 proper. Any one or
multiple of these structures can influence the function of the
kidney. Ablative or non-ablative energy can be applied to the renal
vein, the renal artery, the aorta or the vena cava, the renal
hilum, the renal parenchyma, the renal medulla, the renal cortex,
etc.
[0162] In one embodiment, selective lesions, constrictions or
implants 3200 are placed in the calyces of the kidney to control or
impede blood flow to specific regions of the kidney. Such lesions
or implants can be placed on the arterial 3010 or venous sides 3220
of the kidney. In some embodiments, the lesions/implants are
created so as to selectively block certain portions of the
sympathetic nerves within the kidney. The lesions also may be
positioned so as to ablate regions of the kidney which produce
hormones, such as renin, which can be detrimental to a patient in
excess. The implants or constrictions can be placed in the aorta
3210 or the renal vein 3220. The implants can be active implants,
generating stimulating energy chronically or multiple ablative or
inhibitory doses discretely over time.
[0163] In the renal vein, the implants might cause an increase in
the pressure within the kidney which will prevent the downward
spiral of systolic heart failure described above. That is, once the
pressure in the kidney is restored or artificially elevated by
increased venous pressure, the relative renal hypotension signaling
to retain electrolytes and water will not be present any longer and
the kidney will "feel" full and the renal sympathetic stimulation
will be turned off. In one embodiment, a stent which creates a
stenosis is implanted using a catheter delivery system 3000. In
another embodiment, a stricture is created using heat delivered
either externally or internally. In one embodiment, an implant is
placed between girota's fascia and the cortex of the kidney.
[0164] FIG. 7a depicts at least partial ablation of the renal
sympathetic nerves 4400 to the kidney using an imaging system such
as an MRI machine or CT scanner 4000. The MRI/CT scan can be linked
to a focused ultrasound (HIFU) machine to perform the ablations of
the sympathetic nerves 4400 around the region of the renal artery
4500. The MRI/CT scan performs the imaging 4010 and transmits data
(e.g. three dimensional representations of the regions of interest)
to the ultrasound controller which then directs the ultrasound to
target the region of interest with low intensity ultrasound
(50-1000 mW/cm2) heat (>1000 mW/cm2), cavitation, or a
combination of these modalities and/or including introduction of
enhancing agents locally or systemically (sonodynamic therapy).
Optionally, a doppler ultrasound or other 3D/4D ultrasound is
performed and the data pushed to the MRI system to assist with
localization of the pathology; alternatively, the ultrasound data
are utilized to directly control the direction of the energy being
used to target the physiologic processes and CT/MRI is not
obtained. Using this imaging and ablation system from a position
external to a patient, many regions of the kidney can be treated
such as the internal calyces, the cortex, the medulla, the hilum
and the region near to the aorta.
[0165] Further parameters which can be measured include temperature
via thermal spectroscopy using MRI or ultrasound
thermometry/elastography; thermal imaging is a well-known feature
of MRI scanners; the data for thermal spectroscopy exists within
the MRI scan and can be extrapolated from the recorded data in real
time by comparing regions of interest before and after or during
treatment. Temperature data overlaid on the MRI scan enables the
operator of the machine to visualize the increase in temperature
and therefore the location of the heating to insure that the
correct region has indeed been ablated and that excessive energy is
not applied to the region. Having temperature data also enables
control of the ablation field as far as applying the correct
temperature for ablation to the nerves. Furthermore, other
spectroscopic parameters can be determined using the MRI scan such
as oxygenation, blood flow, or other physiologic and functional
parameters. In one embodiment, an alternating magnetic field is
used to over-stimulate or inhibit an autonomic nerve (e.g. to or
from the kidney).
[0166] Elastography is a technique in which the shear waves of the
ultrasound beam and reflectance are detected. The tissue
characteristics change as the tissue is heated and the tissue
properties change. An approximate temperature can be assigned to
the tissue based on elastography and the progress of the heating
can be monitored.
[0167] MRI scanners 4000 generally consist of a magnet and an RF
coil. The magnet might be an electromagnet or a permanent magnet.
The coil is typically a copper coil which generates a
radiofrequency field. Recently, permanent magnets have been
utilized to create scanners which are able to be used in almost any
setting, for example a private office setting. Office based MRI
scanners enable imaging to be performed quickly in the convenience
of a physicians offices as well as requiring less magnetic force
(less than 0.5 Tesla) and as a consequence, less shielding. The
lower tesla magnets also provides for special advantages as far as
diversity of imaging and resolution of certain features.
Importantly, the permanent magnet MRI scanners are open scanners
and do not encapsulate the patient during the scan.
[0168] In one embodiment, a permanent magnet MRI is utilized to
obtain an MRI image of the region of interest 4010. High intensity
focused 4100 ultrasound is used to target the region of interest
4600 identified using the MRI.
[0169] Image 4010 is monitored by a health care professional to
ensure that the region of interest is being treated and can stop
the therapy if the region is not being treated. Alternatively, an
imaging algorithm can be initiated in which the region of interest
is identified and then subsequent images are compared to the
initial demarcated region of interest.
[0170] Perhaps, most importantly, with MRI, the region around the
renal arteries can be easily imaged as can any other region such as
the eye, brain, prostate, breast, liver, colon, spleen, aorta, hip,
knee, spine, venous tree, and pancreas. The imaging from the MRI
can be utilized to precisely focus the ultrasound beam to the
region of interest around the renal arteries or elsewhere in the
body. With MRI, the actual nerves to be modified or modulated can
be directly visualized and targeted with the energy delivered
through the body from the ultrasound transducers. One disadvantage
of MRI can be the frame acquisition (difficulty in tracking the
target) rate as well as the cost of introducing an MRI machine into
the treatment paradigm.
