System and method for denervation

Abstract

A catheter apparatus for treatment of a human patient is described, the catheter apparatus having a central axis and comprising a shaping structure moveable between a delivery state having a first helical shape, and a deployed state having a second helical shape. The shaping structure is configured to have a reverse taper with a structural diameter that varies over the length of the shaping structure such that the structural diameter of the shaping structure at the proximal end is smaller than the structural diameter of the shaping structure at the distal end.

1 - 12 . (canceled) 
     
     
         13 . A catheter apparatus for treatment of a human patient, the catheter apparatus having a central axis and comprising:
 a shaping structure having a distal end and a proximal end, the shaping structure being moveable between a delivery state having a first helical shape, and a deployed state having a second helical shape;   a plurality of electrodes that are carried by the shaping structure, and are axially spaced apart from one another;   a plurality of electric wires, each electric wire extending from a respective one of each of the plurality of electrodes, and extending via the proximal end of the shaping structure to an electric energy supply source; and   a deployment member operably coupled to the distal end of the shaping structure and disposed so that the shaping structure winds around the deployment member, the deployment member being configured such that distal axial movement of the deployment member places the shaping structure in the delivery state, and proximal axial movement of the deployment member places the shaping structure in the deployed state;   wherein, the first helical shape is configured to have a first helical radius at a location of a first electrode, a second helical radius at a location of a second electrode that is sequentially adjacent the first electrode, wherein the first helical radius exceeds the second helical radius by an amount within the range of from 0.4 mm to 0.8 mm.   
     
     
         14 . The catheter apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the first helical radius exceeds the second helical radius by an amount within the range of from 0.5 mm to 0.7 mm. 
     
     
         15 . The catheter apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the first electrode is the most proximal electrode on the shaping structure. 
     
     
         16 . The catheter apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the deployment member comprises a tubular member defining a central lumen, and the central lumen is configured to receive a guide wire. 
     
     
         17 . The catheter apparatus of  claim 13  wherein the shaping structure has a pre-formed shape.