Catheter Electrode Impedance Reduction via Coating and Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheters used for cardiac medical procedures face challenges in increasing the number and density of electrodes while maintaining effective electrophysiological signal measurement due to reduced electrode size, which increases impedance and affects electrical performance.
Innovation Solution
The use of a flexible catheter tip with an impedance reduction layer, such as platinum or platinum iridium coating, applied to the electrode contact surface to reduce impedance and enhance biocompatibility, along with a surface texture to improve contact area and reduce impedance further.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the size and spacing of electrodes are reduced to increase the number and density of electrodes on the catheter, then the quantity of electrodes is improved, but the electrical performance deteriorates due to reduced surface area and increased impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the surface properties of the electrode through coating with impedance reduction material (such as platinum or platinum iridium) and applying surface textures. These changes alter the electrical characteristics of the electrode surface, reducing impedance and improving electrical performance despite the reduced electrode size and surface area
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining the base electrode material with an impedance reduction coating layer (platinum or platinum iridium). This composite structure maintains the electrical conductivity of the base material while the coating layer reduces impedance through its specific surface properties and material characteristics
2Quantity of substance
If the size of electrodes is reduced to increase electrode density, then the quantity of electrodes is improved, but the contact surface area decreases leading to increased impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the surface parameters of the electrode by applying coatings and textures that increase the effective surface area and reduce impedance. The impedance reduction coating and surface texture modify the electrical interface between the electrode and tissue, compensating for the reduced geometric surface area of smaller electrodes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent addresses the surface area limitation by transitioning from a two-dimensional surface area constraint to a three-dimensional solution through surface texturing and coating layers. The surface texture creates micro-features that increase the effective contact area, while the coating layer adds a dimensional layer that reduces impedance without increasing the electrode's footprint
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 impedance reduction layer significantly decreases the impedance between the electrode and tissue, allowing for higher density electrode arrays with improved signal fidelity and reduced fabrication costs, while maintaining effective electrophysiological measurement and ablation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
The contact surface area of the electrode or impedance reduction layer can include, but is not limited to, 1.0 mm2
Data Source
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AI summary
A catheter for electrophysiological measurement can include a catheter shaft including a proximal end and a distal end. An electrical conductor can be attached to the catheter. In some examples, a catheter tip portion can be located at the distal end of the catheter shaft. The catheter tip portion can include an electrical conductor and an electrode. In some examples, the electrical conductor can be a trace along a flexible circuit. The electrical conductor can be configured to be communicatively coupled to an ECU, and the electrode can be disposed on the electrical conductor. In various examples, a contact surface area of the electrode can include an impedance reduction layer.