[0171] FIG. 7b depicts a method of treating a region with high
intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). Imaging with an MRI 4520 or
Doppler ultrasound 4510 (or preferably both) is performed. MRI can
be used to directly or indirectly (e.g. using functional MRI or
spectroscopy) to visualize the sympathetic nerves. T1 weighted or
T2 weighted images can be obtained using the MRI scanner. In
addition to anatomic imaging, the MRI scanner can also obtain
temperature data regarding the effectiveness of the ablation zone
as well as the degree to which the zone is being heated and which
parts of the zones are being heated. Other spectroscopic parameters
can be added as well such as blood flow and even nerve activity.
Ultrasound can be used to add blood flow to the images using
Doppler imaging. The spectroscopic data can be augmented by imaging
moieties such as particles, imaging agents, or particles coupled to
imaging agents which are injected into the patient intravenously,
or locally, and proximal to the region of the renal arteries; these
imaging moieties may be visualized on MRI, ultrasound, or CT scan.
Ultrasound can also be utilized to determine information regarding
heating. The reflectance of the ultrasonic waves changes as the
temperature of the tissue changes. By comparing the initial images
with the subsequent images after heating, the temperature changes
can be determined.
[0172] In one embodiment, the kidneys are detected by a
cross-sectional imaging modality such as MRI, ultrasound, or CT
scan. Next, the imaging data is placed into a three dimensional
coordinate system which is linked to one or more ultrasound (e.g.
HIFU) transducers which focus ultrasound onto the region of the
renal arteries in the coordinate frame. The linking, or coupling,
of the imaging to the therapeutic transducers is accomplished by
determining the 3 dimensional position of the target by creating an
anatomic model. The transducers are placed in a relative three
dimensional coordinate frame as well. For example, the transducers
can be placed in the imaging field during the MRI or CT scan such
that the cross-sectional pictures include the transducers.
[0173] Alternatively, in another embodiment, ultrasound is utilized
and the ultrasound image can be directly correlated to the origin
of the imaging transducer. The therapeutic transducer in some
embodiments is the same as the imaging transducer and therefore the
therapeutic transducer is by definition coupled in a coordinate
reference once the imaging transducer coordinates are known. If the
therapeutic transducer and the imaging transducer are different
devices, then they can be coupled by knowledge of the relative
position of the two devices. The region of interest (ROI) is
highlighted in a software algorithm . . . for example, the renal
arteries, the calyces, the medullary region, the cortex, the renal
hila, the celiac ganglia, the aorta, or any of the veins of the
venous system as well. In another embodiment, the adrenal gland,
the vessels traveling to the adrenal gland, or the autonomic nerves
traveling to the adrenal gland are targeted with focused ultrasound
and then either the medulla or the cortex of the adrenal gland or
the nerves and arteries leading to the gland are partially or fully
ablated with ultrasonic energy.
[0174] The targeting region or focus of the ultrasound is the point
of maximal intensity. In some embodiments, targeting focus is
placed in the center of the artery such that the walls on either
side receive equivalent amounts of energy or power and can be
heated more evenly than if one wall of the blood vessel is
targeted. In some embodiments in which a blood vessel is targeted
which has a closely surrounding vein (e.g. the renal artery/vein
pedicle), the center of the focus might be placed at the boundary
of the vein and the artery.
[0175] Once the transducers are energized after the region is
targeted, the tissue is heated 4560 and a technique such as MRI
thermography 4570 or ultrasound thermography is utilized to
determine the tissue temperature. During the assessment of
temperature, the anatomic data from the MRI scan or the Doppler
ultrasound is then referenced to ensure the proper degree of
positioning and the degree of energy transduction is again further
assessed by the modeling algorithm 4545 to set the parameters for
the energy transducers 4550. If there is movement of the target,
the transducers may have to be turned off and the patient
repositioned.
[0176] Ablation can also be augmented using agents such as magnetic
nanoparticles or liposomal nanoparticles which are responsive to a
radiofrequency field generated by a magnet. These particles can be
selectively heated by the magnetic field. The particles can also be
enhanced such that they will target specific organs and tissues
using targeting moieties such as antibodies, peptides, etc. In
addition to the delivery of heat, the particles can be activated to
deliver drugs, bioactive agents, or imaging agents at the region at
which action is desired (e.g. the renal artery). The particles can
be introduced via an intravenous route, a subcutaneous route, or a
percutaneous route.
[0177] The addition of Doppler ultrasound 4510 may be provided as
well. The renal arteries are (if renal arteries or regions
surrounding the arteries are the target) placed in a 3D coordinate
reference frame 4530 using a software algorithm with or without the
help of fiducial markers. Data is supplied to ultrasound
transducers 4540 from a heat modeling algorithm 4545 and the
transducers are energized with the appropriate phase and power to
heat the region of the renal artery to between 40 degrees C. and 90
degrees C. within a time span of several minutes. The position
within the 3D coordinate reference is also integrated into the
treatment algorithm so that the ultrasound transducers can be moved
into the appropriate position. The ultrasound transducers may have
frequencies below 1 megahertz (MHz), from 1-20 MHz, or above 30
Mhz. The transducers may be in the form of a phased array, either
linear or curved, or the transducers may be mechanically moved so
as to focus ultrasound to the target of interest. In addition, MRI
thermography 4570 can be utilized so as to obtain the actual
temperature of the tissue being heated. These data can be further
fed back to the system to slow down or speed up the process of
ablation 4560 via the transducers 4550.
