Expandable Catheter Proximal Electrodes for Bipolar Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter designs for cardiac applications require a separate ring electrode for bipolar electrophysiological sensing and ablation, which complicates manufacturing, increases costs, and limits the surface area due to size constraints.
Innovation Solution
The catheter incorporates an expandable frame with a first set of distal electrodes for tissue contact and a second set of proximal electrodes that are interconnected to form a common electrode, eliminating the need for a separate ring electrode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate ring electrode is used for bipolar electrophysiological sensing and ablation, then the catheter can perform the required functions, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of the separate ring electrode with the expandable frame by integrating electrodes directly into the frame structure. The frame itself serves as the common electrode, eliminating the need for a distinct ring electrode component while maintaining bipolar sensing and ablation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable frame is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support for the catheter, acts as the common electrode for bipolar measurements, and enables tissue contact through its expandable nature. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components.
2Reliability
If a separate ring electrode is used, then the catheter can perform bipolar measurements, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the ring electrode function with the expandable frame, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs associated with producing and assembling separate electrode components.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable frame serves as both the structural scaffold and the common electrode, eliminating the need to manufacture a separate ring electrode. This reduces material costs, manufacturing complexity, and assembly requirements.
3Reliability
If a separate ring electrode is used, then the catheter can perform bipolar ablation, but the surface area is limited due to size constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable frame transitions from a compact delivery state to an expanded working state, allowing the electrode surface area to increase dynamically once the catheter is positioned. This dynamic expansion enables a larger effective surface area for bipolar ablation without increasing the catheter's profile during navigation.
Solution Approach 2:
The expandable frame utilizes radial expansion to increase surface area in the radial dimension while maintaining a compact longitudinal profile. This allows the electrode to achieve a larger surface area for tissue contact and ablation without compromising the catheter's ability to navigate through vessels.
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter includes a shaft, an expandable frame, a first set of electrodes, and a second set of electrodes. The shaft is configured for insertion into an organ of a patient. The expandable frame is fitted at a distal end of the shaft. The first set of electrodes is disposed over a distal portion of the expandable frame, and configured to be placed in contact with a tissue in the organ. The second set of electrodes is disposed on a proximal portion of the expandable frame, and configured to be inter-connected to form a common electrode.