Balloon Catheter Return Electrode Layout for Low-Noise Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unipolar ablation procedures using external return electrodes introduce noise and increased impedance due to the large distance between the sensing/ablation electrodes and the return electrode, affecting signal quality and ablation efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A catheter with an expandable frame, such as a balloon or basket, integrates sensing/ablation electrodes on the frame and a return electrode within the frame's internal volume, minimizing noise and impedance by reducing the distance between electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If external return electrodes are used in unipolar ablation procedures, then the ablation can be performed with simple electrode configuration, but noise and impedance increase due to large distance between sensing/ablation electrodes and return electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the return electrode with the catheter structure by integrating it into the balloon or basket frame, merging previously separate components (sensing/ablation electrodes and return electrode) into a single integrated catheter assembly. This reduces the distance between electrodes while maintaining functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The return electrode is nested within the catheter structure, specifically integrated into the balloon or basket frame, allowing it to be contained within the overall catheter assembly. This nesting approach minimizes the distance between the return electrode and sensing/ablation electrodes while maintaining proper electrical isolation.
2Device complexity
If external return electrodes are used in unipolar ablation procedures, then the electrode setup is simplified, but ablation efficiency decreases due to increased impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the return electrode with the catheter structure by integrating it into the balloon or basket frame, merging previously separate components (sensing/ablation electrodes and return electrode) into a single integrated catheter assembly. This reduces the distance between electrodes while maintaining functional separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different parts of the catheter: the balloon or basket frame serves as the return electrode pathway, while separate sensing/ablation electrodes maintain their specialized functions. This local differentiation optimizes both electrical performance and ablation efficiency.
3Reliability
If return electrode is placed far from sensing/ablation electrodes, then electrical isolation is easier to achieve, but noise and impedance increase affecting signal acquisition accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The return electrode is nested within the catheter structure, specifically integrated into the balloon or basket frame, allowing it to be contained within the overall catheter assembly. This nesting approach minimizes the distance between the return electrode and sensing/ablation electrodes while maintaining proper electrical isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the conductive medium (saline solution or blood) within the cardiac chamber as an intermediary to facilitate electrical return while maintaining isolation. The conductive fluid provides a controlled pathway for electrical current while preventing direct contact between electrodes that would cause interference.
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
Enhances signal acquisition accuracy and ablation precision by reducing noise and impedance, enabling high-resolution mapping and targeted ablation with reduced vascular trauma.
Implementation Method 1
The expandable frame includes an inflatable balloon
Implementation Method 2
sensing one or more electrical signals from the target tissue
Implementation Method 3
applying one or more ablation pulses to the target tissue... one or more unipolar radiofrequency (RF) ablation pulses applied to the heart
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter includes an expandable frame for insertion into an organ of a patient, one or more first electrodes, and a second electrode. The one or more first electrodes are disposed on the expandable frame at one or more first positions for placing in contact with a target tissue of the organ, and are configured to perform one or both of: (i) sensing one or more electrical signals from the target tissue, and (ii) applying one or more ablation pulses to the target tissue. The second electrode is disposed within an internal volume of the expandable frame, at a second position that is not in contact with the target tissue while the one or more first electrodes contact the target tissue, and is configured to serve as a return or common electrode for the electrical signals.