[0178] Aside from focused ultrasound, ultrasonic waves can be
utilized directly to either heat an area or to activate
pharmaceuticals in the region of interest. There are several
methodologies to enhance drug delivery using focused ultrasound.
For example, particles can release pharmaceutical when they are
heated by the magnetic field. Liposomes can release a payload when
they are activated with focused ultrasound. Ultrasound waves have a
natural focusing ability if a transducer is placed in the vicinity
of the target and the target contains an activateable moiety such
as a bioactive drug or material (e.g. a nanoparticle sensitive to
acoustic waves). Examples of sonodynamically activated moieties
include some porphyrin derivatives.
[0179] So as to test the region of interest and the potential
physiologic effect of ablation in that region, the region can be
partially heated with the focused ultrasound to stun or partially
ablate the nerves. Next, a physiologic test such as the testing of
blood pressure or measuring norepinephrine levels in the blood can
be performed to ensure that the correct region was indeed targeted
for ablation. Depending on the parameter, additional treatments may
be performed.
[0180] In another embodiment, a fiducial is utilized to demarcate
the region of interest. A fiducial can be intrinsic (e.g. part of
the anatomy) or the fiducial can be extrinsic (e.g. placed in
position). For example, the fiducial can be an implanted fiducial,
a fiducial or device placed in the blood vessels, or a device
placed percutaneously through a catheterization or other procedure.
The fiducial can also be a bone, such as a rib, or another internal
organ, for example, the liver. In one embodiment, the fiducial is a
beacon or balloon or balloon with a beacon which is detectable via
ultrasound. In one embodiment, the blood flow in the renal
arteries, detected via Doppler or B-mode imaging, is the fiducial
and its relative direction is determined via Doppler analysis.
Next, the renal arteries, and specifically, the region around the
renal arteries are placed into a three dimensional coordinate frame
utilizing the internal fiducials. A variant of global positioning
system technology can be utilized to track the fiducials within the
artery or around the arteries. The three dimensional coordinate
frame is transmitted to the therapeutic ultrasound transducers and
then the transducers and anatomy are coupled to the same coordinate
frame. At this point, the HIFU is delivered from the transducers,
calculating the position of the transducers based on the position
of the target in the reference frame.
[0181] In one embodiment, a virtual fiducial is created via an
imaging system. For example, in the case of a blood vessel such as
the renal artery, an image of the blood vessel using B-mode
ultrasound can be obtained which correlates to the blood vessel
being viewed in direct cross section (1700; FIG. 17C). When the
vessel is viewed in this type of view, the center of the vessel can
be aligned with the center of an ultrasound array (e.g. HIFU array
1600) and the transducers can be focused and applied to the vessel,
applying heat to regions around the vessels 1680. With different
positions of the transducers 1610 along a circumference or
hemisphere 1650, varying focal points can be created 1620, 1630,
1640. The directionality of the transducers allows for a lesion
which runs lengthwise along the vessel 1620, 1630, 1640. Thus, a
longitudinal lesion can be produced along the artery to insure
maximal inhibition of nerve function. In some embodiments, the
center of the therapeutic ultrasound transducer is off center
relative to the center of the vessel so that the energy is applied
across the vessel wall at an angle.
[0182] In this method of treatment, an artery such as a renal
artery is viewed in cross-section or close to a cross-section under
ultrasound guidance. In this position, the blood vessel is
substantially parallel to the axis of the spherical transducer so
as to facilitate lesion production. The setup of the ultrasound
transducers 1600 has previously been calibrated to create multiple
focal lesions 1620, 1630, 1640 along the artery if the artery is in
cross-section 1680.
[0183] In one embodiment, the fiducial is an intravascular fiducial
such as a balloon or a hermetically sealed transmitting device. The
balloon is detectable via radiotransmitter within the balloon which
is detectable by the external therapeutic transducers. The balloon
can have three transducers, each capable of relaying their position
so that the balloon can be placed in a three dimensional coordinate
reference.
[0184] Once the balloon is placed into the same coordinate frame as
the external transducers using the transmitting beacon, the energy
transducing devices can deliver energy (e.g. focused ultrasound) to
the blood vessel (e.g. the renal arteries) or the region
surrounding the blood vessels (e.g. the renal nerves). The balloon
and transmitters also enable the ability to definitively track the
vasculature in the case of movement (e.g. the renal arteries). In
another embodiment, the balloon measures temperature or is a
conduit for coolant applied during the heating of the artery or
nerves.
[0185] Delivery of therapeutic ultrasound energy to the tissue
inside the body is accomplished via the ultrasound transducers
which are directed to deliver the energy to the target in the
coordinate frame.
[0186] Once the target is placed in the coordinate frame and the
energy delivery is begun, it is important to maintain targeting of
the position, particularly when the target is a small region such
as the sympathetic nerves. To this end, the position of the region
of ablation is compared to its baseline position, both in a three
dimensional coordinate reference frame. The ongoing positional
monitoring and information is fed into an algorithm which
determines the new targeting direction of the energy waves toward
the target. In one embodiment, if the position is too far from the
original position (e.g. the patient moves), then the energy
delivery is stopped and the patient repositioned. If the position
is not too far from the original position, then the energy
transducers can be repositioned either mechanically (e.g. through
physical movement) or electrically via phased array (e.g. by
changing the relative phase of the waves emanating from the
transducers). In another embodiment, multiple transducers are
placed on the patient in different positions and each is turned on
or off to result in the necessary energy delivery. With a multitude
of transducers placed on the patient, a greater territory can be
covered with the therapeutic ultrasound. The therapeutic positions
can also serve as imaging positions for intrinsic and/or extrinsic
fiducials.
