Catheter Strain Gauge Contact Force Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter systems lack effective control mechanisms, particularly in minimal invasive procedures, making it difficult to accurately detect contact forces during procedures like pulmonary vein ablation, which can lead to incomplete treatments and tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system incorporating a flexible catheter body with ring electrodes and strain gauges made of piezoresistive materials, including carbon components and elastomers, to measure deformation and calculate contact forces indirectly, providing superior control and sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional catheter systems are used without contact force sensing, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of contact forces is insufficient leading to incomplete treatments and tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical force measurement with electrical resistance measurement through strain gauges. The strain gauges convert mechanical deformation (caused by contact forces) into electrical resistance changes, enabling indirect but precise measurement of contact forces without complex mechanical sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces strain gauges as intermediary elements between the catheter body and the measurement system. These strain gauges act as mediators that translate physical contact forces into measurable electrical signals, bridging the gap between mechanical interaction and detection.
2Reliability
If strain gauges are integrated into the catheter body, then contact force measurement is enabled, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the piezoresistive effect, where the electrical resistance of the strain gauge material changes in response to mechanical deformation. This parameter change enables the strain gauge to provide reliable contact force feedback without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances, as the material's inherent property changes with deformation rather than relying on precise geometric dimensions.
3Measurement precision
If piezoresistive materials with carbon components are used, then sensitivity to deformation is improved, but the material composition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials consisting of piezoresistive material combined with carbon components (such as carbon black or carbon nanotubes) embedded in an elastomer matrix. This composite structure provides high sensitivity to deformation while maintaining the flexibility and biocompatibility required for catheter applications, balancing performance with practical material 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
Enables precise control of catheter systems, reduces the risk of tissue damage, and enhances the reliability of procedures like pulmonary vein ablation by providing real-time feedback on contact forces, improving procedure efficiency and success rates.
Implementation Method 1
The strain gauge is made of a piezoresistive material including a carbon component and an elastomer component. The strain gauge is configured to measure a deformation of the flexible catheter body at a position allocated to the ring electrode to detect a contact between the ring electrode and tissue.
Data Source
AI summary
One aspect relates to a catheter system, a use of such catheter system and a manufacturing method for such catheter system. The catheter system includes an at least partially flexible catheter body, at least a ring electrode, and at least a strain gauge. The ring electrode surrounds at least a portion of the flexible catheter body. The strain gauge is allocated to the ring electrode and the strain gauge is configured to measure a deformation of the flexible catheter body at a position allocated to the ring electrode to detect a contact between the ring electrode and tissue.