Ablation system

Abstract

An ablation system (1) is provided with: a catheter (4) having a plurality of three or more electrodes; a power supply unit (26) that is electrically connected to the catheter (4) and that applies a voltage to the plurality of electrodes; and a control unit (28) that divides the plurality of electrodes (18) into a plurality of electrode groups, the number of which is smaller than the number of electrodes (18), and that controls the power supply unit (26) so as to sequentially apply a voltage to each electrode group.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an ablation system. BACKGROUND

[0002] An ablation system is disclosed in Patent Literature 1, which is provided with an ablation catheter and a pulse waveform generator that delivers a voltage pulse to the ablation catheter.

[0003] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-500170

[0004] The present inventors have repeatedly conducted intensive studies, and as a result, have conceived a novel technology related to catheter ablation. SUMMARY

[0005] The present disclosure has been achieved in view of such circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a novel technology related to catheter ablation.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is an ablation system. The ablation system is provided with: a catheter having three or more electrodes; a power supply portion electrically connected to the catheter, which applies a voltage to the electrodes; and a control portion that divides the electrodes into a plurality of electrode groups smaller in number than the electrodes, and controls the power supply portion to sequentially apply the voltage to each electrode group.

[0007] Any combination of the above-mentioned elements, a scheme in which the present disclosure is converted between a method, a device, a system, and the like, is also effective as a scheme of the present disclosure.

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a novel technology related to catheter ablation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an ablation system according to an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an electrode assembly.

[0011] Figure 3 is a view illustrating a first example of grouping of electrodes.

[0012] Figure 4 (A) of is a view illustrating a second example of grouping of electrodes. Figure 4 (B) of is a view illustrating a third example of grouping of electrodes. Figure 4 (C) of is a view illustrating a fourth example of grouping of electrodes.

[0013] Figure 5 is a schematic view of a tip portion of a catheter according to a modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] The present disclosure will be described below based on preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. The embodiments do not limit the present disclosure but are examples, and all features described in the embodiments, combinations thereof are not necessarily essential to the present disclosure. Identical or equivalent components, members, processing shown in the respective drawings are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanation is appropriately omitted. Furthermore, the scale, shape of each part shown in the respective drawings are set in a convenient manner for the convenience of explanation, and are not to be construed limitatively unless specifically mentioned. Furthermore, in the case where the terms "first", "second" and the like are used in the present specification or technical solution, the terms are used to distinguish certain components from other components unless specifically mentioned, and do not indicate any order, importance. Furthermore, in the respective drawings, a part of members which are not important will be omitted from the drawings on the basis of the explanation of the embodiments.

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic view of an ablation system 1 of the embodiments. In Figure 1 , a part of the components of the ablation system 1 is depicted as functional blocks. At least a part of these functional blocks can be realized as hardware configurations by elements, circuits represented by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) of a computer, a memory, as software configurations by a computer program and the like. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that these functional blocks can be realized in various forms by a combination of hardware, software.

[0016] The ablation system 1 performs a prescribed ablation on a lesion 2 of a patient. As the lesion 2, an organ which generates arrhythmia and the like are exemplified. Note that the ablation system 1 can also be used for ablation on other lesions 2. The ablation system 1 is provided with a catheter 4, a counter electrode plate 6, and a power supply device 8.

[0017] The catheter 4 has a shaft 10, an electrode assembly 12, and a handle 14. The shaft 10 is configured of a tubular body having flexibility, and at least a tip end side is inserted into the body of the patient. The shaft 10 is configured of a known flexible material including a resin such as polyolefin, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyether block amide, polyamide. The shaft 10 adopts, for example, a multi-lumen structure having a plurality of lumens. The lumens are inserted through various thin wires (not shown) such as a guide wire, an operation wire, an inner tube 22 (refer to Figure 2 ) described later, and the like.

[0018] The electrode assembly 12 is provided at the tip end of the shaft 10. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the electrode assembly 12. The electrode assembly 12 has a plurality of splines 16 and three or more electrodes 18. Note that a state in which the splines 16 are folded is illustrated in Figure 1 , and a state in which the splines 16 are unfolded is illustrated in Figure 2 .

