Braided Basket Catheter for Precise Pulsed Field Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical ablation catheters face challenges in integrating electrodes and expandable basket assemblies into compact and maneuverable designs, with issues such as uneven electrode distribution, inadequate mechanical properties, and potential tissue damage from sharp edges, while pulsed field energy ablation systems require improved precision, safety, and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a steerable or non-steerable design featuring a shaft assembly with concentric tubes, an expandable basket, and a handle assembly, utilizing flexible printed circuit boards and braided mesh electrodes for enhanced structural stability, reliable electrode coupling, and controlled energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional ablation catheters with basket assemblies and ring-shaped electrodes are used, then ablation function is provided, but sharp edges may cause tissue damage and mechanical properties are inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing a rounded distal tip structure that covers and protects sharp edges of the basket assembly and electrodes before they can contact tissue. The distal tip acts as a pre-positioned protective element that prevents potential tissue damage from sharp edges while maintaining the structural integrity and mechanical properties of the underlying components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining different materials with complementary properties: the distal tip is made from a material that provides both mechanical strength and rounded protective geometry, while the basket assembly uses materials with appropriate flexibility and strength. This composite approach allows the device to simultaneously achieve adequate mechanical properties and protection against tissue damage.
2Ease of operation
If electrodes and basket assemblies are integrated into compact catheter designs, then maneuverability is improved, but electrode distribution becomes uneven and coupling reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrode system into multiple discrete ring-shaped electrodes positioned at different locations along the basket assembly. This segmentation allows each electrode to be independently positioned and coupled to the basket structure, ensuring uniform distribution of electrodes around the basket while maintaining the compact and maneuverable catheter design. The segmented approach also improves coupling reliability by distributing connection points along the basket structure.
3Reliability
If expandable basket assemblies are deployed for ablation, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the basket assembly deployment mechanism directly into the catheter structure, combining the deployment function with the existing catheter components. The basket assembly is coupled to the catheter body such that deployment can be achieved through a single operational sequence, reducing the number of separate steps and mechanisms required. This merging approach maintains reliable ablation effectiveness through proper basket deployment while minimizing operational complexity.
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 system provides safer, more precise, and efficient pulsed field ablation with reduced operational complexity, ensuring minimal tissue damage and optimized electrode distribution and energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
pulsed field energy ablation catheters are a promising technology due to their ability to selectively ablate target tissue while minimizing damage to surrounding structures
Data Source
AI summary
An ablation system and methods comprising a catheter having an expandable basket and a shaft assembly comprising an outer and inner elongated shaft allowing relative longitudinal movement. The expandable basket comprises filaments braided into a braided mesh including electrodes for ablation, mapping and measurement. An expandable basket at the distal end of the catheter is coupled to both shafts and is deployable from a collapsed to an expanded configuration. The system includes an introducer sheath with a highly abrasion-resistant inner liner designed for smooth catheter deployment. An electrical control circuits regulates the delivery of high-voltage pulses from a pulse generator to the target tissue, enhancing the safety, precision and effectiveness of tissue ablation.