Mesh basket electrode assembly and ablation catheter
By insulating the sides of the electrode arm with skirts, the problem of scraping the heart cavity endothelium and vascular endothelium during treatment by the ablation catheter is solved, achieving a safer tissue adhesion effect.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- APT MEDICAL HUNAN INC
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-10
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-05
AI Technical Summary
During the current ablation catheter treatment and access process, the edges of the electrode arms can easily scratch the endothelium of the heart cavity and the endothelium of blood vessels.
Skirts are provided on both sides of the electrode arm. The structure consists of an electrode layer, a first insulating layer, a metal skeleton layer, and a second insulating layer stacked from top to bottom. The width of the second insulating layer is greater than that of the metal skeleton layer. The skirts are formed on the outside of the metal skeleton layer to enhance insulation and flexibility.
This reduces the risk of the electrode arm scraping the endothelium of the heart cavity and blood vessels during ablation catheter treatment and access, and improves the safety and friendliness of tissue adhesion.
Smart Images
Figure CN224193564U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of medical device technology, specifically to a basket electrode assembly and an ablation catheter. Background Technology
[0002] Ablation catheters play a crucial role in the field of cardiac electrophysiology, primarily used to treat cardiac diseases such as arrhythmias. In recent years, the use of ring-shaped multipolar ablation catheters has been widely adopted due to their advantages over monopolar ablation catheters, including shorter ablation time, less radiation exposure time, and reduced operator skill requirements. However, the unique structure of pulmonary veins and individual differences can prevent effective adhesion between the catheter and the target site, leading to insufficient electric field and inadequate therapeutic effects. Petal-shaped basket catheters, on the other hand, can adjust the size of the basket by the elastic bending of its circumferentially distributed basket framework to accommodate pulmonary vein cavities of varying sizes.
[0003] Existing baskets mainly consist of multiple electrode arms, each comprising a metal frame and electrodes mounted thereon. However, since the metal frame is typically a thin sheet of metal, the edges of the electrode arms can easily scrape the endothelium of the heart cavity and blood vessels during ablation catheter discharge treatment and access procedures. Utility Model Content
[0004] Therefore, this invention aims to solve the problem that the edges of the electrode arms in existing ablation catheters easily scrape the endothelium of the heart cavity and blood vessels during the discharge treatment and access process, thereby providing a basket electrode assembly and an ablation catheter.
[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0006] On one hand, the present invention provides a basket electrode assembly, comprising: a plurality of electrode arms, each electrode arm comprising a metal skeleton layer and an electrode layer disposed thereon; and skirts disposed on both sides of the electrode arms.
[0007] Furthermore, the electrode arm includes an electrode layer, a first insulating layer, a metal skeleton layer, and a second insulating layer stacked from top to bottom; the width of the second insulating layer is greater than the width of the metal skeleton layer along the width direction of the metal skeleton layer, and the portion of the second insulating layer extending beyond the edge of the metal skeleton layer forms the skirt.
[0008] Furthermore, the edges of the first insulating layer and the second insulating layer are in contact to completely enclose the metal skeleton layer.
[0009] Furthermore, the skirt hem can be rectangular or curved.
[0010] Furthermore, the maximum width of the skirt is less than the width difference between the edge of the electrode layer and the edge of the first insulating layer.
[0011] Furthermore, a plurality of electrode layers are provided along the length direction of the first insulating layer, and the plurality of electrode layers are arranged in an equidistant and equal-length arrangement.
[0012] Furthermore, a plurality of electrode layers are provided along the length direction of the first insulating layer, and the plurality of electrode layers include at least one long electrode and at least one short electrode; the long electrode and the short electrode are arranged separately.
[0013] Furthermore, at least one of the short electrodes is embedded in the long electrode.
[0014] On the other hand, the present invention provides an ablation catheter, which includes the basket electrode assembly described in any one of the above-mentioned embodiments.
