Abstract: Provided herein are methods, devices and compositions for assessing neuromodulation efficacy based on changes in the level of one or more biomarkers in plasma or urine collected from a human subject following a renal neuromodulation procedure.

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient using therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated devices, system, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to neuromodulating nerve tissue in selected anatomical regions. In one embodiment, the method can include intravascularly positioning a neuromodulation element of a catheter within renal vasculature of a human patient and modulating nerve tissue within an anatomical region extending circumferentially around a branch vessel along a proximal-most longitudinal length of the branch vessel (e.g., between about 1 mm to about 12 mm distal to a bifurcation). The method can also include positioning the neuromodulation element within a second branch vessel and modulating nerve tissue within an anatomical region extending circumferentially around the second branch vessel along a proximal-most longitudinal length of the second branch vessel (e.g., between about 1 mm to about 12 mm distal to a bifurcation).

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient using therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated devices, system, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to neuromodulating nerve tissue in selected anatomical regions. In one embodiment, the method can include intravascularly advancing an elongate shaft of a catheter to renal vasculature of a human patient and locating a first neuromodulation element of the catheter within a distalmost portion of a main renal artery. The method includes locating a second neuromodulation element of the catheter within a branch vessel of the renal artery distal to a bifurcation at a distal end of the main renal artery. Neuromodulation of the nerve tissue surrounding the selected anatomical treatment locations can inhibit sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a portion of a renal artery and/or a renal branch artery proximate a renal parenchyma.

Abstract: Methods for treating a patient using therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods including selectively neuromodulating afferent or efferent renal nerves. One or more measurable physiological parameters corresponding to systemic sympathetic overactivity or hyperactivity in the patient can thereby be reduced. Selectively neuromodulating afferent renal nerves can include inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a renal pelvis. This can include, for example, neuromodulating via fluid within the renal pelvis. Selectively neuromodulating efferent renal nerves can include inhibiting sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a portion of a renal artery or a renal branch artery proximate a renal parenchyma. This can include, for example, neuromodulating via a therapeutic element within the portion of the renal artery or the renal branch artery.

Abstract: Methods for treating gastrointestinal conditions, conditions associated with sympathetic and/or parasympathetic activity in the gastrointestinal organs, and conditions associated with central sympathetic and/or parasympathetic activity in a patient with therapeutic gastrointestinalneuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods that at least partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a gastrointestinal artery of a gastrointestinal organ of a patient. Sympathetic drive in the patient can thereby be reduced in a manner that treats the patient for the gastrointestinal condition.

Abstract: Methods and intravascular treatment devices for treating atherosclerosis are provided.

Abstract: Methods and intravascular treatment devices for treating atherosclerosis are provided.

Abstract: A method of recanalizing a chronic total occlusion (CTO) is disclosed. A catheter with a guidewire slidingly received therein is positioned proximally adjacent to the CTO. An occlusion weakening therapy effective to quickly soften and/or loosen the CTO is delivered to the CTO via the catheter. The occlusion weakening therapy includes at least one enzyme and a chelating agent which are selectively deliverable either together or separately depending on the type of material encountered by the guidewire. According to various methods, the enzyme(s) may be delivered if tissue is encountered, the chelating agent may be delivered if calcification is encountered, and both enzyme(s) and chelating agent(s) may be delivered if a fibrous cap is encountered. The distal end of the guidewire may be advanced into the CTO shortly after delivery of the occlusion weakening therapy and is manipulated through the CTO until the guidewire successfully crosses the CTO.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for stabilizing the femoral artery.

Abstract: This invention provides implantable medical devices that include delivery systems containing amino acid derivatives, and related methods for making and using. More specifically, this invention provides vascular stents with coatings containing methyl ester derivatives of amino acids, and related methods for making and using.

Abstract: An animal model for cardiovascular disease comprising one or more vascular plaque lesions formed at selected sites within a vascular segment of a nonhuman mammal. The vascular plaque lesion is formed by administering a hypercholesterolemic diet to the nonhuman mammal, inflicting an injury to the vascular wall at the selected site after a predetermined exposure to the hypercholesterolemic diet, and applying a hydrogel to the injured vascular wall. Another aspect of the invention provides a method for evaluating a test compound for an effect on atherosclerotic lesion formation comprising administering to a nonhuman mammal a hypercholesterolemic diet, and, after a defined period of time, isolating a segment of a blood vessel using a balloon catheter, inflicting an injury to the vascular wall within the isolated segment, and applying a hydrogel within the vascular segment.