Ablation Catheter Tip Fluid Distribution for Uniform Electrode Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Irrigation fluid distribution in catheter plenum chambers is not uniform, leading to hot spots and char formation during ablation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A catheter with a fluid distribution tube extending into the plenum chamber, featuring fluid apertures along its length to ensure even distribution and minimize char formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a two-piece construction with plenum chamber is used, then cooling of the electrode is improved, but uniform distribution of irrigation fluid is not achieved leading to hot spots
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution tube is segmented with multiple fluid apertures distributed along its length, dividing the single fluid source into multiple distribution points throughout the plenum chamber. This segmentation enables uniform fluid delivery to different regions of the dome shell, preventing hot spots while maintaining effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
Fluid apertures are strategically positioned at different locations along the fluid distribution tube to provide localized fluid delivery where needed. The tube extends into the plenum chamber with apertures oriented to direct fluid toward specific regions of the dome shell, ensuring each area receives appropriate cooling coverage.
2Temperature
If fluid exit ports are concentrated in certain regions, then cooling is improved in those areas, but other regions with fewer ports experience inadequate cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution tube extends into the plenum chamber along its longitudinal axis, adding a spatial dimension to fluid delivery. By positioning apertures at multiple locations along the tube length and orienting them to direct fluid toward the dome shell, the system achieves three-dimensional fluid distribution that ensures comprehensive cooling coverage across all regions.
3Device complexity
If a simple plenum chamber design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but char formation risk increases due to non-uniform cooling
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid distribution tube is nested within the plenum chamber structure, with the tube positioned inside the chamber formed by the support structure and dome shell. This nested configuration allows the simple plenum chamber design to be enhanced with the fluid distribution tube, providing uniform cooling and preventing char formation without significantly increasing overall device 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
Uniform irrigation cooling is achieved, reducing the risk of char formation and improving tissue ablation efficacy by ensuring consistent fluid distribution across the tip electrode.
Implementation Method 1
Irrigation provides many benefits including cooling of the electrode and tissue which prevents overheating of tissue that can otherwise cause adjacent blood to form char and coagulum
Implementation Method 2
A fluid distribution tube that extends longitudinally into the chamber, wherein the fluid distribution tube has fluid apertures along its length for distributing fluid more uniformly throughout the chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A catheter has a two-piece tip electrode with a shell and a support structure defining a chamber, and a fluid distribution tube that extends longitudinally into the chamber, the fluid tube having fluid apertures along its length for distributing fluid more uniformly distributed throughout the chamber for improved cooling and thus minimizing the risk of char formation on regions of the tip electrode more prone to overheating.