Cardiac Ablation Catheter with Removable Sensor Probe
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac ablation devices face challenges in integrating electrical sensing structures with ultrasonic ablation technology, leading to complex fabrication, limited placement options, and increased procedural complexity due to separate sensing and ablation steps.
Innovation Solution
A catheter-based apparatus with an expansible ablation device and a removable sensor probe that can be automatically aligned with the ablation region, allowing for simultaneous ultrasonic ablation and electrical signal monitoring without interrupting the procedure, and enabling multiple sensing configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electrical sensing structures are integrated with ultrasonic ablation technology in a single device, then simultaneous ablation and monitoring is enabled, but fabrication complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device into separate functional modules: an ablation device with ultrasonic transducer and reflector for tissue ablation, and a separate sensor probe with electrodes for electrical sensing. These modules can be independently fabricated and then assembled, reducing overall fabrication complexity while enabling simultaneous operation during procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the ablation device and sensor probe into a single integrated system where the sensor probe can be positioned within the ablation device's ablation region. This merging enables simultaneous ablation and electrical monitoring without requiring separate procedures, improving procedural efficiency
2Ease of manufacture
If separate sensing and ablation steps are used, then device fabrication is simpler, but procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic positioning system where the sensor probe can be selectively deployed to different locations within the ablation device's ablation region. The probe can be positioned, removed, and repositioned as needed, allowing flexible sensing configurations during the same procedure without increasing fabrication complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a catheter as an intermediary structure that provides a continuous passageway for both the ablation device and sensor probe. The catheter serves as a mediator that allows both separate devices to coexist in the same procedural space, enabling simplified fabrication while reducing procedural complexity through coordinated operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor probe is made removable and repositionable, then placement flexibility increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different functional characteristics at different parts of the device: the ablation device has a rigid structure with ultrasonic transducer and reflector for focused ablation, while the sensor probe has flexible, repositionable electrodes for electrical sensing. Each component is optimized for its specific function, enabling flexibility without overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a steering mechanism in the ablation device that can be used to pre-position the sensor probe at the desired location within the ablation region before the actual sensing operation. This preliminary positioning action simplifies the overall device structure by providing a built-in guidance system rather than requiring complex external positioning equipment
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
Facilitates precise and efficient cardiac ablation by allowing real-time monitoring of electrical activity during the procedure, reducing complexity and risk, and enabling flexible placement of sensing electrodes without impeding other procedural steps.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transducer within the structural balloon and passes radially outwardly from the emitter to the reflector. The reflector redirects the ultrasonic waves and focuses it into a ring-like ablation region
Implementation Method 2
Because the liquid in the structural balloon and the gas in the reflector balloon have substantially different acoustic impedances, the interface between the balloons at the common wall is a nearly perfect reflector for ultrasonic waves
Data Source
AI summary
A cardiac ablation device, including a steerable catheter (10) and an expandable ablation element (18) incorporating one or more balloons (20, 22) at the distal end of the catheter, has a continuous passageway (28, 30) extending through it from the proximal end of the catheter to the distal side of the expandable ablation element. A probe (72) carrying electrodes is introduced through this passageway and deploys, under the influence of its own resilience, to a structure incorporating a loop (82) which is automatically aligned with the axis of the expandable ablation device, so that minimal manipulation is required to place the sensor probe.