Cardiac Ablation Catheter for Reversible Conduction Block Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrophysiology cardiac ablation procedures require sequential ablation and assessment, which can be time-consuming and result in unnecessary tissue ablation, as they lack a method to determine the therapeutic suitability of cardiac tissue before ablation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using direct current (DC) and high-frequency alternating current (HFAC) to create reversible conduction blocks in cardiac tissue, allowing for pre-ablation testing to identify suitable tissue for therapeutic ablation, and integrating blocking and ablative electrodes in a single catheter for efficient procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sequential ablation and assessment is performed to ensure therapeutic outcomes, then reliability of treatment is improved, but loss of time and procedure efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing a non-ablative testing phase before actual ablation. The system delivers a first non-ablative direct current to create a reversible conduction block, assesses whether aberrant electrical activity is eliminated, and only then proceeds to ablation if the tissue proves suitable. This preliminary testing prevents unnecessary ablation procedures and ensures therapeutic effectiveness while reducing overall procedure time.
2Manufacturing precision
If sequential ablation and assessment is performed to identify suitable tissue, then manufacturing precision of treatment is improved, but loss of time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of suitable cardiac tissue by delivering a non-ablative direct current and assessing the response before committing to permanent ablation. This preliminary action ensures precise selection of target tissue that will effectively eliminate arrhythmia while avoiding unnecessary ablation of unsuitable tissue, thereby improving treatment precision without excessive time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary non-ablative direct current as a mediator between the decision to ablate and the actual ablation procedure. This intermediary step allows the system to test tissue responsiveness and determine suitability for ablation, providing a buffer that improves selection accuracy while maintaining procedural efficiency.
3Loss of substance
If non-ablative direct current is applied to test tissue suitability, then loss of substance is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the direct current delivery reversible and adjustable. The system can deliver non-ablative direct current temporarily to test tissue suitability, and if the tissue proves appropriate, it can then deliver ablative energy. This dynamic approach allows the same system to preserve tissue when unnecessary while enabling effective ablation when needed, reducing overall tissue loss despite increased system capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes by varying the duration, amplitude, and waveform of direct current delivery. By adjusting these parameters, the system can deliver non-ablative currents for testing purposes without causing permanent tissue damage, thereby preserving tissue while maintaining the ability to proceed to ablation if needed. This parameter control manages the complexity through programmable settings rather than additional hardware.
4Productivity
If integrated catheter with blocking and ablative electrodes is used, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges blocking electrodes and ablative electrodes into a single integrated catheter assembly. This combining of functions allows the system to perform non-ablative testing and permanent ablation using the same delivery platform, improving procedural efficiency and productivity by eliminating the need for separate catheters and reducing procedure steps, despite the increased complexity of the integrated device.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated catheter embodies multi-functionality by incorporating both non-ablative blocking capability and ablative capability within a single device. This universal design allows the catheter to adapt to different treatment needs based on tissue assessment results, improving productivity by streamlining the workflow while managing complexity through a single multifunctional platform rather than multiple specialized devices.
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
Enables rapid, reversible testing of cardiac tissue suitability for ablation, reducing unnecessary procedures and improving the efficiency of electrophysiology cardiac ablation by ensuring therapeutic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
delivering a first non-ablative direct current to the first cardiac target tissue sufficient to create a reversible conduction block in the first cardiac target tissue
Implementation Method 2
applying direct current and/or applying high frequency alternating current to cardiac tissue to create a non-ablative reversible blockade of cardiac tissue
Implementation Method 3
ablating the first cardiac target tissue if the characteristics of interest are absent following delivering the first non-ablative direct current
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to electrophysiology cardiac ablation devices, methods, and systems. In particular, this disclosure relates to devices, methods, and systems that create a reversible non-ablative blockade of cardiac tissue, test the cardiac tissue, and ablate the cardiac tissue.