[0019] Each of the ribs 16 is a linear body extending in the axial direction of the shaft 10 and is made of the same flexible material as the shaft 10. Figure 2 The electrode assembly 12 shown as an example has a first rib 16a, a second rib 16b, a third rib 16c, a fourth rib 16d, a fifth rib 16e, and a sixth rib 16f, but the number of the ribs 16 is not limited to six, as long as it is plural. In the present disclosure, the first rib 16a to the sixth rib 16f are sometimes simply referred to as "ribs 16" without the need to distinguish them from each other.

[0020] Each of the ribs 16 is arranged at intervals in the direction around the axis of the shaft 10. The top end of each of the ribs 16 is connected to the tip 20. The base end of each of the ribs 16 is inserted into the shaft 10 from the top end of the shaft 10 and is fixed to the shaft 10. The top end of the inner tube 22 is connected to the tip 20. The inner tube 22 passes through the cavity of the shaft 10, and the base end is connected to the handle 14. The inner tube 22 can be advanced and retracted toward the top end side and the base end side of the shaft 10 by the operation of the handle 14.

[0021] When the inner tube 22 is introduced toward the base end side of the shaft 10 in a state where each of the ribs 16 extends linearly, the tip 20 is displaced toward the base end side of the shaft 10. Thereby, each of the ribs 16 is bent in a manner to bulge outward, and the electrode assembly 12 becomes a basket shape. When the inner tube 22 is extruded toward the top end side of the shaft 10 in a state where each of the ribs 16 is bent, the tip 20 is displaced toward the top end side of the shaft 10. Thereby, each of the ribs 16 becomes linear, and the electrode assembly 12 is folded. Note that the "basket shape" is derived from the shape of the plurality of ribs 16 being similar to a curved pattern on the surface of a basketball.

[0022] A plurality of electrodes 18 are provided to each of the ribs 16. The plurality of electrodes 18 are arranged at intervals of a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction of the rib 16. Each of the electrodes 18 is ring-shaped and is made of a metal or an alloy having good electrical conductivity, such as platinum, gold, silver, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, or the like. Figure 2 The electrode assembly 12 shown as an example has a first electrode 18a, a second electrode 18b, a third electrode 18c, and a fourth electrode 18d on each of the ribs 16, but the number of the electrodes 18 is not limited to four, as long as it is three or more in the entire electrode assembly 12. In the present disclosure, the first electrode 18a to the fourth electrode 18d are sometimes simply referred to as "electrodes 18" without the need to distinguish them from each other.

[0023] The top end of each of the electrodes 18 is connected to a lead wire (not shown). The lead wire passes through the cavity of the shaft 10, and the base end is connected to the handle 14. The lead wire can be advanced and retracted toward the top end side and the base end side of the shaft 10 by the operation of the handle 14. Figure 1The connectors (not shown) of the handle 14 are connected. The power supply device 8 is electrically connected to each of the wires via the connectors of the handle 14. Details will be described later, but a voltage is applied to the plurality of electrodes 18 by the power supply device 8.

[0024] The handle 14 is provided at the proximal end of the shaft 10 and is arranged outside the body when the catheter 4 is used, and is gripped or operated by the operator. The handle 14 has a main body portion to be gripped by the operator and an operation portion for advancing and retracting the inner tube 22. By operating the operation portion, the inner tube 22 is displaced toward the proximal end side with respect to the shaft 10. Thus, the electrode assembly 12 in the folded state is unfolded in a direction intersecting the axis of the shaft 10. Further, by operating the operation portion, the inner tube 22 is displaced toward the distal end side with respect to the shaft 10. Thus, the electrode assembly 12 in the unfolded state is folded. The connectors are provided to the main body portion. Note that the catheter 4 can also have an irrigation mechanism that ejects an irrigation fluid such as physiological saline from the distal end at the time of ablation.

[0025] The counter electrode plate 6 is worn on the surface of the patient at the time of ablation. Further, the counter electrode plate 6 is electrically connected to the power supply device 8. At the time of ablation, ablation is performed by applying a voltage to each of the electrodes 18 and the counter electrode plate 6.

