Conformal Sensor Array Design for Non-Occluding Cardiac 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 applications like cardiac mapping and ablation.
Innovation Solution
Development of catheter-deployable soft robotic sensor arrays that can be actuated to conform to the anatomical structure of organs, 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 a sensor array that can conform to the internal surfaces of organs. The device consists of flexible circuit boards mounted on expandable balloon catheters with polymer substrates that can adapt to complex anatomical geometries, eliminating the need for rigid conventional sensors and preventing fluid flow occlusion.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor array transitions from a compressed, non-conforming state during insertion to an expanded, conforming state during operation. The balloon catheter can be inflated to push the flexible circuit board against the organ surface, allowing the sensor array to dynamically adapt to the internal structure while maintaining patent flow pathways.
2Measurement precision
If sensors are positioned inside the organ to improve mapping coverage, then mapping completeness increases, but blood flow or fluid flow occlusion worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible polymer substrates and balloon catheter structure incorporate porous or mesh-like configurations that allow fluid to pass through while supporting the sensor array. This enables complete sensor coverage of the organ surface without blocking blood flow, as the fluid can flow through the porous structure rather than being occluded by solid conventional sensors.
3Ease of manufacture
If a rigid sensor array is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot conform to complex anatomical structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid sensor arrays with flexible circuit boards mounted on expandable balloon catheters. The flexible polymer substrates can be manufactured using standard flexible PCB techniques, then inflated to conform to complex anatomical structures, combining manufacturing simplicity with anatomical adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a simple, compressed configuration during insertion to a complex, conforming configuration during operation. The balloon catheter provides a simple delivery mechanism that transforms into a complex conforming structure when inflated, achieving both manufacturing ease and anatomical versatility.
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 provide enhanced conformability, allowing for improved signal detection and mapping with up to 85% sensor coverage, reducing occlusion and improving the effectiveness of cardiac procedures like atrial fibrillation mapping.
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~3Bc
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.