Abstract: Non-invasive, outcome-confirmed renal denervation procedures include assessments performed before, during, and after an ablation procedure. Stimulation operations can be performed by ultrasound application apart from ablation and/or heating operations to determine the presence and/or condition of a renal nerve in a targeted region. Consistent nerve ablation can be achieved (e.g., in a spontaneous hypertensive patient) by assessing the pathophysiology of renal denervation via (1) reduction of blood pressure and/or (2) kidney and serum norepinephrine concentration.

Abstract: MRI-guided high-intensity focused ultrasound (“HIFU”) therapy can be used to ablate sympathetic nerves near the renal arteries. Such therapy may employ a HIFU device that includes an ultrasound transducer and an expandable reservoir that includes a first surface configured to conform to a surface anatomy of a patient and a port in fluid communication with a fluid source. The expandable reservoir can be configured to change a size in a dimension by inflating or deflating the expandable reservoir. Such a device may be used in connection with an MRI device that includes a support portion configured to conform to the surface anatomy of the patient and defining a first window configured to receive the ultrasound transducer for targeting tissue. The MRI device can include radiofrequency coil arrays embedded throughout to the support portion to monitor the therapy.