Electrode Catheter Irrigation Structure for Uniform Tip Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode catheters face issues with non-uniform irrigation of the distal-end electrode due to eccentric flow paths and openings, leading to insufficient cooling of the proximal-end side, and the distal-end electrode may detach from the irrigation member.
Innovation Solution
The electrode catheter features a distal-end electrode with a hollow structure connected to an insulating irrigation member using female and male threads, forming a storage space with no partition wall, and multiple irrigation openings at equiangular intervals, ensuring uniform liquid distribution and rigid connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an eccentric flow path is used in the distal-end flexible portion, then the deflection mechanism with leaf spring can be accommodated, but the irrigation is not uniformly performed in the circumferential direction
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation member is divided into multiple components (first component and second component) that can be assembled together. The first component contains multiple irrigation openings arranged at equiangular intervals, while the second component contains the eccentric flow path. This segmentation allows the eccentric flow path to supply liquid to multiple evenly distributed openings, achieving uniform irrigation while maintaining deflection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first component acts as an intermediary between the eccentric flow path in the second component and the distal-end electrode. It receives liquid from the eccentric flow path and redistributes it through multiple irrigation openings arranged at equiangular intervals, converting the eccentric single-point supply into uniform multi-point irrigation.
2Ease of manufacture
If the distal-end electrode is connected using fitting only, then the assembly is simple, but the electrode may detach from the irrigation member
Solution Approach 1:
Threads (male thread on the second component and female thread on the distal-end electrode) are formed in advance during manufacturing. This preliminary action allows the components to be securely connected through screwing, preventing detachment while maintaining relatively simple assembly procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is enhanced by replacing simple fitting with a threaded mechanical connection system. The male and female threads provide threaded engagement that securely fastens the distal-end electrode to the irrigation member, eliminating the detachment issue while keeping the assembly process straightforward.
3Manufacturing precision
If irrigation openings are arranged at equiangular intervals, then uniform irrigation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation member uses a nested structure where the first component (containing irrigation openings) and second component (containing flow path) are fitted together. This nesting allows complex functionality (multiple equiangular openings with eccentric flow path) to be achieved through modular assembly, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The irrigation member is segmented into functional components: the first component handles liquid distribution with equiangular openings, while the second component handles liquid supply with the eccentric flow path. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled together, achieving uniform irrigation without excessive overall complexity.
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 ensures efficient cooling of the entire distal-end electrode surface, including the proximal-end side, by uniformly distributing liquid through equiangular irrigation openings, and prevents the electrode from detaching from the irrigation member.
Implementation Method 1
a storage space for the liquid that is a space communicating with the at least one eccentric flow path and that includes no partition wall in a circumferential direction of the insulating irrigation member so that the liquid from the at least one eccentric flow path is uniformly distributed in the circumferential direction
Implementation Method 2
an irrigation mechanism for cooling a distal-end electrode that is heated to a high temperature during cauterization
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of irrigation openings (liquid injection ports) for irrigating a surface of the distal-end electrode with a liquid supplied from the catheter shaft
Implementation Method 4
a female thread is formed on an inner circumferential surface of the distal-end electrode, the insulating irrigation member includes: a first component having an annular shape and including an opening on a distal-end side and a proximal-end side, respectively; and a second component having a flow path formed inside a proximal-end part thereof and a male thread formed on a distal-end part thereof, the flow path communicating with the at least one lumen serving as the liquid flow path, the male thread being screwed to the female thread
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode catheter includes a catheter shaft, an irrigation member, and a distal-end electrode. A female thread is formed on the distal-end electrode. The irrigation member includes a first component having an annular shape, and a second component having an eccentric flow path formed inside a proximal-end part thereof and a male thread formed at a distal-end part thereof, the male thread being screwed to the female thread of the distal-end electrode. With the first component and the distal-end electrode fitted to each other, the first component and the second component fitted to each other, the distal-end portion of the second component inserted into the distal-end electrode, and the female thread and the male thread screwed to each other, the distal-end electrode and the irrigation member are connected to each other while forming, inside the first component, a storage space for a liquid.