Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided, including an elongate element that is inserted into a subject's artery via a catheter, the catheter being configured to be withdrawn from the artery subsequent to the insertion. Expandable elements are disposed on the elongate element, the expandable elements comprising respective distal tips that are substantially aligned with the elongate element. During insertion of the elongate element via the catheter, the expandable elements are in contracted states thereof. In response to the withdrawal of the catheter from the artery, the expandable elements cause the artery to change a shape thereof, by the expandable elements expanding such that the distal tips of the expandable elements contact respective contact points on the wall of the artery. Subsequently, the distal tips of the expandable elements are freed from the contact points upon pulling of the elongate element. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including identifying a subject as suffering from a condition selected from the group consisting of congestive heart failure, diastolic heart failure, and hypertension. In response to the identifying, an electrode is placed on a vagus nerve of the subject at a vagal site that is between (a) a vagal bifurcation with a thoracic cardiac branch of the subject, and (b) thoracic vagal branching into the esophageal plexus of the subject. The subject is treated by driving a current into the vagal site, via the electrode. Other embodiments are also described.