[0026] The power supply device 8 has an input portion 24, a power supply portion 26, a control portion 28, and a display portion 30. The input portion 24 is constituted by, for example, a dial, a button, a touch panel, or the like, and is operated by the operator of the ablation system 1. The operator can input various set values, signals indicating actions, and the like to the power supply device 8 via the input portion 24. Note that the various set values can also be set in advance and held in the power supply device 8 at the time of shipment or the like. Signals representing the set values and the like are transmitted from the input portion 24 to the control portion 28.

[0027] The power supply portion 26 applies an ablation voltage Vout to the plurality of electrodes 18 and the counter electrode plate 6 in accordance with a control signal CTL transmitted from the control portion 28. out The power supply portion 26 is constituted by, for example, a power supply circuit defined by a switching regulator or the like. The control portion 28 controls the overall operation of the power supply device 8 and performs a predetermined arithmetic processing. The control portion 28 is constituted by, for example, a microcomputer or the like. The control portion 28 controls the application of the voltage Vout to the electrodes 18 and the counter electrode plate 6 by transmitting the control signal CTL to the power supply portion 26. The display portion 30 displays various information to the outside. The display portion 30 is constituted by a liquid crystal display, a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) display, an organic EL (Electroluminescence) display, or the like.

[0028] Next, the contents of the control performed by the control section 28 will be described. The ablation system 1 of the present embodiment performs ablation on the lesion 2 by the irreversible electroporation method (IRE: Irreversible electroporation). Since IRE is non-thermal, damage to tissues and nerves located around the lesion 2 can be suppressed. For example, in the case of performing pulmonary vein disconnection to treat atrial fibrillation, esophageal and phrenic nerve damage around the lesion can be suppressed, and esophageal fistula and phrenic nerve paralysis can be suppressed.

[0029] In IRE, pulsed electric field ablation (PFA: Pulsed electric Field Ablation) is performed. PFA is an ablation technique that causes cell death by using a pulsed electric field generated by applying a high voltage to each electrode 18 and the counter electrode plate 6, that is, forming a lesion in the lesion 2. Electric fields tend to be reflected at tissue and tissue boundaries. Therefore, when cauterizing the lesion, damage to adjacent tissues can be suppressed.

[0030] In a state in which the electrode assembly 12 is inserted into the body of the patient via a blood vessel or the like and disposed at the lesion 2, the control section 28 controls the power supply section 26 in such a manner that a voltage is sequentially applied to each electrode 18 in accordance with the rules described below. That is, the control section 28 divides the plurality of electrodes 18 into a plurality of electrode groups G that are smaller in number than the electrodes 18. The number of electrodes 18 constituting each electrode group G is one or more, and at least one electrode group G is composed of two or more electrodes 18. Also, the control section 28 controls the power supply section 26 to sequentially apply a voltage to each electrode group G. In the case where a plurality of electrodes 18 belong to an electrode group G, when a voltage is applied to that electrode group G, the voltage is simultaneously applied to each electrode 18. Here, "simultaneously applied" means that the state of applying a voltage to each electrode 18 at least temporarily overlaps. Sequential application of a voltage to each electrode group G can be confirmed, for example, by connecting an oscilloscope to each electrode 18.

[0031] Figure 3 is a view illustrating a first example of grouping of the electrodes 18. In the first example, at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes 18 belonging to the same electrode group G is disposed on the same muscle strip 16. Also, the electrodes 18 of at least two electrode groups G are disposed on the same muscle strip 16. Also, between the two electrodes 18 belonging to the same electrode group G, an electrode 18 belonging to another electrode group G is disposed.

[0032] For example, the first electrode 18a and the third electrode 18c on the first beam 16a are assigned to the first electrode group G1. Further, the second electrode 18b and the fourth electrode 18d on the first beam 16a are assigned to the second electrode group G2. Thus, on the first beam 16a, the second electrode 18b belonging to the second electrode group G2 is arranged between the first electrode 18a and the third electrode 18c belonging to the first electrode group G1, and the third electrode 18c belonging to the first electrode group G1 is arranged between the second electrode 18b and the fourth electrode 18d belonging to the second electrode group G2.

