Catheter Electrode Array Cooling via Integrated Fluid Conduit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radiofrequency ablation devices face challenges in controlling temperature, leading to unwanted tissue injury and device compromise due to excessive heating during medical procedures.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with a catheter body and electrode array that includes a fluid conduit capable of transitioning between configurations, providing effective cooling by dispersing fluid through apertures or thermal conduction to regulate electrode temperature, thereby preventing excessive heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiofrequency energy is used for ablation, then effective tissue treatment is achieved, but excessive heating occurs causing tissue injury and device compromise
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid conduit with apertures is introduced as an intermediary cooling system. The conduit delivers cooling fluid to the electrode array, creating a thermal mediator that protects both the tissue and device from excessive heating while allowing RF energy to continue delivering effective treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful thermal effect is extracted and separated from the treatment process by introducing a dedicated cooling system. The cooling fluid removes excess heat from the electrode array, separating the therapeutic RF energy delivery from the harmful thermal accumulation.
2Productivity
If electrode array is used for ablation, then tissue treatment is effective, but tissue charring and coagulum formation occur
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fluid acts as an intermediary that prevents direct thermal damage to tissue. By circulating through the conduit and contacting the electrode array, it removes excess heat before it can cause charring or coagulum formation, maintaining clean and effective ablation.
3Temperature
If fluid conduit is added for cooling, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling function is merged with the existing electrode array structure by integrating the fluid conduit directly with the electrode assembly. This combination allows temperature control to be built into the treatment device itself rather than requiring separate external cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array serves multiple functions: delivering RF energy for ablation and simultaneously serving as a heat exchange surface for the cooling fluid. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by combining treatment and cooling capabilities in a single integrated structure.
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 solution effectively prevents tissue injury and device compromise by maintaining optimal temperature levels during procedures, ensuring safe and efficient energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
providing effective cooling by dispersing fluid through apertures or thermal conduction to regulate electrode temperature
Implementation Method 2
providing effective cooling by dispersing fluid through apertures
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device is disclosed, including a catheter body; an electrode array coupled to the catheter body, the electrode array being transitionable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially helical configuration; and a fluid conduit coupled to the catheter body spaced apart from the electrode array, wherein the fluid conduit is transitionable from a substantially linear configuration to a substantially helical configuration. The device may include a fluid source in communication with the fluid conduit and a radiofrequency signal generator coupled to the electrode array.