Compressible Catheter Tip with MRI-Compatible Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RFA catheters face challenges in accurately determining contact force with cardiac tissue, which affects lesion formation and procedure success, and existing force-sensing catheters are not compatible with MRI, limiting image guidance and increasing the risk of complications.
Innovation Solution
A compressible catheter tip with integrated markers, such as magnetic resonance tracking coils or passive markings, allows for real-time contact force measurement using image guidance systems, enabling accurate localization and force estimation, and is designed to be MRI-compatible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If image guidance systems are used to visualize catheter tip location, then localization capability is improved, but the ability to definitively judge contact quality deteriorates due to registration errors and motion artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compression spring as an intermediary mechanical element between the catheter tip and the tissue. The spring's deflection visually indicates contact quality, serving as a mediator that translates physical contact state into visible displacement that can be reliably assessed during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs visual indicators (such as color changes or marked regions) on the compression spring that change based on the spring's compression state. This provides direct visual feedback about contact quality, allowing operators to reliably assess whether the tip is contacting tissue adequately without relying on complex image registration.
2Measurement precision
If force sensors are integrated into the catheter tip, then contact force measurement is improved, but device complexity and incompatibility with MRI increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic or optical force sensors with a simple mechanical compression spring system. The spring's physical deflection can be visually assessed or tracked using basic imaging, eliminating the need for complex sensor electronics that would increase device complexity and interfere with MRI compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the necessary compliance for tissue contact, acts as a visual indicator of contact quality through its deflection, and can be tracked using standard imaging techniques. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate force sensing components.
3Manufacturing precision
If the ablation tip contacts tissue with sufficient force, then lesion formation quality is improved, but the risk of tissue penetration and complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
The compression spring provides real-time visual feedback about the contact force applied by the catheter tip. Operators can use this feedback to apply sufficient force for quality lesion formation while stopping before excessive force causes tissue penetration, enabling precise control of the contact force parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression spring acts as a cushioning element that absorbs excess contact force before it can be transmitted to the tissue. This prevents sudden spikes in force that could cause tissue penetration or steam pops, while still allowing adequate force for lesion formation.
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
The solution provides precise contact force measurement and enhanced image guidance during RFA procedures, reducing the risk of complications and improving lesion formation, while being compatible with MRI for superior imaging and tracking.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic resonance tracking coils incorporated in the structure of the tip... obtain positional information of the markers... estimate contact force of the tip from the positional information
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring incorporated therein... measure a deflection of the compression spring for estimating contact force of the tip
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter (10) comprising a catheter tip (14) that is adapted to have deflection of an associated spring (22) detected by imaging techniques and to have that deflection be translated into an estimation of the tip (14) contact force.