Ablation Catheter Insulator Layout for Orientation-Independent Depth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tissue ablation catheters with electrodes on the outer surface limit the shape of generated electric fields, resulting in asymmetrical ablation depth that depends on the orientation of the catheter relative to the tissue.

Innovation Solution

A tissue ablation catheter with an insulator between inner and outer electrodes, allowing for a symmetrical electric field contour and independent control of electrode voltages to modify field direction and strength, thereby enhancing ablation consistency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If electrodes are placed on the outer surface of the catheter, then the device structure is simple, but the electric field contour becomes asymmetrical and ablation depth depends on catheter orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidablation depth consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is divided into inner and outer electrodes separated by an insulator, creating distinct functional zones. This segmentation allows independent voltage control of each electrode, enabling symmetrical electric field generation that produces consistent ablation depth regardless of catheter orientation relative to the tissue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An electrical insulator is introduced as an intermediary between the inner and outer electrodes. This insulator enables independent electrical control of each electrode while maintaining their spatial relationship, allowing the generation of symmetrical electric fields that improve ablation consistency without requiring complex external positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If electrodes are placed on the outer surface with one electrode at the tip, then the device structure is simple, but the electric field shape is limited and ablation control is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode configurationVSAvoidelectric field shape control

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode system is segmented into multiple inner electrodes and outer electrodes that can be independently controlled. This segmentation provides versatile electric field shaping capabilities, allowing the system to adapt to different tissue geometries and ablation requirements while maintaining a relatively simple catheter structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The voltages of the inner and outer electrodes are dynamically adjusted to generate different electric field shapes and directions. This dynamic control allows the same catheter structure to produce versatile electric field configurations adapted to various tissue geometries and ablation goals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If an insulator is placed between inner and outer electrodes, then symmetrical electric field contour is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation depth consistencyVSAvoidcatheter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The insulator may be implemented as a thin-walled tubular structure that maintains the catheter's flexibility and simplicity while providing the necessary electrical isolation. This approach achieves symmetrical electric field generation without significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The catheter achieves consistent ablation depth regardless of orientation and improves tissue ablation precision by generating a symmetrical electric field contour and varying field directions, reducing procedural risks and time.

Implementation Method 1

The controller may set the voltages of the inner and outer electrodes to generate an electric field outside the tubular element that induces ablation of the tissue by electroporation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectroporation:

Implementation Method 2

The electrical insulator may separate the inner electrodes from the outer electrodes. The electrical insulator may be a dielectric, such as aluminum nitride ceramic for example

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical insulation: Dielectric

Data Source

PatentEP4401662B1Tissue ablation catheter with an insulator between inner and outer electrodes

Publication Date: 2026.01.21 FIELD MEDICAL INC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3

AI summary

A catheter for tissue ablation with one or more electrodes attached to the inner surface of the catheter body facing the lumen, and one or more electrodes attached to the outer surface. The electrodes are offset from the distal end of the catheter. The material between the inner and outer electrodes is an insulator and may be for example a dielectric with a high dielectric constant. This catheter configuration generates an electric field that bends around the tip of the catheter. The field strength near the catheter tip is relatively symmetric; therefore, tissue ablation depth is relatively insensitive to catheter orientation. Embodiments may have multiple inner or outer electrodes and may switch voltage configurations across electrodes to vary the electric field direction over time, improving ablation consistency.