Patent ID: 8788065

Claim:
A method for improving renal function in a subject in need thereof, said method comprising the steps of: providing a support member having a cuff-like configuration and comprising a main body portion, the main body portion including a lumen configured to engage a wall of a blood vessel comprising a portion of a renal vasculature, at least one electrode connected with the main body portion arranged to selectively deliver electric current to a desired location, and an insulative material directly attached to at least a portion of the main body portion; implanting the main body portion extravascularly so that the main body portion is in direct contact with a portion of the renal vasculature and at least one electrode is positioned substantially adjacent a desired location where modulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is effective to improve renal function; and delivering electric current to the at least one electrode to effect a change in the SNS to improve renal function in the subject in need thereof.