Bipolar Microelectrode Catheter Layout for Clearer Arrhythmia Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional EP mapping systems face challenges in accurately interpreting electrocardiogram signals due to the presence of far field signals, leading to signal fractionation and difficulty in identifying aberrant conductive tissue sites responsible for cardiac arrhythmias.
Innovation Solution
The development of a mapping catheter with a multi-ray, basket, or balloon end effector configuration featuring closely-spaced bipolar microelectrodes, which are designed to minimize far field interference and provide clear electrocardiogram signals by enhancing signal clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional EP mapping systems use standard electrode configurations, then the system can record electrocardiogram signals, but far field signals cause signal fractionation and reduce measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter employs multiple spines with electrodes distributed across different segments or rays, allowing the system to capture signals from multiple discrete locations. This segmentation enables differentiation between near-field and far-field signals by comparing measurements across spatially separated electrode pairs.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode pairs are positioned with specific spacing relationships where at least one electrode in each pair is located within 2mm of the tissue surface. This local positioning optimizes the electrode configuration to preferentially capture near-field signals while minimizing far-field interference, creating locally optimized signal quality.
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed closer to tissue to reduce far field interference, then signal clarity improves, but the risk of tissue damage and procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter integrates both mapping and ablation capabilities into a single device. The same catheter body that holds the mapping electrodes also contains ablation elements, allowing the system to perform electrical mapping and subsequently treat identified arrhythmia sources without requiring separate procedures or devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter shaft and supporting structures are designed to maintain mechanical stability and positional consistency during procedures. This equipotential mechanical design ensures that the delicate electrode-tissue interface remains stable, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining the close positioning needed for signal clarity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrode pairs are used to improve mapping accuracy, then identification of aberrant tissue sites improves, but device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter enables continuous electrical mapping across multiple electrode pairs simultaneously. By having multiple spines with distributed electrodes, the system can continuously monitor and compare signals from various locations without requiring sequential repositioning or multiple separate mapping procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter combines multiple mapping functions into a single integrated device. Multiple electrode pairs on different spines work together as a unified system, merging the capabilities of what would traditionally require multiple separate catheters or repeated procedural steps into one continuous mapping operation.
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 catheter's design enables precise EP mapping by reducing signal fractionation, allowing for accurate identification of aberrant conductive tissue sites, thereby improving the effectiveness of arrhythmia treatment procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one electrode pair is configured to contact cardiovascular tissue and thereby pick up electrocardiogram signals
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a shaft and an end effector at a distal end of the shaft. The end effector is sized to fit in an anatomical passageway within a subject's cardiovascular system. The end effector includes at least one electrode pair that is configured to contact cardiovascular tissue and thereby pick up electrocardiogram signals. Each electrode pair includes first and second electrodes spaced apart along a longitudinal axis from each other by a gap area located between the electrodes, the gap area having a gap length with respect to the longitudinal axis such that a length of one of the electrodes along the longitudinal axis is equal to or greater than the gap length; and a ratio of an area defined by the gap area to one electrode area is equal to or less than one.