Coaxtrode Catheter Tip for High-Resolution Electrophysiological Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrophysiology procedures face challenges in accurately deriving electrophysiological parameters such as transmembrane current, local conduction velocity, and tissue impedance due to limitations in measuring a large number of surface potentials within a small area using existing catheter systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of catheter systems with a dense collection of small electrodes, including coaxtrodes and spot electrodes, which are arranged in patterns that provide direction-independent measurements and are coupled with signal processors to analyze electrical signals and derive electrophysiological parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dense collection of small electrodes is used to measure surface potentials in a small area, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip is segmented into multiple small electrodes (e.g., 8-16 electrodes) arranged in a dense pattern. Each electrode is small (e.g., 0.5-2 mm diameter) and positioned at specific locations on the catheter tip surface, allowing independent measurement of surface potentials at multiple points simultaneously. This segmentation enables high measurement precision while keeping each individual electrode simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern on the catheter tip surface (e.g., circular array, hexagonal pattern, or grid configuration). This spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions allows comprehensive coverage of the tissue surface area, enabling precise mapping of electrical potentials across the tissue without requiring a single complex sensor.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to derive electrophysiological parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrodes are integrated onto a single catheter body structure, merging multiple measurement functions into one device. The electrodes share common structural support, insulation, and connection pathways within the catheter, reducing the overall number of separate components compared to using individual probes for each electrode.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter with multiple electrodes serves multiple functions: it can measure surface potentials at multiple points, derive electrophysiological parameters (conduction velocity, wavelength, fractionated electrograms), and potentially deliver therapeutic energy. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate devices for each measurement type.
3Productivity
If a dense electrode array is implemented, then productivity of data acquisition is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrodes are pre-positioned and configured on the catheter tip before use, with predetermined spacing and orientation optimized for specific measurement goals (e.g., measuring conduction velocity in specific directions). This preliminary configuration allows immediate data acquisition upon contact with tissue, improving productivity without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical scanning systems with a static dense electrode array that simultaneously captures electrical signals from multiple points. Instead of mechanically moving a single electrode to map the tissue surface, the fixed array provides continuous multi-point measurement, simplifying the mechanical complexity while improving data acquisition productivity.
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 acquisition and analysis of electrophysiological data, allowing for effective electrocardiographic mapping and improved diagnostic capabilities for arrhythmias by providing high-resolution measurements of surface potentials and tissue impedance.
Implementation Method 1
measuring the electrical activity occurring on the epicardial or endocardial surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A catheter comprises an elongated catheter body comprising a proximal end and a distal end and an distal tip at the distal end of the catheter body, wherein the distal tip comprises an outer surface and further the outer surface of the distal tip comprises one or more coaxtrodes, wherein a coaxtrode comprises a spot electrode and a ring electrode, wherein the spot electrode is surrounded by the ring electrode and the spot electrode is centered within the ring electrode.