Bipolar Ablation Electrode Proximity Detection via Voltage Morphology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bipolar ablation procedures using flexible catheters face issues with undesired proximity or contact between electrodes, leading to diverted ablation energy and inadequate tissue ablation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a catheter with multiple electrodes, a pulse generator, and a controller that applies bipolar ablation pulses while monitoring voltage between non-active electrodes to maintain safe distances and issue notifications for electrode proximity or contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flexible catheters are used for bipolar ablation, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but electrode proximity or contact causing energy diversion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of electrode proximity or contact conditions before ablation energy is delivered. The controller continuously monitors parameters such as impedance changes, voltage morphology, or capacitance values to detect potential electrode interactions in advance, allowing the system to alert the operator or adjust parameters before harmful energy diversion occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback monitoring during bipolar ablation procedures. Sensors detect changes in electrical parameters (impedance, voltage, current) that indicate electrode proximity or contact, and the controller uses this feedback to alert the operator or automatically adjust ablation parameters to prevent energy diversion and ensure reliable ablation energy delivery.
2Reliability
If electrode proximity monitoring is implemented, then ablation quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system utilizes the existing ablation electrodes and electrical circuitry to perform dual functions: delivering ablation energy and detecting electrode proximity or contact conditions. By measuring parameters such as impedance changes, voltage morphology, or capacitance values during normal ablation operation, the system achieves monitoring capabilities without requiring separate dedicated sensors or complex additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own ablation electrical signals to detect electrode proximity or contact conditions. The same electrical field used for ablation also serves as the detection mechanism, as changes in the electrical parameters (impedance, voltage distribution, current flow) naturally indicate when electrodes are too close or in contact, eliminating the need for external monitoring equipment.
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
Improves the quality of bipolar ablation procedures by ensuring proper energy delivery and patient safety through real-time detection and adjustment of electrode positions.
Implementation Method 1
controlling the pulse generator to apply the one or more bipolar ablation pulses. The controller is configured to receive a signal indicative of a voltage measured between a non-active electrode and a reference point
Implementation Method 2
detecting electrode proximity or contact based on the received signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes a catheter, a pulse generator and a controller. The catheter is configured for insertion into a body of a patient, and includes at least a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode, which are disposed at a distal end of the catheter and are configured to contact tissue within the body. The pulse generator is configured to apply one or more bipolar ablation pulses between the first and second electrodes, for ablating the tissue in contact with the first and second electrodes. The controller is configured to: (i) control the pulse generator to apply the one or more bipolar ablation pulses between the first and second electrodes, (ii) receive a signal indicative of a voltage, measured between the third electrode and a reference during application of the ablation pulses, and (iii) issue a notification in response to detecting that the voltage violates a predefined criterion.