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 accuracy.
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 internal volume, reducing noise and impedance by minimizing the distance between electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external return electrodes are used in unipolar ablation procedures, then the ablation can be performed, but noise and increased impedance are introduced due to the large distance between sensing/ablation electrodes and the return electrode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the return electrode with the expandable frame structure, integrating it into the same catheter assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external return electrodes and reduces the distance between sensing/ablation electrodes and the return electrode, thereby reducing noise and impedance while maintaining ablation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable frame acts as an intermediary structure that holds both the sensing/ablation electrodes and the return electrode in close proximity. This intermediate structure enables the return electrode to be positioned optimally for electrical contact without requiring external placement, thus reducing the harmful effects of distance
2Device complexity
If the return electrode is placed far from the sensing/ablation electrodes, then the catheter structure can be simpler, but the impedance and noise increase affecting ablation accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the return electrode with the expandable frame, the patent achieves a compact catheter structure that maintains simplicity while improving ablation accuracy. The integrated design eliminates the need for complex external return electrode placement mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If external return electrodes are used, then the ablation procedure can be performed, but the large distance between electrodes increases impedance and reduces signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable frame serves as an intermediary that positions the return electrode in close proximity to the sensing/ablation electrodes. This intermediate structure enables accurate signal acquisition by minimizing the distance between electrodes, thereby reducing impedance and improving measurement precision
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
One or more ablation electrodes may be disposed on the expandable frame at one or more positions for placing in contact with a target tissue of the organ... 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
Implementation Method 2
A return electrode may be disposed within an internal volume of the expandable frame, at a position that is not placed in contact with the target tissue... configured to serve as a return or common electrode for the electrical signals
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.