Irrigated Ablation Catheter Sensor Nesting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Irrigated ablation catheters face challenges in accurately measuring tissue temperature and electrical properties due to interference from irrigation fluid, and in efficiently navigating and stabilizing sensors within the limited spatial constraints of the distal end.
Innovation Solution
The catheter design features a shell electrode with irrigation apertures and an insert with protrusions that house sensors, forming a fluid-tight seal and minimizing interference, allowing for accurate temperature and electrical sensing while maintaining effective irrigation and navigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned at the distal end of the catheter to accurately measure tissue temperature and electrical properties, then measurement precision is improved, but the complexity of the distal end structure increases due to spatial constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter employs a nested structure where the insert containing sensors is positioned within the electrode shell. The insert with temperature sensors and electrical sensors is nested inside the hollow electrode, allowing multiple functional elements to be integrated in a compact configuration that reduces distal end complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end is segmented into functional components: the electrode shell, the insert containing sensors, and the support structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the electrode shell for RF energy delivery, the insert for sensing, and the support for structural stability - thereby managing complexity through modular design
2Temperature
If irrigation fluid is delivered through the electrode to cool the tissue and prevent overheating, then temperature control is improved, but the accuracy of temperature measurements is reduced due to interference from the cooling fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The insert acts as an intermediary structure that houses the temperature sensors and provides a fluid-tight seal around the irrigation fluid pathways. This positioning allows the sensors to measure temperature at the tissue-electrode interface while the fluid-tight seal prevents irrigation fluid from directly contacting and interfering with the sensor measurements, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while enabling effective cooling
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors and functional components are accommodated at the distal end, then the catheter's functionality is improved, but the ease of navigation through tortuous anatomy is reduced due to increased diameter and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components including temperature sensors, electrical sensors, and irrigation fluid pathways are nested within the hollow electrode structure. This nesting approach allows the catheter to accommodate diverse functionalities while maintaining a compact overall diameter, preserving the ability to navigate tortuous intravascular anatomy
Solution Approach 2:
The distal end structure is designed as a multi-functional integrated unit where the electrode shell serves both as the RF energy delivery interface and as a housing for sensors and irrigation pathways. The insert provides both structural support and houses multiple sensing functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby maintaining navigability while enhancing versatility
4Ease of manufacture
If the insert is allowed to rotate freely within the electrode, then the ease of sensor positioning during assembly is improved, but the stability of sensor orientation during operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is pre-configured with protrusions that align with corresponding recesses in the electrode shell during assembly, allowing easy initial positioning. Once assembled, the support structure with engagement features prevents rotational movement, thereby maintaining stable sensor orientation during operation while preserving ease of assembly
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
This design enhances the accuracy of temperature and electrical measurements, reduces interference from irrigation fluid, and improves the catheter's ability to navigate and stabilize sensors, leading to more precise ablation procedures and effective tissue contact assessment.
Implementation Method 1
In one aspect, the sensor may be a thermocouple, thermistor or the like
Implementation Method 2
irrigation of the ablation catheter may provide many benefits including cooling of the electrode and tissue to prevent overheating
Implementation Method 3
Heating of the tissue occurs due to its electrical resistance
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for providing and using an irrigated ablation catheter. The catheter may include a distal shell electrode having irrigation apertures. An insert disposed within the electrode has protrusions that mate with orifices in the shell of the electrode. Each protrusion has a port communicating with at least one interior lumen in the insert and a sensor is disposed in each port. A support seals the proximal end of the electrode and engages the insert. The plurality of sensors may be used to measure electrical and thermal characteristics surrounding the electrode and may help assess contact between the electrode and tissue and/or determine movement of the electrode during ablation.