Electrode Support Structure With Articulated Splines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Basket-shaped electrode support structures in catheters face challenges such as uneven collapse, stress concentration, electrode distribution issues, and potential short circuits due to manufacturing variances and constrained diameters, leading to fatigue, fracture, and reduced functionality.
Innovation Solution
An electrode support structure assembly with a first element featuring slots for independent spline movement and articulation, along with a cap for retention, and a third element with channels for proximal end engagement, allowing for even collapse and expansion while minimizing stress and preventing electrode-to-electrode contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the distal ends of splines are fixed rigidly between two pieces of tubing, then the structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but the splines cannot straighten evenly during collapse due to manufacturing variances and length differences, causing protrusions and potential fractures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the degree of freedom parameter of the spline distal ends from fixed (0 DOF) to articulated (1 DOF rotational freedom). The articulation element allows each spline to rotate independently about its longitudinal axis, enabling even collapse despite manufacturing variances while maintaining structural stability through the constrained rotational movement.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the electrode support structure is collapsed repeatedly, then it can be re-deployed multiple times, but stress concentration at protrusion points causes fatigue and eventual fracture of the splines
Solution Approach 1:
The articulation element acts as a stress-cushioning mechanism that preemptively absorbs and redistributes collapse-induced stresses. By allowing controlled rotation at the distal ends, the element prevents stress concentration at fixed mounting points, thereby cushioning against fatigue accumulation during repeated collapse and expansion cycles.
3Ease of manufacture
If the distal flexibility of splines is limited by fixed mounting, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but the collapsibility and flexibility of the electrode support structure are adversely impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spline structure into distinct functional zones: the proximal integral portion for structural stability and the distal articulated portion for flexibility. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its optimized function - the fixed proximal end provides manufacturing simplicity while the articulated distal end provides the needed flexibility and adaptability.
4Reliability
If the electrode support structure expands to provide adequate electrode distribution, then diagnostic and therapeutic functionality is improved, but the profile increases causing potential electrode-to-electrode contact and short circuits during collapse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability in the electrode support structure through the articulation elements. During expansion, the splines achieve adequate electrode distribution; during collapse, the articulation elements enable the distal ends to rotate and articulate, dynamically adjusting the profile to minimize electrode proximity and prevent short circuits.
Data Source
AI summary
An electrode support structure assembly is provided comprising an electrode support structure including a plurality of splines. Each of the plurality of splines can have a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The assembly further comprises a first element defining an axis and comprising an outer surface. The outer surface comprises a plurality of slots configured to receive the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines. The first element is configured such that the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines may move with respect to each slot. In accordance with some embodiments, the distal end portion of each of the plurality of splines comprises a section configured for engagement with the first element, wherein the section comprises a shoulder.