[0033] As for the second beam 16b to the sixth beam 16f as well, the first electrode 18a and the third electrode 18c are assigned to the first electrode group G1, and the second electrode 18b and the fourth electrode 18d are assigned to the second electrode group G2. Thus, the electrode assembly 12 has 12 electrode groups G. In the present disclosure, the first electrode group G1 to the n-th electrode group Gn (n is an integer of 1 or more) are sometimes simply referred to as "electrode groups G" without the need to distinguish them from each other.

[0034] The control section 28 applies a voltage to the first electrode group G1 on the first beam 16a, and then applies a voltage to the second electrode group G2 on the first beam 16a. Subsequently, the application target of the voltage is shifted to the second beam 16b, and a voltage is applied in the order of the first electrode group G1 and the second electrode group G2. Subsequently, the application target of the voltage is sequentially shifted to the third beam 16c to the sixth beam 16f, and a voltage is applied to each beam 16 in the order of the first electrode group G1 and the second electrode group G2.

[0035] The power supply section 26 of the present embodiment applies a voltage to each electrode 18 in such a manner that a biphasic pulse (a bipolar pulse) is generated. Thus, a positive voltage phase pulse and a negative voltage phase pulse are applied to each electrode 18, and the polarity of each electrode 18 is alternately switched. The amplitude value Am of the voltage is, for example, 1000 V or more and 4000 V or less. The pulse width Δp is, for example, 0.1 μs or more and 100 μs or less.

[0036] As an example, the control section 28 sets the sequential application of a voltage to the 12 electrode groups G as one round, and controls the power supply section 26 to perform a plurality of rounds of sequential application. Further, the control section 28 sets a plurality of rounds of sequential application as one set, and controls the power supply section 26 in such a manner that a plurality of sets of sequential application of a voltage are repeated. The number of rounds in one set and the number of sets to be repeated can be appropriately set based on experiments and the like performed by a designer. For example, the number of rounds in one set is 2 rounds or more and 1000 rounds or less, and the number of sets is 2 sets or more and 100 sets or less. Note that the number of rounds can be one round, and the number of sets can be one set.

[0037] By applying the voltage to each electrode group G in turn, the ablation region that can be formed by each electrode 18 can be increased compared to the case where the voltage is applied to all electrodes 18, in other words, to all electrode groups G. This is considered to be because, if the voltage is applied to all electrodes 18 at once, the current flows through the plurality of electrodes 18 dispersedly, and thus the current density decreases, but if the voltage is applied to each electrode group G in turn, the current concentrates on one electrode group G, and thus the current density increases.

[0038] Further, in the case where the voltage is applied to the plurality of electrodes 18 in turn one by one, the ablation region that can be formed by each electrode 18 can be increased compared to the case where the voltage is applied to each electrode group G. However, depending on the interval between the two adjacent electrodes 18, the magnitude of the applied voltage, and the like, even if the voltage is applied to each electrode group G, an ablation region of a size large enough, for example, a size to the extent of overlapping with an adjacent ablation region, can be formed. In this case, in the method of applying the voltage to the electrodes 18 in turn one by one, the time until the ablation is completed can be longer than the advantage of being able to form a larger ablation region.

[0039] On the contrary, by applying the voltage to the electrode groups G in turn, the time required for the ablation can be shortened compared to the case where the voltage is applied to the electrodes 18 in turn one by one. Alternatively, if the time until the ablation is completed is the same, the number of times of applying the voltage can be increased compared to the case where the voltage is applied to the electrodes 18 in turn one by one, and thus the ablation region can be made larger. Further, the power supply circuit for switching the application target of the voltage can be simplified compared to the case where the voltage is applied to the electrodes 18 in turn one by one. Thus, the power supply device 8 can be downsized. Further, the electrodes 18 can be easily added.

[0040] Further, in the case where the voltage is applied to the two adjacent electrodes 18 at once, the same potential region overlaps, and a case where no current flows in the overlapping portion can occur. Since no ablation region is formed in the portion where no current flows, a gap of the ablation region can occur between the two adjacent electrodes 18. In view of this problem, in the present embodiment, the electrode 18 belonging to another electrode group G is arranged between the two electrodes 18 belonging to the same electrode group G. Thus, when the voltage is applied to the two electrodes 18 of the same electrode group G, overlapping of the same potential region can be suppressed. Therefore, the occurrence of the gap of the ablation region can be suppressed.

