Abstract: System and method for locating and identifying nerves innervating the wall of arteries such as the renal artery are disclosed. The present invention identifies areas on vessel walls that are innervated with nerves; provides indication on whether a dose of energy is delivered accurately to a targeted nerve; and provides immediate post-procedural assessment of the effect of the energy delivered to the nerve. The method includes at least the steps to evaluate a change in physiological parameters after a dose of energy is delivered to an arterial wall; and to determine the type of nerve that the energy was directed to (none, sympathetic or parasympathetic) based on the results of the evaluation. The system includes at least a device for delivering a dose of energy to the wall of an artery; sensors for detecting physiological signals from a subject; and indicators to display the results obtained using the said method.

Abstract: This invention provides a method of using a catheter for mapping parasympathetic or sympathetic renal nerve for treatment of disease caused by systemic renal nerve hyperactivity, wherein the catheter comprises a shaft having a proximal end configured to be connected to an energy source, and a distal end (catheter tip) which is in the form of a single helix, double helix or multiple prongs having one or more electrodes.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for mapping and ablating renal nerves to treat disease caused by systemic renal nerve hyperactivity, e.g. hypertension, heart failure, renal failure and diabetes. Also provided are catheters for performing the mapping and ablating functions.