[0015] The technical solution of this utility model has the following advantages:
[0016] The basket electrode assembly provided by this utility model has skirts on both sides of the electrode arm, which makes the electrode arm have soft boundary parts. This reduces the risk of the electrode arm scraping the heart cavity endothelium and vascular endothelium during ablation catheter discharge treatment and access, and makes it safer and more friendly to tissue contact. Attached Figure Description
[0017] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the basket electrode assembly in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Sectional view at point AA;
[0020] Figure 3 This is a partial structural enlarged schematic diagram of the basket electrode assembly in one embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the basket electrode assembly in another embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the ablation catheter in one embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:
[0024] 1. Basket electrode assembly; 2. Electrode arm; 3. Skirt; 4. Metal skeleton layer; 5. Electrode layer; 6. First insulating layer; 7. Second insulating layer; 8. Short electrode; 9. Long electrode; 10. Outer tube; 11. Inner tube assembly; 12. Planar end. Detailed Implementation
[0025] The technical solution of this utility model will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this utility model. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.
[0028] Furthermore, the technical features involved in the different embodiments of this utility model described below can be combined with each other as long as they do not conflict with each other.
[0029] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a basket electrode assembly 1, including: a plurality of electrode arms 2, each electrode arm 2 including a metal skeleton layer 4 and an electrode layer 5 disposed thereon; and skirts 3 disposed on both sides of the electrode arms 2.
[0030] The basket electrode assembly 1 provided in this embodiment has skirts 3 on both sides of each electrode arm 2, so that the electrode arm 2 has a soft boundary part, which can reduce the risk of the electrode arm 2 scraping the heart cavity endothelium and vascular endothelium during ablation catheter discharge treatment and access, and is safer and more friendly to tissue contact.
[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the electrode arm 2 includes an electrode layer 5, a first insulating layer 6, a metal skeleton layer 4, and a second insulating layer 7 stacked from top to bottom; the width of the second insulating layer 7 along the width direction of the metal skeleton layer 4 is greater than the width of the metal skeleton layer 4, and the portion of the second insulating layer 7 that extends beyond the edge of the metal skeleton layer 4 forms the skirt 3.
[0032] The edges of the first insulating layer 6 and the second insulating layer 7 can contact each other to completely enclose the metal skeleton layer 4. The direction from top to bottom of the electrode arm 2 corresponds to the direction from outside to inside, with the direction closer to the inner tube being the inner side and the direction farther from the inner tube being the outer side. For example, along the width of the metal skeleton layer 4, the edges of the first insulating layer 6 and the second insulating layer 7 can be bonded together to enclose the metal skeleton layer 4. For example, both the first insulating layer 6 and the second insulating layer 7 are made of insulating materials. For example, the second insulating layer 7 can be an insulating thin film. This arrangement significantly reduces the risk of short circuits between the electrodes.
[0033] In this configuration, the electrode layer 5, the first insulating layer 6, and the metal skeleton layer 4 are all centrally located relative to the second insulating layer 7; the widths of the electrode layer 5 and the metal skeleton layer 4 are both smaller than the width of the first insulating layer 6. This arrangement helps to prevent the generation of electric arcs.
[0034] Wherein, along the length direction of the electrode arm 2, the length of the metal skeleton layer 4 may be less than the length of the first insulating layer 6.
[0035] The second insulating layer 7 has a groove on the side facing the metal skeleton layer 4, and the metal skeleton layer 4 is at least partially embedded in the groove along the thickness direction of the electrode arm 2. For example, the metal skeleton layer 4 can be completely embedded in the groove so that the side of the metal skeleton layer 4 facing the first insulating layer 6 is flush with the side of the second insulating layer 7 facing the first insulating layer 6. With this configuration, the metal skeleton layer 4 is completely embedded in the second insulating layer 7, achieving the optimal effect of complete insulation of the metal skeleton layer 4, and also making the overall structure of the electrode arm 2 more compact and thinner.
