Electrode Catheter Shape Followability via Segmented Arms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrode catheters have low shape followability, making it difficult to effectively contact complexly shaped dissections during potential detection.
Innovation Solution
The electrode catheter features a thin-film base material with a shape support structure and electrodes on both surfaces, allowing for improved followability and contact with dissection walls, utilizing a nonwoven fabric and shape memory member for enhanced flexibility and mapping capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional electrode catheter with four parallel arms is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the shape followability with respect to complexly shaped dissections is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple independent arms (first arm, second arm, third arm, fourth arm) that can move and conform independently. Each arm can be positioned separately to match the complex geometry of the dissection, allowing the catheter to adapt to irregular shapes while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter arms are designed to be flexible and movable rather than rigid and fixed. The arms can dynamically adjust their positions and orientations to follow the contours of complexly shaped dissections, enabling the catheter to transition from a simple parallel structure to a dynamically adaptable configuration that matches the target geometry
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrodes are only provided on one surface of the base material, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the contact capability with dissection walls is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Electrodes are selectively provided on different surfaces of the base material depending on the local requirements for contact. By placing electrodes on both the front and back surfaces, the catheter can ensure contact capability regardless of which surface contacts the dissection wall, with each surface having electrodes optimized for its specific contact scenario
Solution Approach 2:
The base material is designed to function effectively regardless of its orientation or which surface contacts the dissection wall. By providing electrodes on both surfaces, the catheter achieves universal contact capability, allowing it to perform its function effectively in various orientations and contact configurations without requiring complex reconfiguration
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 design enables better contact with complex surfaces, facilitating accurate potential mapping and improved operational control, regardless of which surface contacts the dissection wall.
Implementation Method 1
the base material has a shape support structure... utilizing a nonwoven fabric and shape memory member for enhanced flexibility and mapping capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode catheter includes a base material having a thin-film shape, a shape support structure of the base material, and a plurality of electrodes provided on the base material. At least some of the plurality of electrodes are exposed on a front surface and a back surface of the base material. This can improve followability with respect to a dissection.