Tissue Ablation Catheter Insulator Between Inner Outer Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue ablation catheters with electrodes on the outer surface limit the shape of electric fields, resulting in elongated contours that are not optimal for consistent tissue ablation, as ablation depth depends on the orientation of the catheter relative to the tissue.
Innovation Solution
A tissue ablation catheter with an insulator between inner and outer electrodes, allowing for novel electric field shapes that improve ablation consistency by generating a more symmetric electric field contour, independent of catheter orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electrodes are placed on the outer surface of the catheter with traditional configuration, then the device structure is simple, but the electric field contours become elongated and ablation depth becomes dependent on catheter orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into distinct inner and outer electrodes separated by an insulator, creating independent current paths that generate more symmetric electric field contours and improve ablation consistency regardless of catheter orientation
Solution Approach 2:
An insulator is introduced as an intermediary element between the inner and outer electrodes, forcing current to flow through a longer path along the catheter surface rather than directly between electrodes, which creates more symmetric and orientation-independent electric field contours
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional electrode configuration is used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the electric field shape is limited to elongated contours
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into inner and outer electrodes with an insulator between them, enabling independent control of each electrode and generation of more symmetric electric field contours that are not limited to elongated shapes
Solution Approach 2:
The insulator introduces a new spatial dimension by separating electrodes radially, transforming the electric field generation from a simple longitudinal dipole to a more complex three-dimensional field distribution that produces symmetric contours
3Length of moving object
If inner and outer electrodes are placed close together, then the current path is shorter, but the electric field symmetry is reduced and ablation becomes orientation-dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The insulator acts as a mediator that forces current to travel along the catheter surface between inner and outer electrodes, extending the current path length while simultaneously creating symmetric electric field contours that ensure consistent ablation depth regardless of catheter orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The insulator is strategically positioned to create different current distribution patterns in different spatial regions, concentrating current flow along the catheter surface and generating symmetric electric fields that improve ablation consistency
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 catheter achieves consistent tissue ablation depth regardless of its orientation relative to the tissue, due to the symmetric electric field contour generated by the insulator-separated electrodes, enhancing the effectiveness of the ablation process.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical insulator between the inner surface and the outer surface... The electrical insulator may separate the inner electrodes from the outer electrodes
Implementation Method 2
the electrical insulator may be a dielectric, such as aluminum nitride ceramic for example
Implementation Method 3
The controller may set the voltages of the inner and outer electrodes to generate an electric field outside the tubular element that induces ablation of the tissue by electroporation
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter for tissue ablation with one or more electrodes attached to the inner surface of the catheter body facing the lumen, and one or more electrodes attached to the outer surface. The electrodes are offset from the distal end of the catheter. The material between the inner and outer electrodes is an insulator and may be for example a dielectric with a high dielectric constant. This catheter configuration generates an electric field that bends around the tip of the catheter. The field strength near the catheter tip is relatively symmetric; therefore, tissue ablation depth is relatively insensitive to catheter orientation. Embodiments may have multiple inner or outer electrodes and may switch voltage configurations across electrodes to vary the electric field direction over time, improving ablation consistency.