[0036] In this design, along the width direction of the electrode arm 2, the thickness of the two edges of the second insulating layer 7 can be less than the thickness of the middle. The two sides of the second insulating layer 7 are provided with skirts 3, the outer edges of which extend beyond the edges of the first insulating layer 6 along the width direction. For example, the width of the second insulating layer 7 can be greater than the width of the first insulating layer 6, and the excess width of the second insulating layer 7 can form the skirts 3. For example, the skirts 3 can be rectangular or curved. This design, while achieving the insulation function of the entire electrode arm 2, utilizes the skirts 3 formed by the second insulating layer 7 to give the electrode arm 2 a soft boundary, reducing the risk of the electrode arm 2 scraping the endothelium of the heart cavity and blood vessels during ablation catheter discharge treatment and access, making tissue contact safer and more friendly.
[0037] like Figure 3 As shown, the maximum width of the skirt 3 is less than the width difference between the edge of the electrode layer 5 and the edge of the first insulating layer 6. Let the minimum width of the skirt 3 be denoted as 'a', and the width difference between the edge of the electrode layer 5 and the edge of the first insulating layer 6 be denoted as 'b', then 'a' is less than 'b'. This design prevents the skirt 3 from folding due to excessive width during transport, thus avoiding it not returning to its original position after transport and thus obscuring the electrode layer 5 and affecting the ablation effect.
[0038] The metal skeleton layer 4 is at least partially embedded within the second insulating layer 7. For example, a groove adapted to the size and shape of the metal skeleton layer 4 can be provided on the second insulating layer 7, so that the entire metal skeleton layer 4 is embedded in the groove, and the upper surface of the metal skeleton layer 4 can be flush with the upper surface of the second insulating layer 7. For example, the thickness of the two edges of the second insulating layer 7 can be less than the thickness of the middle, the thicker middle area can be used to embed the metal skeleton layer 4, and the thinner areas on both sides can serve as skirts 3.
[0039] Multiple electrode layers 5 are disposed along the length of the first insulating layer 6, and the multiple electrode layers 5 are arranged in an equidistant and equal-length manner. For example, each electrode layer 5 can be independently connected to a connector through its built-in wiring.
[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, a plurality of electrode layers 5 are disposed along the length of the first insulating layer 6, and the plurality of electrode layers 5 include at least one long electrode 9 and at least one short electrode 8; the long electrode 9 and the short electrode 8 are arranged separately. For example, the spacing between the long electrode 9 and the short electrode 8 may be equal or unequal.
[0041] At least one of the short electrodes 8 is embedded in the long electrode 9. For example, one or more short electrodes 8 can be embedded in a long electrode 9. With this configuration, since the short electrodes 8 and the long electrodes 9 are isolated from each other and not connected, within the limited area of the electrode arm 2, the embedding of the short electrodes 8 inside the long electrodes 9 maximizes the area of the long electrodes 9 and results in a better ablation effect.
[0042] The surface of the metal framework layer 4 is gold-plated, with a plating thickness ranging from 0.2 μmm to 1 μmm. For example, the plating thickness can be 0.2 μmm, 0.5 μmm, or 1 μmm, and can be designed according to actual needs. This configuration enhances the imaging effect of the metal framework layer 4 under X-rays.
[0043] For example, the metal skeleton layer 4 can be cut from shape memory metal sheets. Alternatively, the metal skeleton layer 4 can be integrally formed by spinning a planar high-toughness metal to improve the coordination of the electrode arm 2 during expansion and contraction deformation.
[0044] like Figure 5 As shown, another embodiment provides an ablation catheter, including: an outer tube 10; an inner tube assembly 11, the proximal end of which is movably inserted into the outer tube 10 along the axial direction of the outer tube 10; and a basket electrode assembly 1, including a plurality of electrode arms 2, the plurality of electrode arms 2 extending from the distal end of the inner tube assembly 11 and converging at the distal end of the outer tube 10. The distal end of the inner tube assembly 11 has a planar structure, so that after the inner tube assembly 11 is connected to the distal end of the basket electrode assembly 1, a planar end 12 is formed at the distal end of the basket electrode assembly 1.