[0187] In addition to heat delivery, ultrasound can be utilized to
deliver cavitating energy which may enable drug delivery at certain
frequencies. Cavitating energy can also lead to ablation of tissue
at the area of the focus. A systemic dose of a drug can be
delivered to the region of interest and the region targeted with
the cavitating or other forms of ultrasonic energy. Other types of
therapeutic delivery modalities include ultrasound sensitive
bubbles or radiation sensitive nanoparticles, all of which enhance
the effect of the energy at the target of interest.
[0188] Ultrasound may also be utilized to create tumor vaccines in
vivo. In this embodiment, sub-ablative doses of energy is applied
to a tumor to induce a stress response or to heat shock response to
increase the anti-tumor or immune response to the tumor. The energy
can be applied from an external position to and internal position
or from an internal position to an external position.
[0189] FIG. 8a depicts a percutaneous procedure 5000 and device
5010 in which the region around the renal artery 5030 is directly
approached through the skin from an external position. A
combination of imaging and ablation may be performed to ablate the
region around the renal artery to treat hypertension, end stage
renal disease, and heart failure. Probe 5010 is positioned through
the skin and in proximity to the kidney 5030. The probe may include
sensors which detect heat or temperature or may enable augmentation
of the therapeutic energy delivery. Ablative, ionizing energy,
heat, or light may be applied to the region to inhibit the
sympathetic nerves around the renal artery using the probe 510.
Ultrasound, radiofrequency, microwave, direct heating elements, and
balloons with heat or energy sources may be applied to the region
of the sympathetic nerves.
[0190] In one embodiment, the percutaneous procedure is performed
under MRI, CT, or ultrasound guidance to obtain localization or
information about the degree of heat being applied. In one
embodiment, ultrasound is applied but at a sub-ablative dose. That
is, the energy level is enough to damage or inhibit the nerves but
the temperature is such that the nerves are not ablated but
paralyzed or partially inhibited by the energy. A particularly
preferred embodiment would be to perform the procedure under
guidance from an MRI scanner because the region being heated can be
determined anatomically in real time as well via temperature maps.
As described above the images after heating can be compared to
those at baseline and the signals are compared at the different
temperatures.
[0191] In one embodiment, selective regions of the kidney are
ablated through the percutaneous access route; for example, regions
which secrete hormones which are detrimental to a patient or to the
kidneys or other organs. Using energy applied external to the
patient through the skin and from different angles affords the
ability to target any region in or on the kidney or along the renal
nerves or at the region of the adrenal gland, aorta, or sympathetic
chain. This greater breadth in the number of regions to be targeted
is enabled by the combination of external imaging and external
delivery of the energy from a multitude of angles through the skin
of the patient to the target. The renal nerves can be targeted at
their takeoff from the aorta onto the renal artery, at their
synapses at the celiac ganglia, or at their bifurcation point along
the renal artery.
[0192] In a further embodiment, probe 5010 can be utilized to
detect temperature or motion of the region while the ultrasound
transducers are applying the energy to the region. A motion sensor,
position beacon, or accelerometer can be used to provide feedback
for the HIFU transducers. In addition, an optional temperature or
imaging modality may be placed on the probe 5010. The probe 5010
can also be used to locate the position within the laparoscopic
field for the ablations to be performed.
[0193] In FIG. 8b, intravascular devices 5050, 5055 are depicted
which apply energy to the region around the renal arteries 5065.
The intravascular devices can be utilized to apply radiofrequency,
ionizing radiation, and/or ultrasound (either focused or unfocused)
energy to the renal artery and surrounding regions. MRI or
ultrasound or direct thermometry can be further utilized to detect
the region where the heat is being applied while the intravascular
catheter is in place.
[0194] In one embodiment, devices 5050, 5055 apply ultrasound
energy which inhibits nerve function not by heating, but by
mechanisms such as periodic pressure changes, radiation pressure,
streaming or flow in viscous media, and pressures associated with
cavitation, defined as the formation of holes in liquid media. Heat
can selectively be added to these energies but not to create a
temperature which ablates the nerves, only facilitates the
mechanism of vibration and pressure. In this embodiment, the
ultrasound is not focused but radiates outward from the source to
essentially create a cylinder of ultrasonic waves that intersect
with the wall of the blood vessel. An interfacial material between
the ultrasound transducer and the wall of the artery may be
provided such that the ultrasound is efficiently transduced through
the arterial wall to the region of the nerves around the artery. In
another embodiment, the ultrasound directly enters the blood and
propagates through the ultrasound wall to affect the nerves. In
some embodiments, cooling is provided around the ultrasound
catheter which protects the inside of the vessel yet allows the
ultrasound to penetrate through the wall to the regions outside the
artery. A stabilization method for the ultrasound probe is also
included in such a procedure. The stabilization method might
include a stabilizing component added to the probe and may include
a range finding element component of the ultrasound. Imaging can be
performed externally or internally in this embodiment in which a
catheter is placed inside the renal ateries.
[0195] Alternatively, in another embodiment, the devices 5050, 5055
can be utilized to direct externally applied energy (e.g.
ultrasound) to the correct place around the artery as the HIFU
transducers deliver the energy to the region. For example, the
intravascular probe 5050 can be utilized as a homing beacon for the
imaging technology utilized for the externally delivered HIFU.
