Basket Catheter Electrode-Sensor Integration for Single-Pass Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter technologies require separate insertion of sensing and ablation catheters, prolonging procedures and increasing costs and risks due to multiple insertions.
Innovation Solution
Integration of ablation electrodes and temperature sensors within a single expandable basket catheter, allowing simultaneous electro-anatomical mapping and ablation without the need for additional catheters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensing and ablation catheters are used, then sensing and ablation functions can be performed, but procedure duration increases and multiple insertions are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensing electrodes, ablation electrodes, and temperature sensors into a single basket catheter assembly. The basket catheter includes multiple splines with sensing electrodes for electro-anatomical mapping, ablation electrodes for tissue ablation, and temperature sensors for monitoring, all integrated into one device that can be inserted through a single catheter into the heart
Solution Approach 2:
The basket catheter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: electro-anatomical mapping via sensing electrodes, tissue ablation via ablation electrodes, and temperature monitoring via temperature sensors. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sensing and ablation catheters, reducing procedure time and number of insertions
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate sensing and ablation catheters are used, then specialized functions are available, but device complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple previously separate catheter systems into one unified basket catheter. The sensing electrodes, ablation electrodes, and temperature sensors are all incorporated into the same basket structure with shared components including the expandable frame, splines, and control mechanisms, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite increased functionality
3Productivity
If ablation electrodes and temperature sensors are integrated, then simultaneous sensing and ablation is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The basket catheter is divided into modular splines, each containing sensing electrodes, ablation electrodes, and temperature sensors. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing of individual spline modules that can be assembled into the complete basket structure, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the integrated functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensors are positioned within slots formed in the ablation electrodes, creating a nested arrangement where the temperature sensor is housed inside the ablation electrode structure. This nested design consolidates components into a compact configuration, reducing assembly complexity and facilitating 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
Reduces procedure duration and costs by enabling combined sensing and ablation using a single catheter, enhancing catheter performance and safety.
Implementation Method 1
Each slot is configured to contain a temperature sensor, such as a thermocouple
Implementation Method 2
apply radiofrequency (RF) ablation signals to the tissue via the aforementioned ablation electrodes
Data Source
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AI summary
A catheter includes: (i) a shaft for insertion into an organ of a patient, (ii) an expandable distal-end assembly, which is coupled to the shaft and includes multiple splines, (iii) at least an ablation electrode, which is configured: (a) to be coupled to a spline of the splines, and (b) when placed in contact with tissue of the organ, to apply an ablation signal to the tissue, and the ablation electrode includes a slot, and (iv) a temperature sensor, which is contained within the slot and is configured, when the ablation electrode is placed in contact with the tissue, to produce a thermal signal indicative of a temperature of the tissue.