Balloon Ablation Catheter Side Opening for Vein Potential Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing ablation catheter devices struggle to measure the electric potential around the entire circumference of the pulmonary vein effectively due to a long separation distance between the ablation and stabilization assemblies, which prevents accurate assessment of ablation treatment efficacy.
Innovation Solution
A balloon-type ablation catheter with an integrated electrode catheter insertion lumen allows for the insertion of a ring-like electrode catheter distal end part, enabling measurement of electric potential near the left atrium while the expanded balloon covers the pulmonary vein ostium, reducing the need for post-ablation retraction and enhancing treatment efficacy assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the electrode catheter is inserted deeply into the pulmonary vein to measure electric potential near the ablation site, then measurement precision is improved, but the risk of interfering with ablation and causing pulmonary vein stenosis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary structure (the catheter shaft with side opening) that allows the electrode catheter to access the measurement position without direct deep insertion into the pulmonary vein. The side opening acts as a mediator point where measurements can be taken near the ablation site while avoiding the harmful effects of deep vein insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system is segmented into functional parts: the ablation balloon assembly and the electrode catheter insertion lumen. This segmentation allows independent positioning and function of each component, enabling the electrode catheter to be inserted through a side opening rather than deep into the vein, thus reducing stenosis risk while maintaining measurement capability.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the separation distance between ablation assembly and stabilization assembly is long, then device stability is improved, but measurement precision of electric potential near ablation site deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial dimension of catheter positioning by introducing a side opening on the catheter shaft. Instead of positioning the electrode catheter along the longitudinal axis (one dimension), it can be inserted laterally through the side opening, allowing the distal end to reach near the ablation site while keeping the main body of the catheter stable and positioned more proximally.
3Ease of operation
If the electrode catheter distal end part extends from the distal end opening of the catheter, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision near the left atrium deteriorates due to long separation distance
Solution Approach 1:
The side opening on the catheter shaft serves as an intermediary access point that allows the electrode catheter to be inserted and positioned near the left atrium without requiring the entire catheter assembly to extend that far. This intermediary opening enables precise local positioning while maintaining overall catheter stability and ease of insertion.
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
Enables reliable measurement of electric potential changes around the pulmonary vein before and after ablation, ensuring effective treatment without cumbersome retraction procedures and improving the accuracy of ablation treatment assessment.
Implementation Method 1
the balloon attached to the distal end side of the catheter shaft is expanded by supplying liquid to the inside thereof
Implementation Method 2
high-frequency current is applied between the in-balloon electrode and a counter electrode plate, the liquid supplied to the inside of the balloon is heated (for example, to 60°C or higher), the surface of the balloon is heated
Implementation Method 3
myocardial tissue around the ostium of the pulmonary vein in contact with the surface of the balloon can thereby be ablated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
It is an object of the present invention to provide a balloon-type ablation catheter that can measure the electric potential around the entire circumference of the pulmonary vein at a position near the left atrium with electrodes attached to a catheter distal end part of an electrode catheter inserted in a shaft in a state where a balloon is pressed against the area around the ostium of the pulmonary vein. The balloon-type ablation catheter of the present invention includes a catheter shaft (10) having a multi-lumen structure in which a plurality of lumens (11 to 17) are formed that include a liquid feeding lumen (13), (16) and an electrode catheter insertion lumen (12), a distal end tip (30) attached to the distal end of the catheter shaft (10), a balloon (50) attached to the distal end part of the catheter shaft (10), and a high-frequency current application electrode (70) provided in the balloon (50). A side hole (32) that communicates with the electrode catheter insertion lumen (12) and that opens on the side peripheral surface of the distal end tip (30) is formed in the distal end tip (30).