[0196] In another embodiment, the physiologic process of arterial
expansion is targeted. In FIG. 9a, an ultrasound transducer is 6005
is placed near the wall of an aneurysm 6030. Ultrasonic energy is
applied to the wall 6030 of the aneurysm to thicken the wall and
prevent further expansion of the aneurysm. In some embodiments,
clot within the aneurysm is targeted as well so that the clot is
broken up or dissolved with the ultrasonic energy. Once the wall of
the aneurysm is heated with ultrasonic energy to a temperature of
between 40 and 70 degrees, the collagen, elastin, and other
extracellular matrix in the wall will harden as it cools, thereby
preventing the wall from further expansion. In another embodiment,
a material is placed in the aneurysm sac and the focused or
non-focused ultrasound utilized to harden or otherwise induce the
material in the sac to stick to the aorta or clot in the aneurysm
and thus close the aneurysm permanently. In one embodiment
therefore, an ultrasound catheter is placed in an aorta at the
region of an aneurysm wall or close to a material in an aneurysmal
wall. The material can be a man-made material placed by an operator
or it can be material such as thrombus which is in the aneurysm
naturally. Ultrasound is applied to the wall, or the material,
resulting in hardening of the wall or of the material,
strengthening the aneurysm wall and preventing expansion.
[0197] FIG. 9b depicts a clot prevention device 6012 within a blood
vessel such as the aorta or vena cava 6000. The ultrasound catheter
6005 is applied to the clot prevention device (filter) 6012 so as
to remove the clot from the device or to free the device 6012 from
the wall of the blood vessel in order to remove it from the blood
vessel 6000.
[0198] FIG. 9c depicts a device and method in which the celiac
plexus 6020 close to the aorta 6000 is ablated or partially heated
using heat or vibrational energy from an ultrasonic energy source
6005 which can apply focused or unfocused sound waves 6007 at
frequencies ranging from 20 kilohertz to 5 Mhz and at powers
ranging from 1 mW to over 100 kW in a focused or unfocused manner.
Full, or partial ablation of the celiac plexus 6020 can result in a
decrease in blood pressure via a similar mechanism as applying
ultrasonic energy to the renal nerves; the ablation catheter is a
focused ultrasound catheter but can also be a direct (unfocused)
ultrasonic, a microwave transducer, or a resistive heating
element.
[0199] FIG. 10 depicts a method 6100 to treat a patient with high
intensity or low intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU or LIFU) 6230.
In a first step, a CT and/or MRI scan and/or thermography and/or
ultrasound (1D, 2D, 3D) is performed 6110. A fiducial or other
marking on or in the patient 6120 is optionally used to mark and
track 6140 the patient. The fiducial can be an implanted fiducial,
a temporary fiducial, or a fiducial intrinsic to the patient (e.g.
bone, blood vessel, arterial wall) which can be imaged using the
CT/MRI/Ultrasound devices 6110. The fiducial can further be a
temporary fiducial such as a catheter temporarily placed in an
artery or vein of a patient or a percutaneously placed catheter. A
planning step 6130 for the HIFU treatment is performed in which
baseline readings such as position of the organ and temperature are
determined; a HIFU treatment is then planned using a model (e.g.
finite element model) to predict heat transfer, or pressure to heat
transfer, from the ultrasound transducers 6130. The planning step
incorporates the information on the location of the tissue or
target from the imaging devices 6110 and allows placement of the
anatomy into a three dimensional coordinate reference such that
modeling 6130 can be performed.
[0200] The planning step 6130 includes determination of the
positioning of the ultrasound transducers as far as position of the
focus in the patient. X, Y, Z, and up to three angular coordinates
are used to determine the position of the ultrasonic focus in the
patient based on the cross sectional imaging 6110. The HIFU
transducers might have their own position sensors built in so that
the position relative to the target can be assessed. Alternatively,
the HIFU transducers can be rigidly fixed to the table on which the
patient rests so that the coordinates relative to the table and the
patient are easily obtainable. The flow of heat is also modeled in
the planning step 6130 so that the temperature at a specific
position with the ultrasound can be planned and predicted. For
example, the pressure wave from the transducer is modeled as it
penetrates through the tissue to the target. For the most part, the
tissue can be treated as water with a minimal loss due to
interfaces. The relative power and phase of the ultrasonic wave at
the target can be determined by the positional coupling between the
probe and target. A convective heat transfer term is added to model
heat transfer due to blood flow, particularly in the region of an
artery. A conductive heat transfer term is also modeled in the
equation for heat flow and temperature.
[0201] Another variable which is considered in the planning step is
the size of the lesion and the error in its position. In the
ablation of small regions such as nerves surrounding blood vessels,
the temperature of the regions may need to be increased to a
temperature of 60-90 degrees Celsius to permanently ablate nerves
in the region. Temperatures of 40-60 degrees may temporarily
inhibit or block the nerves in these regions and these temperatures
can be used to determine that a patient will respond to a specific
treatment without permanently ablating the nerve region.
Subsequently, additional therapy can be applied at a later time so
as to complete the job or perhaps, re-inhibit the nerve
regions.
[0202] An error analysis is also performed during the treatment
contemplated in FIG. 10. Each element of temperature and position
contains an error variable which propagates through the equation of
the treatment. The errors are modeled to obtain a virtual
representation of the temperature mapped to position. This map is
correlated to the position of the ultrasound transducers in the
treatment of the region of interest.
[0203] During the delivery of the treatment 6260, the patient may
move, in which case the fiducials 6120 track the movement and the
position of the treatment zone is re-analyzed 6150 and the
treatment is restarted or the transducers are moved either
mechanically or electrically to a new focus position.