[0041] Note that the same electrode 18 can also be assigned to two or more different electrode groups G. For example, the first electrode 18a and the second electrode 18b are assigned to the first electrode group Gl, and the second electrode 18b and the third electrode 18c are assigned to the second electrode group G2. That is, the second electrode 18b located between the first electrode 18a and the third electrode 18c is assigned to both the first electrode group Gl and the second electrode group G2. In this case, the generation of a gap in the ablation region can be suppressed. That is, even if a gap in the ablation region is formed between the first electrode 18a and the second electrode 18b by the voltage application to the first electrode group Gl, the gap can be filled by the ablation region formed by the second electrode 18b at the time of the voltage application to the second electrode group G2.

[0042] Figure 4 (A) is a diagram illustrating a second example of grouping of the electrodes 18. In the second example, at least a part of the plurality of electrodes 18 belonging to the same electrode group G is disposed in different ribs 16, respectively.

[0043] For example, the first rib 16a and the second rib 16b are a group, the third rib 16c and the fourth rib 16d are a group, and the fifth rib 16e and the sixth rib 16f are a group. Also, the first electrodes 18a in each group are assigned to the first electrode group Gl, the second electrodes 18b are assigned to the second electrode group G2, the third electrodes 18c are assigned to the third electrode group G3, and the fourth electrodes 18d are assigned to the fourth electrode group G4, respectively. Thus, in the second example, two electrodes 18 belonging to the same electrode group G are aligned in the axial direction of the shaft 10. In more detail, at least in a state in which the ribs 16 are not expanded and no force other than the force for expanding the ribs 16 is applied to each rib 16, two electrodes 18 belonging to the same electrode group G are aligned in the axial direction of the shaft 10. In the present disclosure, two electrodes 18 being aligned in the axial direction of the shaft 10 means that at least a part of the two electrodes 18 overlap each other as viewed in a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft 10.

[0044] The control section 28 first sets the voltage application target to the first rib 16a and the second rib 16b, and applies the voltage in the order of the first electrode group Gl, the second electrode group G2, the third electrode group G3, and the fourth electrode group G4 on the ribs. Next, the voltage application target is shifted to the third rib 16c and the fourth rib 16d, and the voltage is applied in the order of the first electrode group Gl to the fourth electrode group G4 on the ribs. Subsequently, the voltage application target is shifted to the fifth rib 16e and the sixth rib 16f, and the voltage is applied in the order of the first electrode group Gl to the fourth electrode group G4 on the ribs.

[0045] According to the second example, the time required for ablation can also be shortened as in the first example. In addition, the power supply circuit can be simplified. Furthermore, the regions in which the electrodes 18 are arranged in the two adjacent ribs 16 have a tendency to be spaced apart from each other more widely than the spacing of the adjacent electrodes 18 on the same rib 16. Therefore, according to the second example, the generation of gaps in the ablation region can be further suppressed.

[0046] Figure 4 (B) is a diagram illustrating a third example of grouping of the electrodes 18. In the third example, at least a part of the plurality of electrodes 18 belonging to the same electrode group G is arranged in different ribs 16, respectively. Furthermore, in the third example, two electrodes 18 belonging to the same electrode group G and arranged in different ribs 16 are offset in the axial direction of the shaft 10. More specifically, at least in a state in which the ribs 16 are expanded and no force other than the force for expanding the ribs 16 is applied to each rib 16, the two electrodes 18 belonging to the same electrode group G are offset in the axial direction of the shaft 10. In the present disclosure, the two electrodes 18 being offset in the axial direction of the shaft 10 means that the entireties of the two electrodes 18 do not overlap each other as viewed from a direction orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft 10.

[0047] For example, the first rib 16a and the second rib 16b form a group, the third rib 16c and the fourth rib 16d form a group, and the fifth rib 16e and the sixth rib 16f form a group. Furthermore, the first electrode 18a on one of the ribs 16 in each group and the fourth electrode 18d on the other rib 16 are allocated to the first electrode group G1. Furthermore, the second electrode 18b on one of the ribs 16 in each group and the third electrode 18c on the other rib 16 are allocated to the second electrode group G2. Furthermore, the third electrode 18c on one of the ribs 16 in each group and the second electrode 18b on the other rib 16 are allocated to the third electrode group G3. Furthermore, the fourth electrode 18d on one of the ribs 16 in each group and the first electrode 18a on the other rib 16 are allocated to the fourth electrode group G4.

