Dual-Modality Ablation Generator With Thermocouple Catheter Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional invasive treatments for biological rhythm disorders use separate catheters for sensing and ablation, leading to unsynchronized positioning, increased procedure length, and potential side-effects due to unsynchronized energy delivery and temperature regulation challenges, particularly in the confined space of the heart.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system that integrates sensing and ablation capabilities, using a single catheter with conductive wires of different materials to form thermocouples for precise temperature measurement and energy delivery, allowing for simultaneous sensing, temperature monitoring, and controlled ablation using radiofrequency and pulsed-field energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate catheters are used for sensing and ablation, then each catheter can be optimized for its specific function, but the positioning becomes unsynchronized and the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines sensing electrodes and ablation electrodes into a single integrated catheter assembly. The sensing catheter includes both sensing elements and ablation elements that can be positioned and operated simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate catheters and reducing procedure time while maintaining functional optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed with multi-functionality, where the same catheter structure serves both sensing and ablation functions. The electrodes are configured to perform multiple operations (sensing, mapping, and ablation) within a single device, improving efficiency and synchronizing positioning.
2Reliability
If separate catheters are used for sensing and ablation, then each catheter can be specialized, but logic or software systems are required to reconcile differences between catheter signals or positions
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating sensing and ablation functions into a single catheter with synchronized positioning, the patent eliminates the need for complex software systems to reconcile differences between separate catheter signals. The unified structure provides inherent spatial and temporal coordination.
3Productivity
If thermal ablation energy is delivered to modify tissue, then the target tissue can be ablated, but excessive temperature may cause tissue damage while too low thermal delivery may result in incomplete ablation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates temperature sensing capabilities within the catheter that provide real-time feedback on thermal conditions during ablation. This feedback mechanism allows the system to monitor temperature and adjust energy delivery to maintain effective ablation while preventing excessive temperature that would cause tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The ablation energy is delivered in controlled pulses or cycles rather than continuously, allowing heat to dissipate between pulses and preventing runaway thermal effects while maintaining sufficient thermal accumulation for effective ablation.
4Productivity
If thermal ablation is performed, then tissue can be modified, but the heat generated can inadvertently affect surrounding blood, potentially leading to coagulation or thrombus formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cooling fluids or irrigants as intermediaries that flow through channels in the catheter to the ablation site. These cooling fluids absorb excess heat and prevent thermal damage to surrounding blood and tissues, thereby preventing coagulation and thrombus formation while maintaining effective tissue ablation.
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
Enables efficient, precise, and safe ablation procedures by minimizing tissue damage and reducing complications such as coagulation or thrombus formation, while optimizing energy delivery based on individual patient needs.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor includes the junction of the first conductive wire and the second wire such that a thermocouple between the first conductive wire and the second wire is formed at the junction to measure temperature at the first electrode
Implementation Method 2
a first power driver having a first port configured to be connected to a first wire of a first electrode of the catheter to deliver a first current to the first electrode to generate first ablation energy
Data Source
AI summary
A power generator is disclosed for generating ablating energy deliverable to a catheter for treatment of heart rhythm disorders. The power generator includes a first output port configured to deliver ablation energy through a first conductive wire of a catheter and a second output port configured to receive a sensing signal from a thermocouple junction formed at a catheter electrode. The generator includes a first power driver for producing waveforms suitable for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and a second power driver for generating pulsed waveforms suitable for pulsed field ablation (PFA). A switching circuit selectively couples one of the power drivers to the first output port based on a selected ablation modality. A control circuit receives an input indicating the selected modality and controls the switching circuit accordingly. The system enables dual-modality ablation using a shared catheter interface, facilitating seamless transition between RFA and PFA without requiring hardware reconfiguration.