[0204] In another embodiment, a cross-sectional technique of
imaging is used in combination with a modality such as ultrasound
to create a fusion type of image. The cross-sectional imaging is
utilized to create a three dimensional data set of the anatomy. The
ultrasound, providing two dimensional images, is linked to the
three dimensional imaging provided by the cross-sectional machine
through fiducial matches between the ultrasound and the MRI. As a
body portion moves within the ultrasound field, the corresponding
data is determined (coupled to) the cross-sectional (e.g. MRI
image) and a viewing station can show the movement in the three
dimensional dataset. The ultrasound provides real time images and
the coupling to the MRI or other cross-sectional image depicts the
ultrasound determined position in the three dimensional space.
[0205] FIG. 11 depicts the treatment of another disease in the body
of a patient, this time in the head of a patient. Subdural and
epidural hematomas occur as a result of bleeding of blood vessels
in the dural or epidural spaces of the brain, spinal column, and
scalp. FIG. 11 depicts a CT or MRI scanner 7300 and a patient 7400
therein. An image is obtained of the brain 7000 using a CT or MRI
scan. The image is utilized to couple the treatment zone 7100 to
the ultrasound array utilized to heat the region. In one embodiment
7100, a subdural hematoma, either acute or chronic, is treated. In
another embodiment 7200, an epidural hematoma is treated. In both
embodiments, the region of leaking capillaries and blood vessels
are heated to stop the bleeding, or in the case of a chronic
subdural hematoma, the oozing of the inflammatory capillaries.
[0206] In an exemplary embodiment of modulating physiologic
processes, a patient 7400 with a subdural or epidural hematoma is
chosen for treatment and a CT scan or MRI 7300 is obtained of the
treatment region. Treatment planning ensues and the chronic region
of the epidural 7200 or sub-dural 7010 hematoma is targeted for
treatment with the focused ultrasound 7100 transducer technology.
Next the target of interest is placed in a coordinate reference
frame as are the ultrasound transducers. Therapy 7100 ensues once
the two are couple together. The focused ultrasound heats the
region of the hematoma to dissolve the clot and/or stop the leakage
from the capillaries which lead to the accumulation of fluid around
the brain 7420. The technology can be used in place of or in
addition to a burr hole, which is a hole placed through the scalp
to evacuate the fluid.
[0207] FIG. 12 depicts a laparoscopic based approach 8000 to the
renal artery region in which the sympathetic nerves 8210 can be
ligated, interrupted, or otherwise modulated. In laparoscopy, the
abdomen of a patient is insufflated and laparoscopic instruments
introduced into the insufflated abdomen. The retroperitoneum is
accessible through a flank approach or through a transabdominal
approach. A laparoscopic instrument 8200 with a distal tip 8220 can
apply heat or another form of energy or deliver a drug to the
region of the sympathetic nerves 8210. The laparoscopic implement
can also be utilized to ablate or alter the region of the celiac
plexus 8300 and surrounding ganglia. The laparoscope can have an
ultrasound transducer attached, a temperature probe attached, a
microwave transducer attached, or a radiofrequency transducer
attached. The laparoscope can be utilized to directly ablate or
stun the nerves(e.g. with a lower frequency/energy) surrounding
vessels or can be used to ablate or stun nerve ganglia which travel
with the blood vessels. Similar types of modeling and imaging can
be utilized with the percutaneous approach as with the external
approach to the renal nerves.
[0208] FIG. 13 depicts an algorithm for the treatment of a region
of interest. MRI and/or CT with or without a imaging agent 8410 can
be utilized to demarcate the region of interest (for example, the
ablation zone) and then ablation 8420 can be performed around the
zone identified by the agent using any of the modalities above.
This algorithm is applicable to any of the therapeutic modalities
described above including external HIFU, laparoscopic instruments,
intravascular catheters, percutaneous catheters, as well as any of
the treatment regions including the renal nerves, the eye, the
kidneys, the aorta, or any of the other nerves surrounding
peripheral arteries or veins. Imaging 8430 with CT, MRI,
ultrasound, or PET can be utilized in real time. At such time when
destruction of the lesion is complete 8440, imaging with an imaging
(for example, a molecular imaging agent or a contrast agent such as
gadolinium) agent 8410 can be performed again. The extent of
ablation can also be monitored by monitoring the temperature or the
appearance of the ablated zone under an imaging modality. Once
lesion destruction is complete 8440, the procedure is finished. In
some embodiments, ultrasonic diagnostic techniques such as
elastography are utilized to determine the progress toward heating
or ablation of a region.
[0209] FIG. 14 depicts ablation in which specific nerve fibers of a
nerve are targeted using different temperature gradients or
temperatures 8500. For example, if temperature is determined by MRI
thermometry or with another technique such as ultrasound, then the
temperature can be kept at a temperature in which only certain
nerve fibers are targeted for destruction or inhibition.
Alternatively, part or all of the nerve can be turned off
temporarily to then test the downstream effect of the nerve being
turned off. For example, the sympathetic nerves around the renal
artery can be turned off with a small amount of heat or other
energy (e.g. vibrational energy) and then the effect can be
determined. For example, norepinephrine levels in the systemic
blood or renal vein can be assayed; alternatively, the stimulation
effect of the nerves can be tested after temporary cessation of
activity (e.g. skin reactivy, blood pressure lability, cardiac
activity, pulmonary activity. Varying frequencies of vibration can
be utilized to inhibit specific nerve fibers versus others. For
example, in some embodiments, the efferent nerve fibers are
inhibited and in other embodiments, the afferent nerve fibers are
inhibited. In some embodiments, both types of nerve fibers are
inhibited, temporarily or permanently.
[0210] FIG. 15 depicts treatment 8600 of a vertebral body or
intervertebral disk 8610 in which nerves within 8640 or around the
vertebral column 8630 are targeted with ultrasound 8625 waves. In
one embodiment, nerves around the facet joints are targeted. In
another embodiment, nerves leading to the disks or vertebral
endplates are targeted.
