Catheter with Segmented Electrode for High-Power Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-power focal ablation catheters are limited by the diameter of the catheter tip electrode, restricting RF ablation power to below 100 W and lesion depth to less than 10 mm due to the risk of overheating and tissue damage, while also being challenging to maneuver through the vascular system effectively.
Innovation Solution
A cardiac catheter with a rigid cylindrical electrode having an outer diameter at least 10% greater than the flexible insertion tube, supporting RF ablation power in excess of 100 W and creating deeper lesions, while maintaining maneuverability through the use of a larger electrode with irrigation apertures and sensing electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the catheter tip electrode diameter is increased to support higher RF power and deeper lesions, then the ablation power and lesion depth are improved, but the maneuverability through the vascular system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into two distinct diameter sections: a narrower insertion tube (first outer diameter) for navigating the vascular system, and a larger electrode section (second outer diameter at least 10% greater) for high-power ablation. This segmentation allows the device to achieve high power delivery while maintaining maneuverability through the smaller catheter body.
2Power
If the electrode diameter is increased to deliver higher power, then the ablation power is improved, but the risk of overheating and tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
Irrigation fluid is introduced as an intermediary cooling medium between the high-power electrode and the surrounding tissue. The fluid flows through channels in the electrode, absorbing excess heat and preventing overheating and tissue damage while allowing high-power ablation to proceed.
3Length of stationary object
If a larger electrode is used to support higher power, then the ablation depth is improved, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode operates at higher RF power levels (enabled by the larger diameter) while simultaneously employing active cooling through irrigation fluid flow. This parameter combination allows deeper lesions to be created more rapidly, reducing overall procedure time despite the larger electrode size.
4Power
If the electrode diameter is increased, then the RF ablation power is improved, but the complexity of the catheter structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The larger-diameter electrode section serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the RF power delivery electrode, contains internal irrigation channels for cooling, and provides structural support for the high-power operation. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity despite the increased power capability.
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 the application of higher RF power and deeper tissue ablation with reduced procedure time, minimizing the risk of electrode shift or loss of contact, and allowing for effective irrigation and sensing of electrophysiological signals.
Implementation Method 1
applying radiofrequency (RF) electrical energy through the catheter to the electrode with a power of at least 100 W so as to ablate the tissue
Implementation Method 2
A plurality of apertures are formed in the electrode. A fluid-directing assembly, disposed in the distal section of the probe, has an axial channel that is in fluid communication with at least one trans-axial channel disposed at right angles to the axial channel and leading to an exterior of the assembly
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Medical apparatus includes a flexible insertion tube, which has a first outer diameter and has a distal end configured for insertion into a cavity within a body of a patient. A rigid cylindrical electrode is fixed to the distal end of the flexible insertion tube and is configured to contact tissue within the cavity, and which has a second outer diameter that is at least 10% greater than the first outer diameter.