Catheter With Nested Irrigation Tubing and Force Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
During medical procedures involving tissue ablation, uncontrolled application of ablation energy can lead to unwanted tissue temperature increases, necessitating effective temperature control, which is challenging due to the limitations of existing catheter designs.
Innovation Solution
A catheter probe with multiple irrigated electrodes and a force sensor at the distal end, where the force sensor has a central opening for irrigation tubing, allowing efficient irrigation and force measurement without increasing the catheter's diameter, and a controller to manage irrigation fluid flow rates based on the applied force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If irrigation tubing is added to the catheter for temperature control, then temperature control capability is improved, but the catheter diameter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation tubing is nested within the force sensor's central opening, allowing the catheter to deliver both force measurement and irrigation functions without increasing its outer diameter. The tubing passes through the central opening of the force sensor, effectively hiding it within the existing catheter structure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes with irrigation are added, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor serves multiple functions: it measures contact force between the catheter and tissue, and simultaneously provides a protective structure and pathway for the irrigation tubing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing complexity while enabling precise temperature control through multiple irrigated electrodes.
3Measurement precision
If force sensor is added to measure contact force, then measurement capability is improved, but the central space for irrigation tubing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation tubing is nested within the central opening of the force sensor, allowing both the force sensor and irrigation system to coexist in the same spatial envelope without significant volume increase. The tubing passes through the force sensor's central opening, effectively utilizing the available space.
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 precise control of tissue ablation by efficiently irrigating the electrodes while measuring force, thereby maintaining temperature control and improving the accuracy and safety of the ablation process.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor mounted in the distal end, the force sensor having a central opening and being configured to measure a force on the distal end
Implementation Method 2
tubing, passing through the central opening, and configured to supply irrigation fluid through apertures in the electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A probe, including an insertion tube and an electrode mounted on a distal end of the insertion tube. A force sensor is mounted in the distal end of the insertion tube. The force sensor has a central opening and is configured to measure a force on the distal end. The probe also includes tubing, passing through the central opening, which is configured to supply irrigation fluid through apertures in the electrode.