[0048] The control section 28 first sets the application target of the voltage to the first rib 16a and the second rib 16b, and applies the voltage in the order of the first electrode group G1, the second electrode group G2, the third electrode group G3, and the fourth electrode group G4 on the ribs. Next, the application target of the voltage is shifted to the third rib 16c and the fourth rib 16d, and the voltage is applied in the order of the first electrode group G1 to the fourth electrode group G4 on the ribs. Subsequently, the application target of the voltage is shifted to the fifth rib 16e and the sixth rib 16f, and the voltage is applied in the order of the first electrode group G1 to the fourth electrode group G4 on the ribs.

[0049] According to the third example, the time required for ablation can also be shortened as with the second example. In addition, the power supply circuit can be simplified. Furthermore, according to the third example, the generation of gaps in the ablation region can be suppressed more than with the second example.

[0050] Figure 4 (C) is a view that illustrates a fourth example of grouping of the electrodes 18. In the fourth example, at least a portion of the plurality of electrodes 18 belonging to the same electrode group G is disposed in different rib 16s, respectively. In addition, in the fourth example, two electrodes 18 belonging to the same electrode group G are disposed in rib 16s that are not adjacent to each other, respectively. That is, one of the two electrodes 18 belonging to the same electrode group is disposed in a prescribed rib 16. In addition, the other is disposed in a rib 16 other than the rib 16 adjacent to the rib 16.

[0051] For example, the first rib 16a and the fourth rib 16d are a group, the second rib 16b and the fifth rib 16e are a group, and the third rib 16c and the sixth rib 16f are a group. Also, the first electrodes 18a in each group are assigned to the first electrode group Gl, the second electrodes 18b are assigned to the second electrode group G2, the third electrodes 18c are assigned to the third electrode group G3, and the fourth electrodes 18d are assigned to the fourth electrode group G4, respectively. Thus, for example, in the case of focusing on the first electrode group Gl to which the first electrodes 18a disposed in the group of the first rib 16a and the fourth rib 16d belong, the two first electrodes 18a belonging to the first electrode group Gl are disposed in the first rib 16a and the fourth rib 16d that are not adjacent to each other.

[0052] The control section 28 first sets the application target of the voltage to the first rib 16a and the fourth rib 16d, and applies the voltage in the order of the first electrode group Gl, the second electrode group G2, the third electrode group G3, and the fourth electrode group G4 on the ribs. Next, the application target of the voltage is shifted to the second rib 16b and the fifth rib 16e, and the voltage is applied in the order of the first electrode group Gl to the fourth electrode group G4 on the ribs. Subsequently, the application target of the voltage is shifted to the third rib 16c and the sixth rib 16f, and the voltage is applied in the order of the first electrode group Gl to the fourth electrode group G4 on the ribs.

[0053] According to the fourth example, the time required for ablation can also be shortened as with the second and third examples. In addition, the power supply circuit can be simplified. Furthermore, according to the fourth example, the generation of gaps in the ablation region can be suppressed more than with the third example. In addition, according to the fourth example, the interval from the application of the voltage to each electrode 18 before to the next application of the voltage can be enlarged. In particular, by grouping the ribs 16 that face each other across the inner tube 22, the interval can be further enlarged. As a result, excessive temperature rise of each electrode 18 can be suppressed.

[0054] Note that the fourth electrode 18d on each of the rib 16 can also be excluded from the voltage application target. In this case, the second electrode group G2 of the first example is composed of only the second electrode 18b. Further, the second example and the fourth example do not include the fourth electrode group G4. Further, the first electrode group G1 and the fourth electrode group G4 of the third example are composed of only the first electrode 18a. The fourth electrode 18d excluded from the voltage application target can be provided for potential measurement or as a backup in a case where the ablation range is wide.

