In Brief

The Challenge

Renal denervation (RD) may be able to help reduce the incidence and severity of cardiovascular diseases. Using a catheter through the femoral artery, an electrode is passed up to the renal artery where radiofrequency energy is used to burn the renal nerves in the artery wall. The identification and targeting of specific neural tissue during RD can define the success or failure of this intervention. The correct placement of electrodes is mostly hindered by anatomical variation in renal artery length between different patients, as well as the random distribution and the density of renal sympathetic nerves surrounding the renal arteries. Non-specific electrode placement within the renal artery means generating a larger arterial ablation area and higher collateral damage to nonneural tissues, leading to ineffective treatment. 

The Solution

Bioimpedance is a method for identifying different body tissues using a weak electric current. Our project aims to develop a highly efficient bioimpedance-based device to identify the tissues in the renal artery through bioimpedance-based technologies. Critically, this approach will generate real-time electrical signatures of these tissues during the RD surgical procedure and facilitate clinical efficiency in correct catheter placement. 

The Team

  • Team Lead: Dr Anup Poudel, University of Galway,  
  • Team Co-Lead: Dr Manus Biggs, University of Galway 

Societal Impact Champion

  • Morgan Tierney, Surmodics