Catheter Electrode Array for Selective Atheroma Treatment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for treating atherosclerotic plaque in blood vessels, such as balloon angioplasty and stenting, often cause trauma and are not suitable for diffuse or tortuous arteries, and do not effectively address vulnerable plaques that can rupture, leading to complications like myocardial infarction.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a radially expandable electrode array that uses variable frequency electrical energy to characterize and selectively treat atherosclerotic plaques, minimizing collateral tissue damage by monitoring impedance and phase angle changes to avoid overheating vulnerable tissues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If balloon angioplasty is used to open occluded blood vessels, then the blood vessel diameter is increased, but tissue trauma and restenosis risk are significantly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical dilation system (balloon inflation) with an RF energy-based system. The RF electrode delivers electromagnetic energy to heat and remodel atherosclerotic tissue, allowing vessel opening without the mechanical trauma of balloon expansion. This substitution eliminates dissection and elastic recoil while achieving luminal patency through controlled thermal modification of plaque tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes controlled changes in temperature parameters through RF energy delivery. By heating tissue to specific temperature ranges (typically 60-90°C), the system achieves plaque modification and vessel opening. The controlled thermal parameter changes allow selective remodeling of atherosclerotic tissue while preserving healthy vessel wall integrity, avoiding the mechanical trauma associated with balloon angioplasty.
2Reliability
If stenting is performed to extend beneficial opening of blood vessels, then restenosis is reduced, but mechanical fatigue and corrosion risks are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for permanent metallic implants by using RF energy to directly remodel and stabilize the vessel wall. Instead of inserting a stent to provide mechanical support, the RF system modifies the plaque and vessel wall tissue to maintain luminal patency naturally. This extraction of the implant component eliminates long-term concerns about mechanical fatigue, corrosion, and implant-related complications while maintaining vessel opening durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the vessel wall to serve itself by promoting natural healing and remodeling processes through controlled RF heating. The thermal energy stimulates tissue repair mechanisms and plaque stabilization, allowing the vessel to maintain its opening without external mechanical support. This self-service approach replaces the need for stent-based structural support with biologically-driven vessel wall integrity maintenance.
3Loss of substance
If atherectomy devices are used to remove atherosclerotic material, then plaque removal is achieved, but procedural complexity and risks are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical atherectomy systems with a simpler RF energy delivery system. Instead of using rotating blades, cutting mechanisms, or complex aspiration devices to physically remove plaque, the RF system delivers electromagnetic energy that thermally remodels and softens plaque tissue. This substitution achieves plaque removal and vessel opening through thermal modification rather than mechanical cutting, significantly reducing procedural complexity and associated risks.
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 allows for precise characterization and treatment of atherosclerotic plaques, reducing trauma and preventing restenosis by selectively applying therapeutic energy to target tissues while protecting healthy tissues, thereby improving blood flow and reducing the risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
the deployable electrode means comprises a plurality of preshaped expandable metallic basket members at the distal end of the inner catheter adapted to contact the atherosclerotic tissues and to apply RF current to the tissues for therapeutic purposes
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of expandable metallic basket members are wrapped onto and around a balloon of an ablation device system
Data Source
Figure 1a~1f
Figure 1G~1I
Figure 2~4
AI summary
A system comprising a probe having a proximal end, a distal end, and a radially expandable array of electrodes disposed near the distal end for circumferentially engaging a lumen wall of a body lumen, a variable frequency power source coupled to the array of electrodes such that, when the electrode array engages the lumen wall, an electrical circuit comprising the power source, selected electrodes of the array, and engaged lumen wall can be defined, and a processor coupled with the variable frequency power source, the processor comprising computer-readable media embodying software instructions configured to characterize an eccentric target material of the lumen wall by monitoring a characteristic of the electrical circuit as a frequency supplied by the variable frequency power source is varied between differing frequencies, wherein the processor is configured to characterize the target material using a tissue signature profile curve, within a frequency range, of impedance magnitude and phase angles of the circuit.