Cryoablation Catheter Isolation Guide for Accurate Balloon Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryoablation catheters require multiple markerbands for tracking and securing inflow pipes and thermocouple wires, which can be cumbersome and may interfere with temperature monitoring during cryoablation therapy.
Innovation Solution
The use of a radiopaque isolation guide within the balloon of a cryoablation catheter that aligns and secures the inflow pipe and thermocouple wire, eliminating or reducing the need for markerbands by using materials like gold, platinum, or iridium, and ensuring they do not intersect, thus maintaining accurate temperature readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple markerbands are used to track and secure inflow pipes and thermocouple wires, then the components can be secured and tracked, but the device complexity increases and temperature monitoring accuracy may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single radiopaque isolation guide structure. This guide simultaneously provides component tracking (replacing multiple markerbands), secures the inflow pipe and thermocouple wire through its isolation chambers, and maintains temperature monitoring accuracy by preventing contact between components. The merging of these functions into one integrated structure reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiopaque isolation guide serves multiple purposes: it acts as a tracking marker due to its radiopaque material, provides mechanical support and positioning for the inflow pipe and thermocouple wire through its isolated chambers, and prevents interference between components. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate markerbands and securing mechanisms, directly addressing the technical contradiction.
2Ease of operation
If markerbands are used to secure components, then components can be fixed in place, but the temperature monitoring accuracy may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation guide is divided into separate isolated chambers, each dedicated to housing either the inflow pipe or the thermocouple wire. This segmentation physically separates the temperature sensing element from the refrigerant delivery system, preventing thermal interference while maintaining secure positioning. The thermocouple chamber is specifically designed to isolate the thermocouple from external thermal influences, ensuring accurate temperature monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiopaque isolation guide acts as an intermediary structure between the inflow pipe and the thermocouple wire. It provides physical separation and thermal isolation, preventing direct thermal contact between the cold refrigerant pathway and the temperature sensing element. This intermediary structure enables both secure component fixation and accurate temperature measurement simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If heat shrink material is used to secure components, then components can be fixed, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation guide is pre-formed with integrated chambers and structures designed to receive and secure the inflow pipe and thermocouple wire during assembly. The radiopaque material and chamber geometries are prepared in advance, allowing components to be simply inserted into their designated chambers without requiring post-assembly securing steps like heat shrinking. This preliminary preparation of the securing structure significantly simplifies the assembly process and improves manufacturing efficiency.
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 isolation guide provides reliable alignment and securement of components without heat shrinking, reduces the need for markerbands, and ensures consistent temperature monitoring during cryoablation therapy.
Implementation Method 1
The isolation guide may be made at least partially of a radiopaque material (gold, platinum, iridium, or other sufficient radiopaque materials) to compensate for the removal of the markerbands
Data Source
AI summary
A cryoablation catheter includes an inner lumen and an inflatable balloon surrounding the inner lumen. An inflow pipe is disposed within the inflatable balloon and is configured to introduce a refrigerant into the balloon. A thermocouple wire is disposed within the inflatable balloon and positioned adjacent the inflow pipe. The thermocouple wire is configured to measure an internal temperature of the balloon. The cryoablation catheter further includes an isolation guide disposed within the inflatable balloon. The isolation guide includes a central bore configured to receive the inner lumen, an inflow bore configured to receive the inflow pope, and a thermocouple bore configured to receive the thermocouple wire. The thermocouple bore is spaced from the inflow bore along the isolation guide.