Encapsulated Catheter End Effectors With Flexible Circuits for Tissue Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac mapping catheters face challenges in conforming to complex heart anatomy, requiring stiff internal structural members that hinder electrode contact with irregular surfaces, are costly to manufacture, and lack efficient tracking mechanisms, while also facing issues with electrode signal transmission due to limited space and complex electrode designs.
Innovation Solution
The development of an end effector for cardiac mapping catheters featuring a flexible circuit with electrodes disposed within an insulative material, a framework, and location sensing loops, allowing for enhanced mapping resolution, improved electrode contact, and efficient signal transmission, while being manufacturable with reduced complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If stiff internal structural members are used to maintain predetermined configuration, then structural stability is improved, but electrode contact with irregular tissue surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible circuit interconnections and flexible structural members instead of rigid components. The flexible circuit allows the catheter to conform to irregular tissue surfaces while maintaining electrical signal transmission, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and electrode contact capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the catheter structure by using flexible rather than rigid materials. This parameter change enables the catheter to adapt its shape to match complex anatomical structures, improving electrode contact while maintaining sufficient structural integrity through the flexible framework.
2Ease of operation
If flexible end effectors with layered components are used to improve electrode contact, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flexible circuit interconnections directly into the end effector structure, combining multiple functions (electrical connection, structural support, and flexibility) into a single integrated component. This reduces manufacturing steps and assembly complexity while maintaining the ability to contact irregular surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connections between electrodes, maintains structural flexibility for conforming to tissue surfaces, and reduces the need for separate structural support components. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall device architecture and manufacturing process.
3Ease of manufacture
If electrode contact surfaces are exposed through laser cutting or mechanical removal, then ease of manufacture is improved, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible circuit is pre-formed with exposed electrode contact surfaces during its manufacturing process, eliminating the need for subsequent laser cutting or mechanical removal steps. The electrodes are positioned and exposed in advance, allowing for direct assembly with the end effector and reducing production time.
4Stability of the object's composition
If stiff internal structural members are used to maintain configuration, then structural stability is improved, but reliability of flexible circuit interconnections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible circuit interconnections that are inherently more reliable than rigid connections in a flexible catheter system. The flexible circuits are embedded within the flexible structure, protecting them from mechanical stress and ensuring consistent electrical connections during catheter manipulation and deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
An end effector for a catheter including a flexible circuit including a plurality of electrodes is herein disclosed. The flexible circuit is positioned at least partially within an insulative material. In some examples, the end effector includes a framework spaced from the flexible circuit and one or more position sensing loops.