Adjustable Length Flexible Polymer Electrode Catheter for Lesion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ablation devices, particularly radiofrequency (RF) ablation devices, face limitations in controlling the type and size of lesions due to fixed electrode sizes, which restricts adaptability to varying patient physiological characteristics during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable length flexible polymer electrode with a linear displacement mechanism, allowing the exposure length of the electrode to be varied from 0.1 mm to 100 mm, enabling control over lesion size and type through mechanisms like push-pull pulley, screw drive, or rack and pinion systems, coupled with an electrically insulative sheath for enhanced flexibility and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size ablation electrode is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to control lesion type and size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic electrode system where the exposed length of the flexible polymer electrode can be adjusted during the procedure. A linear displacement mechanism with push-pull wire, pulley, and spool allows the electrode to be extended or retracted, transforming the fixed electrode into a variable-length electrode that adapts to different lesion requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
2Area of stationary object
If the electrode length is increased to treat larger areas, then the treatment coverage is improved, but the flexibility and access to tight spaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is designed as a flexible polymer material that can be segmented or divided in length through the adjustment mechanism. The active electrode portion can be extended to cover larger areas when needed, or retracted to a shorter length for accessing tight spaces, allowing the same electrode to provide both extensive coverage and flexible access depending on the procedural requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear displacement mechanism enables dynamic adjustment of the electrode length during the procedure. The push-pull wire system with pulley and spool allows smooth extension and retraction of the flexible polymer electrode, maintaining ease of operation and flexibility while providing variable treatment coverage areas as needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple ablation treatments with different parameters are performed, then patient-specific treatment is improved, but the treatment time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable electrode length mechanism allows different ablation parameters (lesion length) to be implemented without changing the electrode itself. The linear displacement mechanism enables quick adjustment between different exposed lengths, allowing the operator to perform multiple patient-specific ablation treatments with varying parameters in a single procedure, reducing the need for multiple procedures or electrode changes and thereby saving time.
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation catheter includes a flexible elongated shaft having a flexible electrode at its distal end. The flexible electrode includes an inner, flexible, electrically-conductive element and an outer, flexible, electrically-conductive polymer layer in electrical contact with the inner, flexible, electrically-conductive element. The catheter further includes an electrically insulative sheath surrounding at least a portion of the flexible electrode and a linear displacement mechanism capable of adjusting at least one of the electrically insulative sheath and the flexible electrode to vary a length of the flexible electrode exposed at the distal end of the shaft. Also disclosed is an adjustable length ablation electrode and methods of ablating tissue.