Thermally Resistant Balloon Coating for Ablation Catheters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current balloon catheters used for endoscopically guided laser ablation in treating atrial fibrillation face challenges with thermal resistance, as the thermoplastic polyurethane material used can be prone to mechanical failure due to high temperatures generated during the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A thermally resistant coating, such as silicone rubber, is applied to the inner surface of the balloon catheter, specifically in the main center region where the energy is projected, to enhance thermal resistance without compromising the mechanical properties or compliance of the balloon.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thermoplastic polyurethane material is used for the balloon, then the balloon maintains good mechanical properties and compliance, but the balloon becomes prone to mechanical failure due to high temperatures generated during laser ablation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining thermoplastic polyurethane (providing mechanical strength and compliance) with a thermally resistant coating material (providing thermal protection). This composite structure allows the balloon to simultaneously achieve both mechanical performance and thermal resistance, resolving the contradiction between strength and thermal reliability.
2Reliability
If a thermally resistant coating is applied to the inner surface of the balloon, then thermal resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by coating only the inner surface of the balloon where thermal exposure occurs during laser ablation, rather than coating the entire device. This localized approach provides thermal protection where needed while minimizing the increase in device complexity and manufacturing difficulty.
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 thermally resistant coating effectively protects the balloon from high temperatures, reducing the risk of mechanical failure and ensuring consistent performance during the ablation procedure, while maintaining the balloon's compliance and lubricity.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally resistant coating formed of a material selected that can be selected from a group consisting of: silicone rubber, polyisoprene, polyurethane
Implementation Method 2
laser energy must be applied to a continuous ring of tissue around the ostium of each pulmonary vein
Implementation Method 3
The goal of the laser energy application is to kill myocytes and generate scar tissue
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation catheter that includes a shaft having a distal end and a balloon coupled to the shaft. The balloon has an inner surface and an opposite outer surface. The inner surface has a proximal region including a proximal balloon end, a main center region, and a distal region including a distal balloon end. The ablation catheter also includes an energy emitter disposed inside the balloon and being configured to move both axially and rotationally within the inside of the balloon. The ablation catheter includes a thermally resistant coating disposed along the inner surface of the balloon within at least the main center region of the inner surface of the balloon. The thermally resistant coating is formed of a material selected from a group consisting of: silicone rubber, polyisoprene, polyurethane.