Closed-Loop Cooled Ablation Catheter Mapping Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter ablation technologies for treating atrial fibrillation lack precise mapping capabilities at the point of energy delivery, leading to incomplete lesion formation and potential recurrence of arrhythmias.
Innovation Solution
A catheter design with mapping electrodes deposited on the exterior surface of the ablation electrode, allowing for real-time measurement of localized electrical activity and enhanced mapping resolution, combined with a closed-loop cooling system and irrigation ports for effective energy delivery and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mapping electrodes are integrated on the ablation electrode surface, then mapping precision and lesion formation accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mapping electrodes and ablation electrode into a single integrated tip structure. The mapping electrodes are deposited directly on the exterior surface of the ablation electrode, allowing simultaneous measurement of electrical activity and delivery of ablation energy at the same anatomical location, thereby improving mapping precision and lesion formation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter tip is designed to perform multiple functions: mapping (via deposited electrodes), ablation (via the ablation electrode), and cooling (via the cooling chamber). This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate devices while maintaining high precision for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.
2Reliability
If RF energy is delivered for ablation, then lesion formation is achieved, but tissue temperature increases causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling chamber is positioned around the ablation electrode to provide preliminary cooling action before and during RF energy delivery. This prevents excessive temperature rise that could cause unintended tissue damage while ensuring reliable lesion formation at the target site.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal mass is introduced as an intermediary between the RF energy source and the surrounding tissue. This thermal mass absorbs excess heat and acts as a heat sink, allowing controlled energy delivery while protecting adjacent tissues from thermal damage.
3Measurement precision
If mapping electrodes are deposited on ablation electrode surface, then mapping resolution is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping electrodes are created by changing the surface parameters of the ablation electrode through deposition processes. By depositing conductive material onto the ablation electrode surface, high-resolution mapping capability is achieved without requiring separate electrode structures, simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter tip utilizes composite construction with the ablation electrode serving as the base structure and deposited mapping electrodes forming a composite surface. This composite approach integrates multiple functions into a single manufacturable component, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining high mapping resolution.
4Temperature
If closed-loop cooling system is implemented, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling chamber is nested around the ablation electrode in a concentric arrangement, with the thermal mass positioned within the cooling chamber. This nested structure provides efficient temperature control through a compact design, allowing coolant to flow around the ablation electrode and thermal mass to manage heat generation during RF delivery.
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 solution enables precise lesion formation and improved diagnostic accuracy by measuring high-frequency potentials and generating high-density electrical activity maps, reducing far-field electrical interference and enhancing tissue contact detection.
Implementation Method 1
one or more mapping electrodes at the distal portion of the tip section... measuring high-frequency potentials and generating high-density electrical activity maps
Implementation Method 2
closed-loop cooling system and irrigation ports for effective energy delivery and temperature control
Implementation Method 3
tip section includes an ablation electrode configured to deliver radio frequency (RF) energy for an RF ablation procedure
Implementation Method 4
deliver energy to the abnormal heart muscle, which disables it... produces a small area of dead heart muscle called a lesion
Implementation Method 5
each electrode structure includes a mapping electrode at the distal portion of the tip section and a contact pad electrically coupled to the mapping electrode
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for performing mapping and ablation functions includes a catheter sized and shaped for vascular access. The catheter includes an elongate body extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A tip section positioned at the distal end of the catheter body and includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. One or more electrode structures are formed on an exterior surface of the tip section. The one or more electrode structures each includes a mapping electrode at the distal portion of the tip section and a contact pad electrically coupled to the mapping electrode.