Ablation Electrode Position Sensing via Magnetic Permeability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electromagnetic sensors in intravascular catheters require multiple windings to ensure sensitivity, which increases the size of the end effector, making it undesirable for cardiovascular procedures.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a high-magnetic-permeability material near the electromagnetic coil in the electrode assembly to enhance sensitivity while reducing the overall size of the end effector.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the number of windings in the electromagnetic coil is increased to ensure sufficient sensitivity, then the sensitivity of the electromagnetic sensor is improved, but the size of the end effector increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensitivity of electromagnetic sensorVSAvoidsize of end effector

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces high magnetic permeability materials (such as mu-metal or ferromagnetic materials) near the electromagnetic coil to concentrate and enhance the magnetic field flux density. This changes the magnetic field parameters in the sensing region, allowing the coil to generate sufficient voltage with fewer windings, thereby reducing the end effector size while maintaining sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines electromagnetic coil materials with high magnetic permeability materials to create a composite sensing structure. The high magnetic permeability materials act as magnetic flux concentrators that work synergistically with the coil to enhance sensitivity without requiring increased coil size or winding count

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 increases the sensitivity of electromagnetic position sensing without increasing the size of the end effector, allowing for more accurate positioning and orientation of the catheter during medical procedures.

Implementation Method 1

The coil can be configured to generate a voltage when subject to a magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a member disposed near the coil and comprising a high-magnetic-permeability material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic permeability: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4574072A1Ablation electrode assemblies comprising enhanced position sensing capabilities

Publication Date: 2025.06.25 BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

The disclosed technology includes an electrode assembly comprising an electrode body comprising a top surface and a bottom surface. The electrode body can be configured to deliver ablative energy to tissue through at least the top surface. The electrode assembly can further include a coil disposed near the bottom surface. The coil can be configured to generate a voltage when subject to a magnetic field. The electrode assembly can include a member that is disposed near the coil and comprises a high-magnetic-permeability material.