[0055] Further, in the first example to the fourth example, the combination of the rib 16, the combination of the electrode 18, the voltage application sequence, and the number of the electrode 18 belonging to each electrode group G, and the like can be appropriately changed. For example, in the third example, it can be that the first electrode 18a on one of the ribs 16 and the second electrode 18b on the other rib 16 are assigned to the first electrode group G1, the second electrode 18b on one of the ribs 16 and the third electrode 18c on the other rib 16 are assigned to the second electrode group G2, the third electrode 18c on one of the ribs 16 and the fourth electrode 18d on the other rib 16 are assigned to the third electrode group G3, and the fourth electrode 18d on one of the ribs 16 and the first electrode 18a on the other rib 16 are assigned to the fourth electrode group G4.

[0056] Further, in the fourth example, it can be that the first rib 16a and the fifth rib 16e are one group, the second rib 16b and the fourth rib 16d are one group, and the third rib 16c and the sixth rib 16f are one group. Further, the voltage application sequence in the first example to the fourth example can be, for example, the order of the first electrode group G1, the third electrode group G3, the second electrode group G2, and the fourth electrode group G4. Further, the power supply sequence to the electrode 18 can be different for each electrode group G. The power supply unit 26 can apply a voltage to each electrode 18 in a manner to generate a uniphasic pulse. The shape and the number of the rib 16 and the electrode 18 are not limited.

[0057] Further, for example, the following change can be made: the first example is combined with the third example, and the first electrode 18a and the third electrode 18c on the first rib 16a and the first electrode 18a and the third electrode 18c on the second rib 16b are assigned to the first electrode group G1.

[0058] Further, the constitution of the catheter 4 and the power supply device 8 can be appropriately changed. For example, the catheter 4 can also be bent in one direction or multiple directions at the tip end side of the shaft 10 by the operation of the handle 14. The control of the power supply section 26 by the control section 28 can be realized by hardware (circuit) or by software (program). In the case of being realized by software, the software is constituted by programs for executing each function by a computer. Each program can be assembled in the computer in advance or installed in the computer from a network or a recording medium.

[0059] The above describes the embodiments of the present disclosure in detail. The above-described embodiments only show specific examples when implementing the present disclosure. The contents of the embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the present disclosure, and many design changes such as changes, additions, deletions, and the like of the constituent elements can be made within the scope of the idea of the present disclosure defined in the claims. The new embodiments added with the design changes have the effects of the combined embodiments and the modifications each. In the above-described embodiments, the content that can be designed as such is emphasized by adding the expression "of the present embodiment", "in the present embodiment", and the like, but even the content without such expression is allowed to be designed. Any combination of the constituent elements included in each embodiment is also effective as a solution of the present disclosure. The hatching in the cross section of the drawing does not limit the material of the object to which the hatching is added.

[0060] (Modified Example)

[0061] Figure 5 A schematic view of the tip end portion of the catheter 4 of the modified example. The catheter 4 of the modified example does not have the rib 16 at the tip end of the shaft 10, and a plurality of electrodes 18 are arranged on the shaft 10. As one example, a first electrode 18a, a second electrode 18b, a third electrode 18c, a fourth electrode 18d, a fifth electrode 18e, and a sixth electrode 18f are arranged on the shaft 10. Note that the number of the electrodes 18 can be appropriately changed.

[0062] The control section 28 groups each electrode 18 in a manner that an electrode 18 belonging to another electrode group G is arranged between two electrodes 18 belonging to the same electrode group G. For example, the first electrode 18a, the third electrode 18c, and the fifth electrode 18e are assigned to the first electrode group G1, and the second electrode 18b, the fourth electrode 18d, and the sixth electrode 18f are assigned to the second electrode group G2. Further, the control section 28 applies a voltage to the second electrode group G2 after applying a voltage to the first electrode group G1.

[0063] Further, for example, the first electrode 18a and the fourth electrode 18d are assigned to the first electrode group G1, the second electrode 18b and the fifth electrode 18e are assigned to the second electrode group G2, and the third electrode 18c and the sixth electrode 18f are assigned to the third electrode group G3. Also, the control section 28 applies the voltage in the order of the first electrode group G1, the second electrode group G2, and the third electrode group G3, for example. According to such a configuration, the same effects as the embodiment can be obtained.

