Flexible Catheter Tip Electrode for Consistent Lesion Creation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophysiology catheters face challenges in effectively delivering energy and irrigant to the tip electrode, which can lead to excessive tissue damage and inconsistent lesion creation during ablation procedures.
Innovation Solution
The catheter tip electrode is designed with a flexible electrode structure that can flex upon application of an external force, incorporating a distal end portion, a wire electrode, and a mechanism for irrigation, enhancing the delivery of energy and irrigant to the target tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid electrode structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but the ability to deliver energy and irrigant effectively to the tip electrode deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a flexible electrode structure at the distal tip of the catheter that can flex upon application of external force. This flexibility allows the electrode to conform to tissue surfaces and maintain effective contact during ablation procedures, thereby improving energy and irrigant delivery effectiveness while maintaining sufficient structural stability through the flexible membrane construction.
2Manufacturing precision
If the catheter tip is made flexible to improve tissue contact, then lesion creation consistency is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible electrode structure is constructed as a thin-film membrane that provides sufficient flexibility for consistent tissue contact and lesion creation, while the overall catheter shaft maintains rigid structural stability. The flexible tip is integrated into the catheter assembly in a way that preserves the structural integrity of the main body while enabling adaptive contact at the treatment site.
3Measurement precision
If a wire electrode is added to the tip structure, then energy delivery precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the wire electrode with the flexible electrode structure by integrating the wire into the flexible membrane assembly. This merging allows the wire electrode to be positioned precisely at the tip while maintaining the flexibility and conformability of the membrane structure, thereby achieving precise energy delivery without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible electrode structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables flexible tissue contact, delivers energy through the wire electrode, and facilitates irrigant delivery. By making the flexible membrane a multi-functional component, the patent reduces the need for separate structures for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving precise energy delivery.
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
This design allows for more precise and controlled lesion creation, reducing tissue damage and improving the consistency of ablation procedures by ensuring effective energy and irrigant delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible electrode structure configured to flex upon application of an external force
Implementation Method 2
The catheter carries one or more electrodes that can be used for cardiac mapping or diagnosis, ablation and/or other therapy delivery modes
Implementation Method 3
a mechanism for irrigation, enhancing the delivery of energy and irrigant to the target tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
The instant disclosure relates generally to a wire electrode (309) disposed on a medical device (301). A catheter assembly can comprise a catheter body (321), a tip electrode (303), and a wire electrode (309). The tip electrode (303) can be coupled to a distal end of the catheter body (321).