[0211] FIG. 16 depicts a set of lesion types, sizes, and anatomies
8710a-h which lead to de-innervation of the different portions of
the sympathetic nerve tree. For example, the lesions can be
annular, cigar shaped, linear, doughnut and/or spherical; the
lesions can be placed around the renal arteries 8705, inside the
kidney 8710, and/or around the aorta 8700. For example, the renal
arterial tree 8700 comprises renal arteries 8705 and kidneys 8715.
Lesions 8710a-h are different types of lesions which are created
around the aorta 8700 and vascular tree. Lesions can be placed in a
spiral shape along the length of the artery.
[0212] FIG. 17a depicts a multi-transducer HIFU device 1100 which
applies a finite lesion 1150 along an artery 1140 (e.g. a renal
artery) leading to a kidney 1130. The lesion can be spherical in
shape, cigar shaped 1050, annular shaped 1050, or point shaped;
however, in a preferred embodiment, the lesion runs along the
length of the artery and has a cigar shaped. This lesion is
generated by a spherical type of ultrasound array in a preferred
embodiment. FIG. 17c depicts the pathway of the spherical or
cylindrical type of ultrasound array 1600. Ultrasound transducers
1610 are aligned along the edge of a cylinder aimed so that they
intersect at one or more focal spots 1620, 1630, 1640. The
transducers 1610 are positioned along the cylinder 1650 such that
some are closer to one focus or the other so that a range of
distances to the artery is created. The patient and artery are
positioned such that their centers 1700 co-localize with the center
of the ultrasound array 1600. Once the centers are co-localized,
the HIFU energy can be activated to create lesions along the length
of the artery wall 1640, 1620, 1630 at different depths and
positions around the artery. The natural focusing of the
transducers positioned along a cylinder as in FIG. 17b is a
lengthwise lesion, longer than in thickness or height, which will
run along the length of an artery when the artery is placed along
the center axis of the cylinder. When viewed along a cross section
the nerve ablations are positioned along a clock face 1680 around
the vessel.
[0213] Importantly, during treatment, a treatment workstation 1300
gives multiple views of the treatment zone with both physical
appearance and anatomy 1050. Physical modeling is performed in
order to predict lesion depth and the time to produce the lesion;
this information is fed back to the ultrasound transducers 1100.
The position of the lesion is also constantly monitored in a three
dimensional coordinate frame and the transducer focus at lesions
center 1150 continually updated.
[0214] In some embodiments, motion tracking prevents the lesion or
patient from moving too far out of the treatment zone during the
ablation. If the patient does move outside the treatment zone
during the therapy, then the therapy can be stopped. Motion
tracking can be performed using the ultrasound transducers,
tracking frames and position or with transducers from multiple
angles, creating a three dimensional image with the transducers.
Alternatively, a video imaging system can be used to track patient
movements, as can a series of accelerometers positioned on the
patient which indicate movement.
[0215] FIG. 18 depicts a micro-catheter 8810 which can be placed
into renal calyces 8820; this catheter allows the operator to
specifically ablate or stimulate 8830 regions of the kidney 8800.
The catheter can be used to further allow for targeting of the
region around the renal arteries and kidneys by providing
additional imaging capability or by assisting in movement tracking
or reflection of the ultrasound waves to create or position the
lesion. The catheter or device at or near the end of the catheter
may transmit signals outside the patient to direct an energy
delivery device which delivers energy through the skin. Signaling
outside the patient may comprise energies such as radiofrequency
transmission outside the patient or radiofrequency from outside to
the inside to target the region surrounding the catheter.
[0216] In one method, a micro catheter is delivered to the renal
arteries and into the branches of the renal arteries in the kidney.
A signal is generated from the catheter into the kidney and out of
the patient to an energy delivery system. Based on the generated
signal, the position of the catheter in a three dimensional
coordinate reference is determined and the energy source is
activated to deliver energy to the region indicated by the
microcatheter. The microcatheter may be utilized to place a flow
restrictor inside the kidney (e.g. inside a renal vein) to "trick"
the kidney into thinking its internal pressure is higher than it
might be. In this embodiment, the kidney generates signals to the
central nervous system to lower sympathetic output to target
organs.
[0217] Alternatively, specific regions of the kidney might be
responsible for hormone excretion or other factors which lead to
hypertension or other detrimental effects to the cardiovascular
system. The microcatheter can generate ultrasound, radiofrequency,
microwave, or X-ray energy. The microcatheter can be utilized to
ablate regions in the renal vein or intraparenchymal venous portion
as well. In some embodiments, ablation is not required but
vibratory energy emanating from the probe is utilized to affect, on
a permanent or temporary basis, the mechanoreceptors or
chemoreceptors in the location of the hilum of the kidney.
[0218] FIG. 19 depicts the application of acoustic waves to the
region of the renal artery 8910 and kidney 8920 using physically
separated transducers 8930, 8931. In contrast to the delivery
method of FIG. 17, FIG. 19 depicts delivery of ultrasound
transverse to the renal arteries and not longitudinal to the
artery. The direction of energy delivery is the posterior of the
patient because the renal artery is the first vessel seen when
traveling from the skin toward the anterior direction facilitating
delivery of the therapy. In one embodiment, the transducers 8930,
8931 are placed under, or inferior to the rib of the patient or
between the ribs of a patient; next, the transducers apply an
ultrasound wave propagating forward toward the anterior abdominal
wall and image the region of the renal arteries and renal veins,
separating them from one another. In some embodiments, such
delivery might be advantageous, if for example, a longitudinal view
of the artery is unobtainable or a faster treatment paradigm is
desirable. The transducers 8930, 8931 communicate with one another
and are connected to a computer model of the region of interest
being imaged (ROI), the ROI based on an MRI scan performed just
prior to the start of the procedure and throughout the procedure.