[0064] The embodiment can also be determined by the following items.

[0065] [First Item]

[0066] An ablation system (1) includes:

[0067] A catheter (4) has three or more electrodes (18);

[0068] A power supply section (26) is electrically connected to the catheter (4) and applies a voltage to the electrodes (18);

[0069] A control section (28) divides the electrodes (18) into a plurality of electrode groups (G) that is less than the number of electrodes (18) and controls the power supply section (26) to sequentially apply a voltage to each electrode group (G).

[0070] [Second Item]

[0071] The ablation system (1) according to the first item includes:

[0072] The catheter (4) has a shaft (10) and a plurality of ribs (16) arranged in a direction around the shaft (10),

[0073] At least a portion of the electrodes (18) belonging to the same electrode group (G) are disposed on the same rib (16).

[0074] [Third Item]

[0075] The ablation system (1) according to the second item includes:

[0076] The electrodes (18) of at least two electrode groups (G) are disposed on the same rib (16),

[0077] Between the two electrodes (18) belonging to the same electrode group (G), an electrode (18) belonging to another electrode group (G) is disposed.

[0078] [Fourth Item]

[0079] The ablation system (1) according to the first item includes:

[0080] The catheter (4) has a shaft (10) and a plurality of ribs (16) arranged in a direction around an axis of the shaft (10),

[0081] At least a part of the plurality of electrodes (18) belonging to the same electrode group (G) is respectively arranged in different ribs (16).

[0082] [The fifth item]

[0083] The ablation system (1) according to the fourth item, wherein

[0084] The two electrodes (18) belonging to the same electrode group (G) and arranged in different ribs (16) are staggered in the axial direction of the shaft (10).

[0085] [The sixth item]

[0086] The ablation system (1) according to the fourth item or the fifth item, wherein

[0087] The two electrodes (18) belonging to the same electrode group (G) are respectively arranged in different ribs (16).

[0088] [The seventh item]

[0089] The ablation system (1) according to the first item, wherein

[0090] The catheter (4) has a shaft (10),

[0091] The plurality of electrodes (18) is arranged on the shaft (10).

[0092] [The eighth item]

[0093] The ablation system (1) according to the seventh item, wherein

[0094] An electrode (18) belonging to another electrode group (G) is arranged between the two electrodes (18) belonging to the same electrode group (G).

[0095] Industrial applicability

[0096] The present disclosure can be used for an ablation system.

[0097] Explanation of reference numerals

[0098] 1: ablation system; 4: catheter; 8: power supply device; 10: shaft; 12: electrode assembly; 16: rib; 18: electrode; 26: power supply portion; 28: control portion.

Claims

1. An ablation system, wherein, The ablation system comprises: A catheter having three or more electrodes; A power supply unit, electrically connected to the conduit, applies voltage to the plurality of electrodes; The control unit divides the plurality of electrodes into a plurality of electrode groups, which is less than the number of electrodes, and controls the power supply unit to apply voltage to each electrode group in sequence.

2. The ablation system according to claim 1, wherein, The conduit has a shaft and a plurality of ribs arranged in a direction about the axis of the shaft. At least a portion of the plurality of electrodes belonging to the same electrode group are disposed on the same rib.

3. The ablation system according to claim 2, wherein, The electrodes of at least two of the electrode groups are configured on the same rib. An electrode belonging to another electrode group is disposed between two electrodes belonging to the same electrode group.

4. The ablation system according to claim 1, wherein, The conduit has a shaft and a plurality of ribs arranged in a direction about the axis of the shaft. At least a portion of the plurality of electrodes belonging to the same electrode group are respectively disposed on different ribs.

5. The ablation system according to claim 4, wherein, Two electrodes belonging to the same electrode group and disposed on different ribs are offset axially in the rod body.

6. The ablation system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, Two electrodes belonging to the same electrode group are respectively disposed on non-adjacent ribs.

7. The ablation system according to claim 1, wherein, The catheter has a rod-like body. Multiple electrodes are disposed on the rod.

8. The ablation system according to claim 7, wherein, An electrode belonging to another electrode group is disposed between two electrodes belonging to the same electrode group.

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