Multi-Electrode Ablation Control for Renal Denervation Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-electrode ablation systems face challenges in efficiently and accurately regulating temperature across multiple electrodes during renal denervation procedures, due to mechanical differences and varying contact qualities with the treatment area, requiring distinct power levels for each electrode to achieve a desired temperature setpoint.
Innovation Solution
A multi-electrode ablation system with a power supply and controller that compares measured temperatures to desired temperatures, calculates necessary power adjustments for each electrode, and uses a single power supply to deliver energy efficiently by determining the highest demand electrode and maintaining output voltage until the end of the cycle, while also determining common path impedance and therapeutic resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple power supplies are used to provide RF energy to multiple electrodes, then each electrode can receive appropriate power levels, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple power supplies into a single power supply that can deliver different power levels to multiple electrodes through a multi-channel architecture. The controller manages power distribution to each electrode individually, eliminating the need for separate power supplies while maintaining precise temperature control across all electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The single power supply is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple electrodes simultaneously. It can operate in different modes (sequential and simultaneous operation) and adjust power output independently for each electrode channel, making one device perform the function of multiple power supplies.
2Productivity
If RF energy is applied to multiple electrodes simultaneously, then the procedure time is reduced, but the difficulty of controlling temperature at each electrode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements real-time temperature monitoring and feedback control for each electrode. Temperature sensors continuously measure the temperature at each electrode site, and the controller adjusts the RF power delivery dynamically based on these measurements to maintain desired temperature setpoints during simultaneous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply and control system are designed to be dynamic, allowing real-time adjustment of power levels to each electrode during simultaneous operation. The system can adapt power distribution based on varying tissue properties, contact quality, and temperature feedback, enabling efficient multi-electrode operation while maintaining precise control.
3Manufacturing precision
If the catheter is repositioned multiple times to treat different areas, then complete denervation is achieved, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is segmented with multiple electrodes distributed along its length and circumference, allowing different sections to treat different areas of the renal artery. This segmentation enables comprehensive coverage without requiring complete catheter removal and repositioning, as multiple electrodes can be activated simultaneously or sequentially at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables continuous denervation treatment by allowing multiple electrodes to operate simultaneously or in rapid succession as the catheter is positioned once. This eliminates interruptions caused by repeated catheter repositioning, maintaining continuous therapeutic action throughout the procedure.
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 system achieves accurate and efficient temperature control across multiple electrodes, ensuring effective ablation by optimizing energy delivery and maintaining consistent contact quality, thereby improving the efficiency and precision of renal denervation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
RF energy is emitted through an electrode in the distal end of the catheter to heat the renal nerves to a temperature that reduces the activity of renal nerve(s) near the electrode
Implementation Method 2
The controller is operable to compare a measured temperature at each electrode to a desired temperature
Data Source
AI summary
In a multi-electrode ablation system, method, and controller, a power supply is configured to be coupled to a plurality of electrodes, and a controller is coupled to the power supply. The controller is configured to couple an output voltage of the power supply to the plurality of electrodes, and for each electrode of the plurality of electrodes, measure a temperature associated with the electrode, and determine a thermal gain of each electrode of the plurality of electrodes.