Multi-lumen EP Catheter Neutral Axis Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophysiology (EP) catheters lack accurate localization and orientation feedback, which is crucial for precise mapping and ablation procedures during cardiac arrhythmia treatments.
Innovation Solution
A multi-lumen electrophysiology catheter is designed with a localization/navigation system positioned in a first lumen and an electrode system in separate lumens, featuring an electromagnetic (EM) sensor and EM sensor wires along a neutral axis for accurate positioning and electrical isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a multi-lumen catheter design is used to separate localization and electrode systems, then electrical isolation and measurement precision are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple lumens (first lumen for localization system, second lumen for electrode system, third lumen for additional electrodes), allowing independent positioning and electrical isolation of different functional components while maintaining overall structural organization
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-lumen shaft structure serves as an intermediary that provides both mechanical support and electrical isolation between the localization system and electrode system, enabling precise measurements without electrical interference
2Measurement precision
If electromagnetic sensors are positioned along the neutral axis, then localization accuracy is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The neutral axis positioning creates an equipotential path for the electromagnetic sensor wires, ensuring uniform electrical characteristics and measurement accuracy throughout the catheter loop while simplifying the manufacturing process by providing a clear reference line for sensor placement
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lumens are included for separate electrode systems, then adaptability for different procedures is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-lumen catheter shaft serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, electrical isolation between systems, a pathway for sensor wires, and a framework for electrode positioning, thereby increasing procedural flexibility without proportionally increasing complexity
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 catheter provides accurate localization and orientation feedback, enabling precise mapping and ablation procedures while maintaining electrical isolation between the localization and electrode systems.
Implementation Method 1
magnetic-based systems generate one or more magnetic fields in the proximity of the patient. A magnetic sensor or coil located on the catheter is utilized to measure the one or more magnetic fields and determine the position and/or orientation of the magnetic sensor based on the measured fields
Implementation Method 2
a pair of electromagnetic (EM) sensor wires extending proximally from the EM sensor to a proximal end of the catheter shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter includes a multi-lumen catheter shaft that includes a proximal end, a loop portion, and a distal tip. A location system positioned in a first lumen of the shaft includes a distal shaft that extends along at least a portion of the loop, an electromagnetic sensor attached to an outer surface of the distal shaft at a location along the loop, and electromagnetic sensor wires extending proximally from the electromagnetic sensor. The electromagnetic sensor and the pair of electromagnetic sensor wires are positioned along a neutral axis of the multi-lumen catheter shaft. An electrode system includes first and second plurality of electrodes positioned along an outer surface of the loop, a first plurality of wires connected to the first plurality of electrodes and extending through the second lumen, and a second plurality of wires connected to the second plurality of electrodes and extending through the third lumen.