Conductive Catheter Balloon Molding to Prevent Electrode Detachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The stable integration of electrical components on and/or within medical devices, such as balloon catheters, is challenging due to size, planar geometry, and mechanical properties, leading to detachment or loosening during navigation and use, posing a risk of patient injury.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for integrating conductive elements on catheter balloons using a molding process with conductive materials, involving a mold with a casting cavity, deposition of conductive materials, and expansion of polymeric materials to secure the elements, which includes active and passive electrodes for pulsed electric field ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrical components are integrated on balloon catheter surface, then tissue sensing and therapy delivery capability is improved, but component detachment and patient injury risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical components (electrodes, sensors) directly with the balloon catheter body through integration techniques, merging previously separate components into a unified structure. This integration prevents detachment by making the electrical components an inherent part of the catheter rather than separate attachable elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies conductive materials and electrical components to the balloon catheter during the manufacturing process before the device is used in the body. This preliminary integration ensures components are securely attached before navigation through the patient's body, preventing detachment during use.
2Reliability
If conductive elements are applied to catheter balloon, then pulsed electric field ablation effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the balloon catheter by incorporating conductive materials with specific electrical properties. This allows the balloon to generate effective pulsed electric fields for ablation while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through controlled material selection and application methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials that combine conductive and insulating properties in specific patterns on the balloon surface. This enables effective electric field generation for ablation while the insulating portions prevent unwanted current spread, achieving reliable ablation effectiveness through material composition rather than complex structural design.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention advantageously provides a molding device with conductive material for creating a catheter balloon with conductive elements, and methods and systems for manufacturing the catheter balloon with conductive elements. An exemplary method for coupling a plurality of conductive elements to an expandable element may include placing a first portion of a mold proximate a second portion of the mold to define a casting cavity. Conductive material may be deposited into the casting cavity. Polymeric material may be inserted into the casting cavity. The first portion of the mold may be secured to the second portion of the mold. The polymeric material may be expanded to place the polymeric material in contact with the conductive material.