Catheter apparatuses having multi-electrode arrays for renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods

A catheter apparatus, comprising:

• an elongated shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, wherein the distal portion of the shaft is configured for intravascular delivery to a renal artery of a human patient;
• a tubular control member slidably received within the distal portion of the shaft and extending distally therefrom along a central axis;
• a treatment section affixed to and extending distally of the distal portion of the elongated shaft and spirally disposed about the control member;
• and
• a plurality of energy delivery elements carried by the treatment section and including at least a first energy delivery element and a second energy delivery element axially and radially spaced apart from one another about the central axis,
• wherein the tubular control member defines a central lumen configured to receive a guide wire, and wherein the control member further comprises an opening proximally adjacent to the treatment section and adapted for exit of the guide wire,
• wherein the control member is operably couple to a distal region of the spiral treatment section, and wherein
• distal movement of the control member places the spiral treatment section in a low-profile delivery configuration;
• and
• proximal movement of the control member places the spiral treatment section in an expanded treatment configuration.