Cardiac Navigation Electrode Array Uniform Current Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac navigation systems face challenges in providing accurate three-dimensional surface models of the heart chamber due to irregular tissue conductivity and inconsistencies in current distribution across orthogonal axes, leading to location distortion and mismatch with high-resolution images from Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans.
Innovation Solution
A cardiac mapping and navigation system utilizing an electrode array with multiple individual current sources to create a uniform electrical field across orthogonal axes, allowing for more accurate three-dimensional mapping of the heart chamber by sensing electrical fields and determining the location of the mapping catheter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If small electrodes are used to drive currents across orthogonal axes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the current distribution becomes non-uniform causing location distortion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode system into multiple segments arranged in arrays along each orthogonal axis. Instead of using single small electrodes, multiple electrode segments are distributed across the body surface to create a more uniform current sheet. This segmentation allows better control over current distribution while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the electrode system. Each electrode segment is strategically positioned and sized to optimize local current density. The electrode arrays are configured with varying densities and positions to compensate for non-uniform tissue conductivity in different body regions, achieving overall uniform current distribution.
2Measurement precision
If uniform current distribution is achieved through electrode arrays, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode arrays serve multiple functions simultaneously: they drive currents along three orthogonal axes, sense electrical potentials, and provide reference points for location calculation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the current driving electrodes and sensing electrodes into integrated arrays positioned on the body surface. By merging these functions into a unified electrode system, the patent achieves three-dimensional location accuracy while avoiding the complexity of separate electrode sets for each function.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple individual current sources are used in the electrode array, then current distribution uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures the electrode arrays and current source connections before use. The electrode positions, sizes, and electrical connections are predetermined and fixed, allowing the system to deliver uniform current distribution without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms. This preliminary configuration simplifies the operational complexity while maintaining current uniformity.
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 a more accurate three-dimensional map of the heart chamber by ensuring a uniform current distribution, reducing geometric distortions and improving alignment with high-resolution imaging techniques.
Implementation Method 1
The means for driving an electrical current across the multiple axes includes means for providing a plurality of individual current sources to the electrode array
Implementation Method 2
The mapping catheter includes means for sensing an electrical field
Data Source
AI summary
A cardiac navigation system including a mapping catheter, a control system coupled to the mapping catheter, an electrode array, and means for driving an electrical current across the electrode array. The mapping catheter includes means for sensing an electrical field. The control system includes means for receiving sensed signals from the mapping catheter. The cardiac navigation system includes at least one electrode array including means for providing an electrical field across three axes. The three axes are approximately orthogonal with respect to one another. The means for driving an electrical current across the three axes includes means for providing a plurality of individual current sources to the electrode array. As such, the cardiac navigation system presented provides a more uniform sheet of current across an area of interest, the mapping catheter senses the electrical field across the area of interest, and the control system determines a three-dimensional location of the mapping catheter based on the sensed electrical field.