Flexible Catheter Ring Electrode Assembly for Precise Cardiac Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophysiology catheters face challenges in delivering precise ablative energy to cardiac tissue due to limitations in flexibility, electrode surface area, and directional control, which can affect the accuracy of diagnostic mapping and therapeutic interventions for arrhythmias.
Innovation Solution
A catheter electrode assembly featuring a flexible circuit with embedded electrical traces, ring electrodes, and an outer covering that exposes a portion of the electrode for optimal surface area and directional alignment, combined with a liner tube for support, enhances flexibility and control during cardiac procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the catheter electrode assembly uses a traditional rigid structure, then structural stability is maintained, but flexibility and ability to reach target tissue areas are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter electrode assembly is divided into modular components including a catheter body, electrode array, and flexible circuit board. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the catheter body provides structural stability while the flexible circuit board enables adaptability to reach complex target tissue areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates dynamic flexibility through its construction materials and design, allowing it to adapt its shape and configuration during navigation and deployment. The flexible circuit board and electrode assembly can bend and conform to the catheter's positioning while maintaining electrical connectivity and structural integrity.
2Measurement precision
If the electrode surface area is increased to improve diagnostic mapping and therapeutic effectiveness, then treatment accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode functions are merged into a single integrated assembly. The electrode array combines diagnostic mapping electrodes and therapeutic ablation electrodes in one configuration, allowing increased total surface area without proportionally increasing device complexity. The flexible circuit board integrates electrical connections for all electrodes in a compact manner.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly is designed with multi-functionality, where the same structural platform supports both diagnostic mapping and therapeutic ablation functions. This universality allows the system to achieve comprehensive functionality with increased electrode surface area while avoiding the need for separate dedicated devices for each function.
3Power
If the electrode surface area is expanded to enhance therapeutic delivery, then ablative energy delivery is improved, but flexibility and deliverability to target sites are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly utilizes flexible circuit boards and thin-film electrode structures that provide large surface area in a compact, flexible form factor. This allows the electrode array to maintain high power delivery capability while remaining flexible enough to navigate complex vasculature and reach difficult target tissue areas within the heart.
4Manufacturing precision
If the catheter structure is made more complex to provide directional control, then precision of electrode orientation is improved, but ease of manufacture and assembly are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array and flexible circuit board are pre-assembled and pre-positioned with precise orientation during manufacturing, before final catheter assembly. This preliminary action ensures accurate electrode orientation is achieved during production rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during clinical use, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
A family of catheter electrode assemblies includes a flexible circuit having a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate; a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the electrode. A non-contact electrode mapping catheter includes an outer tubing having a longitudinal axis, a deployment member, and a plurality of splines, at least one of the plurality of splines comprising a flexible circuit including a plurality of electrical traces and a substrate, a ring electrode surrounding the flexible circuit and electrically coupled with at least one of the plurality of electrical traces; and an outer covering extending over at least a portion of the ring electrode. A method of constructing the family of catheter electrode assemblies is also provided.