Importantly, the transducers are placed posterior in the cross
section of the patient, an area with more direct access to the
kidney region. The angle between the imaging transducers is
[0219] In another embodiment, an MRI is not performed but
ultrasound is utilized to obtain all or part of the view in FIG.
19. For example, 8930 might contain an imaging transducer as well
as a therapeutic energy source (e.g. ionizing energy, HIFU, low
energy focused ultrasound, etc.).
[0220] FIG. 20 depicts an alternative method 9000 and device to
ablate the renal nerves 9015 or the nerves leading to the renal
nerves at the aorta-renal artery ostium 9010. The intravascular
device 9020 is placed into the aorta 9050 and advanced to the
region of the renal arteries 9025. Energy is applied from the
transducer 9020 and focused 9040(in the case of HIFU, LIFU,
ionizing radiation) to the region of the takeoff of the renal
arteries 9025 from the aorta 9050. This intravascular procedure can
be guided using MRI and/or MRI thermometry or it can be guided
using fluoroscopy, ultrasound, or MRI. Because the aorta is larger
than the renal arteries, the HIFU catheter can be placed into the
aorta directly and cooling catheters can be included as well. In
addition, in other embodiments, non-focused ultrasound can be
applied to the region around the renal ostium or higher in the
aorta. Non-focused ultrasound in some embodiments may require
cooling of the tissues surrounding the probe using one or more
coolants but in some embodiments, the blood of the aorta will take
the place of the coolant; HIFU, or focused ultrasound, may not need
the cooling because the waves are by definition focused from
different angles to the region around the aorta. The vena cava and
renal veins can also be used as a conduit for the focused
ultrasound transducer to deliver energy to the region as well. In
one embodiment, the vena cava is accessed and vibratory energy is
passed through the walls of the vena cava and renal vein to the
renal arteries, around which the nerves to the kidney travel. The
veins, having thinner walls, allow energy to pass through more
readily.
[0221] FIG. 21 depicts an eyeball 9100. Also depicted are the
zonules 9130 and ultrasound transducer 9120. The transducer 9120
applies focused ultrasound energy to the region surrounding the
zonules, or the zonules themselves, in order to tighten them such
that a presbyopic patient can accommodate and visualize object up
close. Similarly, heat or vibration to the ciliary muscles, which
then slows down the outflow of aqueous humor at the region of
interest so that the pressure within the eye cannot build up to a
high level. The ultrasound transducer 9120 can also be utilized to
deliver drug therapy to the region of the lens, ciliary body,
zonules, intravitreal cavity, anterior cavity, posterior cavity,
etc.
[0222] In some embodiments (FIG. 21b), the ultrasonic transducers
9170 are focused on the particular region of the eye so that
tissues along the path of the ultrasound are not damaged by the
ultrasound and the focus region and region of effect is the
position where the waves meet in the eye. In one embodiment, the
transducers are directed through the pars plana region of the eye
to target the macula 9180 at the posterior pole 9175 of the eye.
This configuration might allow for heat, vibratory stimulation,
drug delivery, gene delivery, augmentation of laser or ionizing
radiation therapy, etc. In certain embodiments, focused ultrasound
is not required and generic vibratory waves are transmitted through
the eye at frequencies from 20 kHz to 10 MHz. Such energy may be
utilized to break up clots in, for example, retinal venous or
arterial occlusions which are creating ischemia in the retina. This
energy can be utilized in combination with drugs utilized
specifically for breaking up clots in the veins of the retina.
[0223] FIG. 22 depicts a peripheral joint 9200 being treated with
heat and/or vibrational energy. Ultrasound transducer 9210 emits
waves toward the knee joint to block nerves 9260 just underneath
the bone periostium. Although a knee joint is depicted, it should
be understood that many joints can be treated including small
joints in the hand, intervertebral joints, the hip, the ankle, the
wrist, and the shoulder. Unfocused or focused ultrasonic energy can
be applied to the joint region to inhibit nerve function reversibly
or irreversibly. Such inhibition of nerve function can be utilized
to treat arthritis, post-operative pain, tendonitis, tumor pain,
etc.
[0224] FIG. 23a-b depicts closure of a fallopian tube 9300 of a
uterus 9320 using externally applied ultrasound 9310 so as to
prevent pregnancy. MRI or preferably ultrasound can be utilized for
the imaging modality. Thermometry can be utilized as well so as to
see the true ablation zone in real time. The fallopian tube 9300
can be visualized using ultrasound, MRI, CT scan or a laparoscope.
Once the fallopian tube is targeted, external energy 9310, for
example, ultrasound, can be utilized to close the fallopian tube to
prevent pregnancy.
[0225] In other embodiments, ultrasound is applied to the uterus or
fallopian tubes to aid in pregnancy by improving the receptivity of
the sperm and/or egg for one another. This augmentation of
conception can be applied to the sperm and egg outside of the womb
as well, for example, in a test tube.
[0226] In 23b a method is depicted in which the fallopian tubes are
visualized 9340 using MRI, CT, or ultrasound. HIFU 9350 is applied
under visualization with MRI or ultrasound. As the fallopian tubes
are heated, the collagen in the wall is heated until the walls of
the fallopian tube close off. At this point the patient is
sterilized 9360. During the treating time, it may be required to
determine how effective the heating is progressing. If additional
heat is required, then additional HIFU may be added to the
fallopian tubes until there is closure of the tube and the patient
is sterilized 9360.
* * * * *