Electrode-Selective Catheter Ablation Using Irreversible Electroporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroporation methods lack specificity in electrode selection for targeted tissue ablation and require more effective voltage pulse generation and control for therapeutic applications, particularly in treating cardiac arrhythmias.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a voltage pulse generator and electrode controller that selectively applies DC voltage to a subset of electrodes, using a selection module to identify anode and cathode pairs and a pulse delivery module to deliver timed voltage waveforms, enabling irreversible electroporation for targeted tissue ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If brief high voltage DC pulses are applied to tissue to generate electroporation, then cell membrane disruption and tissue ablation are achieved, but specificity in electrode selection and control for targeted ablation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode array is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or groups. The controller can selectively activate specific electrode pairs (anode-cathode combinations) to create focused electric fields in targeted tissue regions, enabling precise spatial control of ablation zones without affecting surrounding healthy tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrodes or electrode pairs are activated with different voltage pulse parameters (amplitude, duration, number of pulses) based on the specific requirements of different target regions. This allows optimization of electroporation efficacy for each local tissue type while minimizing damage to adjacent areas.
2Productivity
If high voltage pulses are applied to achieve rapid tissue ablation, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but control over voltage pulse delivery and electrode selection becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mapping and identification of target tissue regions before ablation. Electrode pairs are pre-selected and configured based on anatomical landmarks and tissue characteristics, allowing rapid delivery of high voltage pulses to the correct locations without requiring complex real-time adjustments during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor voltage pulse delivery, tissue impedance changes, and ablation progression. This enables automatic adjustment of pulse parameters and electrode selection to maintain optimal ablation conditions while simplifying operator intervention.
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 selective and rapid tissue ablation by generating irreversible electroporation, enhancing therapeutic efficacy in treating cardiac arrhythmias and other clinical applications.
Implementation Method 1
applying brief, high voltage DC pulses to tissue, thereby generating locally high electric fields, typically in the range of hundreds of Volts/centimeter. The electric fields disrupt cell membranes by generating pores in the cell membrane
Implementation Method 2
If the applied electric field at the membrane exceeds a threshold value, typically dependent on cell size, the electroporation is irreversible and the pores remain open, permitting exchange of material across the membrane and leading to apoptosis or cell death
Data Source
AI summary
Catheter systems and methods for the selective and rapid application of DC voltage to drive irreversible electroporation are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a voltage pulse generator and an electrode controller. The voltage pulse generator is configured to produce a pulsed voltage waveform. The electrode controller is configured to be operably coupled to the voltage pulse generator and a medical device including a series of electrodes. The electrode controller includes a selection module and a pulse delivery module. The selection module is configured to select a subset of electrodes from the series of electrodes. The selection module is configured identify at least one electrode as an anode and at least one electrode as a cathode. The pulse delivery module is configured to deliver an output signal associated with the pulsed voltage waveform to the subset of electrodes.