Selective Catheter Electrode Control for Tissue Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroporation methods lack specificity in electrode selection for targeted tissue ablation and require more effective voltage pulse generation and control for therapeutic applications, particularly in treating cardiac arrhythmias.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a voltage pulse generator and electrode controller that selectively applies DC voltage to a subset of electrodes, using a selection module to identify anode and cathode pairs, and delivers pulsed voltage waveforms for irreversible electroporation, with features like biphasic waveforms and sequential electrode updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulsed DC voltages are applied to generate electroporation, then tissue ablation is achieved, but specificity in electrode selection for targeted ablation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple independently controllable electrodes, allowing selective activation of specific electrode pairs (anode-cathode combinations) to achieve precise spatial targeting of tissue ablation while maintaining overall system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures electrode polarity assignments (anode/cathode designations) and pulse delivery timing based on real-time treatment requirements, enabling flexible adaptation to different ablation targets and treatment protocols without physical reconfiguration
2Productivity
If high voltage pulses are delivered for rapid electroporation, then treatment speed is improved, but control precision for selective energy delivery is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic pulsed voltage delivery with precisely controlled pulse timing, duration, and inter-pulse intervals, allowing rapid sequential treatment of multiple tissue targets while maintaining accurate energy delivery to each specific location through synchronized electrode activation
Solution Approach 2:
The controller pre-configures electrode polarity assignments and pulse delivery sequences before treatment, enabling rapid execution of complex ablation patterns without real-time decision delays, thus achieving both speed and precision in energy delivery
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 selective and rapid tissue ablation by generating irreversible electroporation, enhancing therapeutic efficacy in cardiac therapy applications such as treating Ventricular Tachycardia and other cardiac arrhythmias.
Implementation Method 1
applying brief, high voltage DC pulses to tissue, thereby generating locally high electric fields, typically in the range of hundreds of Volts/centimeter. The electric fields disrupt cell membranes by generating pores in the cell membrane, which subsequently destroys the cell membrane and the cell. If the applied electric field at the membrane exceeds a threshold value, typically dependent on cell size, the electroporation is irreversible and the pores remain open, permitting exchange of material across the membrane and leading to apoptosis or cell death.
Data Source
AI summary
Catheter systems and methods for the selective and rapid application of DC voltage to drive irreversible electroporation are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a voltage pulse generator and an electrode controller. The voltage pulse generator is configured to produce a pulsed voltage waveform. The electrode controller is configured to be operably coupled to the voltage pulse generator and a medical device including a series of electrodes. The electrode controller includes a selection module and a pulse delivery module. The selection module is configured to select a subset of electrodes from the series of electrodes. The selection module is configured identify at least one electrode as an anode and at least one electrode as a cathode. The pulse delivery module is configured to deliver an output signal associated with the pulsed voltage waveform to the subset of electrodes.