Balloon Electrode Magnetic Sensor for Spatial Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intrabody probes, such as catheters, face challenges in accurately determining the location, orientation, and shape of an expandable balloon within an organ, especially when constrained or deflected, which can lead to uneven tissue ablation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of conductive coils configured as magnetic sensors around RF ablation electrodes on an expandable balloon, coupled with a processor that estimates the spatial configuration of the balloon using magnetic tracking, allows for precise location, orientation, and shape determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If magnetic sensors (conductive coils) are integrated around RF ablation electrodes on the expandable balloon, then measurement precision of spatial configuration is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the balloon structure: RF ablation electrodes for tissue treatment and conductive coils for magnetic sensing are integrated onto the same balloon membrane. This merging allows spatial configuration tracking without requiring a separate sensing device, resolving the contradiction by achieving improved measurement precision while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The balloon is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a treatment device (RF ablation) and a sensing device (magnetic position tracking). The conductive coils enable the balloon to universally perform both therapeutic and diagnostic functions, allowing precise spatial configuration measurement while avoiding the need for additional specialized equipment.
2Reliability
If conductive coils are disposed proximate to RF ablation electrodes on the expandable balloon, then reliability of position sensing is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing function is segmented into multiple discrete conductive coils distributed around the balloon, each associated with specific RF ablation electrodes. This segmentation allows independent positioning and calibration of each coil-electrode pair, improving reliability through distributed sensing while managing manufacturing precision through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in magnetic field parameters detected by the conductive coils to determine balloon spatial configuration. By measuring variations in magnetic field strength and direction as the balloon moves or deforms, the system achieves reliable position sensing that compensates for variations in initial coil-electrode positioning during manufacturing.
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
This solution enables accurate tracking of the balloon's spatial configuration, even when constrained or deflected, facilitating uniform tissue ablation and improving the effectiveness of balloon catheter procedures.
Implementation Method 1
one or more respective conductive coils, each disposed proximate a respective RF ablation electrode. The one or more conductive coils are configured as magnetic sensors
Implementation Method 2
The one or more conductive coils are configured as magnetic sensors... based on signals received from the one or more conductive coils, estimate a spatial configuration of the expandable balloon inside the organ
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable balloon, which is coupled to a distal end of a shaft for insertion into an organ of a patient, includes an expandable membrane, one or more electrodes and one or more respective conductive coils. The one or more electrodes are disposed over an external surface of the membrane. The one or more respective conductive coils are each disposed proximate a respective RF ablation electrode. The one or more conductive coils are configured as magnetic sensors.