Integrated Ablation and Pacing Electrode with Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrosurgical instruments lack the capability to effectively perform both ablation and pacing procedures with integrated sensing capabilities, particularly in cardiovascular applications, such as treating atrial fibrillation, where precise tissue stimulation and lesion creation are required.
Innovation Solution
An electrosurgical device with a distal tip featuring a first and second pole electrode for RF energy delivery and a sensor electrode for sensing voltage, impedance, conduction time, and signal phase angle, along with an electrode gap adjustment mechanism to optimize lesion creation and sensing, enabling both ablation and pacing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for ablation and pacing procedures, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the overall procedure complexity increases and requires multiple device exchanges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ablation electrodes and pacing electrodes into a single integrated device head. The ablation electrodes (first and second pole electrodes) are positioned adjacent to pacing electrodes on the same device, allowing both ablation and pacing functions to be performed without exchanging devices. This merging resolves the contradiction by reducing the number of devices required while maintaining the specialized functions of each electrode type.
Solution Approach 2:
The device head is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an ablation device and a pacing device. The same device can deliver RF energy for ablation through the pole electrodes and deliver pacing stimuli through the pacing electrodes. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate specialized devices, reducing procedural complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple separate devices are used for mapping, ablation, and pacing, then each function can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the procedure time increases due to device exchanges and setup
Solution Approach 1:
The device is designed with all necessary electrodes (ablation poles, pacing electrodes, and sensing electrodes) pre-positioned on the device head before the procedure begins. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for device exchanges during the procedure, as all functions are ready to perform immediately upon contact with tissue. The fixed geometric relationships between electrodes are established in advance during device manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges mapping, ablation, and pacing capabilities into a single integrated device. Voltage mapping can be performed using the pole electrodes and sensing electrodes, ablation can be delivered through the pole electrodes, and pacing can be delivered through the pacing electrodes—all without removing or exchanging the device. This combination eliminates repeated setup and device exchange time.
3Device complexity
If ablation and pacing electrodes are integrated in a fixed configuration, then device structure is simplified, but adaptability to different procedural requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable electrode spacing mechanisms that allow the distance between ablation electrodes and pacing electrodes to be modified during the procedure. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to adapt to different procedural requirements, such as varying tissue depths or target locations, while maintaining the integrated structure. The geometric relationships between electrodes can be changed without requiring device exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent allows modification of key parameters such as electrode spacing and positioning during the procedure. By enabling parameter changes in the electrode configuration, the device maintains structural simplicity while gaining versatility. The adjustable parameters allow optimization for different clinical scenarios without increasing the fundamental device complexity.
4Measurement precision
If separate devices are used for ablation and pacing with sensing, then each device can have specialized sensors, but the overall system integration and coordination become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sensing capabilities directly into the ablation and pacing device head. Sensing electrodes are positioned in fixed geometric relationships with the ablation and pacing electrodes, allowing simultaneous or coordinated measurement of tissue properties during both ablation and pacing procedures. This integration eliminates the need for separate sensing devices and simplifies system coordination by having all functions in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated device head serves as an intermediary that coordinates all functions—mapping, ablation, pacing, and sensing—in a unified manner. The fixed geometric relationships between electrodes act as a built-in coordination mechanism, ensuring proper spatial alignment for all procedures without requiring complex external coordination systems.
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 device allows for effective tissue ablation and pacing with precise control over lesion width, depth, and electrical conduction, enhancing the success rate of procedures like the MAZE procedure by verifying lesion efficacy through sensing and stimulation.
Implementation Method 1
a first pole electrode on the distal tip for the delivery of RF energy to tissue. A second pole electrode is provided on the distal tip parallel to and spaced away from the first electrode a first distance, the second pole electrode for the delivery of RF energy to tissue
Implementation Method 2
the delivery of RF energy to tissue... RF energy is applied via the electrodes to create one or more coagulated lesions on the heart
Implementation Method 3
the sensor electrode enables a sensor to senses at least one selected from the group of voltage, tissue impedance, electrical conduction, conduction time, conduction velocity, and signal phase angle
Data Source
AI summary
An electrosurgical device having a distal tip for creating a lesion on tissue includes a first electrode and a second electrode that are parallel for the delivery of RF energy to tissue. A sensor electrode is provided parallel to and spaced away from the first electrode a different distance than the second electrode. When the sensor electrode and at least one of the first and second electrodes are in contact with tissue, The electrosurgical device can perform at least one of the following: ablating tissue, and sensing at least one selected from the group of voltage, tissue impedance, electrical conduction, conduction time, conduction velocity, and signal phase angle.