Conformal Cardiac Sensor Array for Non-Occluding Atrial Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensors fail to conform to the internal structure of organs, leading to incomplete mapping and potential occlusion of fluid flow, especially in cardiac applications like atrial fibrillation mapping.
Innovation Solution
Development of catheter-deployable soft robotic sensor arrays that can be actuated to conform to the anatomical structure of the heart, using flexible circuits and biocompatible materials to ensure precise signal mapping without occluding blood flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sensors are used for organ mapping, then the mapping can be performed, but the sensors do not conform to the internal structure of the organ and may occlude fluid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible polymer substrates and thin film structures to create sensors that can conform to the internal surfaces of organs. The device includes flexible circuit boards and thin-walled balloon structures that adapt to anatomical geometries, eliminating the need for rigid sensor housings that would occlude fluid flow while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes an expandable balloon catheter structure that transitions from a compressed delivery state to an expanded operational state. This dynamic transformation allows the sensor array to adapt its shape and size to match the internal organ geometry, ensuring conformability without permanent occlusion of fluid pathways
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned inside the organ to achieve conformability, then mapping precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device structure: the flexible circuit board serves as both the structural support and the electrical interconnection medium, while the balloon catheter provides both delivery mechanism and expansion framework. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining comprehensive sensor coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the sensor array, flexible circuit board, and balloon catheter into an integrated assembly. The sensors are mounted directly on the flexible circuit board, which is in turn integrated with the balloon structure. This merging of components simplifies the device architecture compared to using separate sensor housings, mounting mechanisms, and delivery systems
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 soft robotic sensor arrays achieve high sensor coverage and conformability, improving cardiac mapping accuracy and reducing occlusion risks, with potential applications in atrial fibrillation and other cardiac arrhythmia treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a first inlet portion that receives a fluid that expands (e.g., inflates) the first cavity causing the device to at least partially conform to an anatomical structure
Data Source
Figure 1a~1f
Figure 2a~2f
Figure 3Aa~3B
AI summary
Systems, methods, and devices having improved conformal properties for biomedical signal measurement are disclosed. A device can have a first polymer substrate coupled to a conductive layer forming a conductive trace electrically coupled to a conductive pad exposed via an opening. The device can have a second polymer substrate forming a first cavity between the first polymer substrate and the second polymer substrate. The device can have a first inlet portion that receives a fluid that expands the first cavity causing the device to conform to an anatomical structure. The structure can be an atrium, such as the left atrium, of the heart of a patient. The device can conform to the walls of the tissue structure, and the conductive pad exposed via the opening can detect a signal from the wall of the tissue structure. The signal can be provided to an external measurement device for processing.