Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including a method for use with tissue of a renal nerve (770) passing longitudinally within a wall of a renal artery (8) of a subject. Using one or more stimulating electrodes (850a, 850b) disposed within the renal artery, the tissue is stimulated by passing a stimulating current through the wall of the renal artery. Using a sensor (26), a rate of change of blood pressure of the subject is sensed, following the start of the stimulation of the tissue. In response to the rate of change, it is decided whether to ablate the tissue, and in response to deciding to ablate the tissue, the tissue is ablated. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described, including a method for use with tissue of a renal nerve (770) passing longitudinally within a wall of a renal artery (8) of a subject. Using one or more stimulating electrodes (850a, 850b) disposed within the renal artery, the tissue is stimulated by passing a stimulating current through the wall of the renal artery. Using a sensor (26), a rate of change of blood pressure of the subject is sensed, following the start of the stimulation of the tissue. In response to the rate of change, it is decided whether to ablate the tissue, and in response to deciding to ablate the tissue, the tissue is ablated. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, which includes at least one ultrasound transducer. The ultrasound transducer is configured to be positioned within a lumen of a subject and to ablate tissue surrounding a wall of the lumen without ablating the wall of the lumen, by focusing ultrasound energy on a focal zone that is outside of the wall of the lumen. A transluminal delivery tool is configured to position the ultrasound transducer in the lumen, and a control unit is configured to drive the ultrasound transducer. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus, device and method are provided to enable performing a treatment in a minimally invasive fashion in a pericardial space. The device includes a needle having a sensing means to detect substantially different bodily tissues to enable a practitioner to determine when the distal end of the needle is in the pericardial space; an anchoring means to secure the distal end of the needle inside or in proximity to the pericardial space; and a delivery means for delivering a guidewire to the pericardial space to perform the treatment.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cardiac resynchronization therapy include a right side component and a left side component, wherein the right side component includes at least one ventricular lead and the left side component includes at least one epicardial electrode. Epicardial electrodes are insertable via a minimally invasive procedure, and are positionable via imaging techniques.