Electrode Catheter Arm Concentration Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electrode catheter design suffers from arm members concentrating when the distal-end portion rotates around the catheter body's axial line, leading to unintended potential measurement in a circular region.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating regulating units, such as core wires, that connect adjacent arm members to prevent their concentration and maintain an initial shape, allowing for radial protrusion and simultaneous measurement of intracardiac potentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If arm members are made radially protruding to enable simultaneous measurement of potentials in a circular region, then measurement capability is improved, but arm members concentrate when the distal-end portion rotates around the axial line
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different structural characteristics to different parts of the arm members. Specifically, the proximal portions of adjacent arm members are connected by connection portions that allow relative movement, while the distal portions maintain radial protrusion for measurement. This localized differentiation enables the arm members to both spread radially for measurement and move relative to each other to prevent concentration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the distal-end portion rotates around the axial line to access different regions, then adaptability is improved, but arm members concentrate causing measurement failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection portions between adjacent arm members movable rather than rigid. The connection portions allow arm members to move relative to each other in response to rotational forces and contact with obstacles, enabling the structure to adapt dynamically while maintaining measurement capability. This dynamic behavior prevents permanent concentration of arm members during rotation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If arm members are rigidly fixed to maintain shape, then structural stability is improved, but arm members cannot adjust to prevent concentration during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing each arm member into multiple sections connected by movable connection portions. These connection portions act as independent segments that can move relative to each other, allowing the overall structure to maintain stability while enabling local adjustments. The segmented design permits arm members to adapt their configuration during rotation without compromising the structural integrity of the catheter.
Data Source
AI summary
To prevent unintended concentration of radially protruding arm members. An electrode catheter (1) includes a catheter body (10) and an electrode unit (100) attached to a distal-end portion (10a) of the catheter body. The electrode unit includes a plurality of arm members (110) in which a one-end portion (110a) in a longitudinal direction is supported by the catheter body and the other-end portion (110b) in a longitudinal direction radially protrudes from the distal-end portion of the catheter body, ring-shaped electrodes (120) attached to the arm members, and core wires (130) as regulating units that regulate actions of adjacent ones of the arm members.