Deformable Catheter Body for Force Vector Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ablation catheters face challenges in accurately measuring and distinguishing between axial and trans-axial forces exerted on the catheter tip, leading to high error rates and variability in contact force, which can result in either excessive tissue damage or reduced efficacy of ablation therapy.
Innovation Solution
The use of a deformable body within the catheter that deforms in response to forces exerted on the tip, allowing for measurement devices to discern the directionality and magnitude of the force, enabling precise force control through a force-sensing subsystem that calculates and displays the force vector to the clinician.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing deformable body designs are used to measure force, then force measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to distinguish axial and trans-axial forces
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable body is segmented into multiple independent strain gauge measurement locations, each capable of measuring force in specific directions. By distributing strain gauges at different orientations and positions, the system can distinguish between axial and trans-axial forces independently, improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex deformable structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Strain gauges serve as intermediary elements that translate complex multi-directional forces into measurable electrical signals. Each strain gauge acts as a mediator that converts mechanical deformation in specific directions into quantifiable data, allowing the system to resolve complex force vectors into manageable components for accurate measurement.
2Reliability
If force measurement capability is added to the catheter, then contact force monitoring is enabled, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and measurement systems
Solution Approach 1:
The force measurement functionality is merged with the existing catheter structure by integrating strain gauges directly into the deformable body of the catheter tip. This combination eliminates the need for separate external sensing systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable contact force monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable body serves multiple functions: it provides structural flexibility for catheter navigation, enables force measurement through integrated strain gauges, and maintains contact with cardiac tissue during ablation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while improving reliability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If precise force control is implemented during ablation, then tissue damage is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to need for precise force monitoring and adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring contact force through strain gauges and providing real-time information to the operator. This feedback mechanism allows automatic adjustment of catheter position and force application, reducing tissue damage while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive force monitoring displays that guide operator actions.
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
This solution improves the accuracy and consistency of force exertion during ablation therapy, reducing tissue damage and enhancing the uniformity of lesion lines, thereby increasing the efficacy of the treatment.
Implementation Method 1
a deformable body which deforms in response to a force being exerted on the ablation catheter tip
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the instant disclosure relate to an electrophysiological catheter system for performing diagnostics and therapies within a cardiac muscle; more specifically, to a deformable body, at a distal end of a catheter, that deforms in response to a force being exerted upon a tip of the catheter. The deformation of the deformable body being measured by a measurement device, and the deformation associated with both a magnitude and vector of the force exerted upon the catheter tip.