[0045] The ablation catheter provided in this embodiment has a basket electrode assembly 1 consisting of multiple electrode arms 2 extending from the distal end of the inner tube assembly 11 and converging at the distal end of the outer tube 10. The distal end of the inner tube assembly 11 has a planar structure, so that after the inner tube assembly 11 is connected to the distal end of the basket electrode assembly 1, a planar end 12 is formed at the distal end of the basket electrode assembly 1. Compared with the ablation catheters in the prior art, since the distal end of the ablation catheter is a planar end 12, the risk of the ablation catheter tip puncturing the inner wall of the heart chamber can be reduced when the ablation catheter enters the heart chamber during treatment.
[0046] The multiple electrode arms 2 are integral structures formed by cutting a single flexible electrode. In their natural state, the multiple electrode arms 2 have a structure that radiates outward from the center; for example, the multiple electrode arms 2 can be petal-shaped. For example, the distal ends of the multiple electrode arms 2 are connected with a certain size of connection area, while the proximal ends radiate outward. In use, an assembly hole can be provided in the center of the connection area at the distal ends of the multiple electrode arms 2 to facilitate connection with the inner tube assembly 11. The proximal ends of the multiple electrode arms 2 can all be fixedly connected to the outer tube 10. With this configuration, compared to a basket electrode assembly 1 formed by coupling a single electrode arm 2 at its distal end in a similar manner to its proximal end, the overall strength of the basket electrode assembly 1 is higher. Moreover, the deformation of each electrode arm 2 after being subjected to force is consistent, which can improve the coordination between the various electrode arms 2 of the entire basket electrode assembly 1.
[0047] In summary, the ablation catheter in this application has a planar end 12, and the metal skeleton layer 4 is integrally formed by spinning a planar high-toughness metal, resulting in higher coordination between the expansion and contraction deformation of the electrode arms 2.
[0048] The ablation catheter in this application has a high-toughness metal skeleton layer 4 that is fully covered by two layers of high-polymer insulating material, and the metal skeleton layer 4 has good insulation properties.
[0049] The ablation catheter in this application, with its second insulating layer 7 and skirt 3, provides a safer and more tissue-friendly fit.
[0050] Obviously, the above embodiments are merely illustrative examples for clear explanation and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations here. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the protection scope of this invention.
Claims
1. A basket electrode assembly, characterized in that, include: Multiple electrode arms (2), each electrode arm (2) comprising a metal skeleton layer (4) and an electrode layer (5) disposed thereon; Skirt (3) is provided on both sides of the electrode arm (2).
2. The basket electrode assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electrode arm (2) includes an electrode layer (5), a first insulating layer (6), a metal skeleton layer (4), and a second insulating layer (7) stacked from top to bottom; The width of the second insulating layer (7) along the width direction of the metal skeleton layer (4) is greater than the width of the metal skeleton layer (4), and the portion of the second insulating layer (7) that extends beyond the edge of the first insulating layer (6) forms the skirt (3).
3. The basket electrode assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first insulating layer (6) contacts the edge of the second insulating layer (7) to completely cover the metal skeleton layer (4).
4. The basket electrode assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The hem (3) is a rectangular hem (3) or an arc-shaped hem (3).
5. The basket electrode assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The maximum width of the skirt (3) is less than the width difference between the edge of the electrode layer (5) and the edge of the first insulating layer (6).
6. The basket electrode assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, A plurality of electrode layers (5) are provided along the length of the first insulating layer (6), and the plurality of electrode layers (5) are arranged in an equidistant and equal-length arrangement.
7. The basket electrode assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, A plurality of electrode layers (5) are provided along the length direction of the first insulating layer (6), and the plurality of electrode layers (5) include at least one long electrode (9) and at least one short electrode (8); The long electrode (9) and the short electrode (8) are arranged separately.
8. The basket electrode assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that, At least one of the short electrodes (8) is embedded in the long electrode (9).
9. An ablation catheter, characterized in that, Includes the basket electrode assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1-8.