Flexible Circuit Ablation Catheter Tip for Real-Time Temperature Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ablation catheters face challenges in precisely controlling the delivery of radio-frequency energy and monitoring temperature during procedures, leading to potential tissue damage and reduced efficacy due to inadequate pressure and temperature management.

Innovation Solution

The development of a high-thermal-sensitivity ablation catheter tip with integrated flexible electronic circuits and thermocouples for real-time temperature sensing and electrophysiology signal detection, allowing for precise control of energy delivery and improved lesion formation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If radio-frequency energy is delivered to create lesions in cardiac tissue, then arrhythmia treatment effectiveness is improved, but tissue overheating and damage (steam pops, char) may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearrhythmia treatment effectivenessVSAvoidtissue overheating and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements real-time temperature monitoring during ablation procedures using temperature sensors integrated into the catheter tip. The system continuously measures tissue temperature and provides feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts radio-frequency energy delivery to maintain temperature within safe thresholds (e.g., 50-100°C), preventing overheating and tissue damage while ensuring effective arrhythmia treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes operational parameters including radio-frequency power levels, pulse duration, and cooling flow rates based on real-time temperature measurements. By adjusting these parameters in response to tissue temperature conditions, the system optimizes lesion formation effectiveness while preventing harmful overheating effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If pressure between catheter tip and myocardial tissue is increased to improve ablation efficacy, then energy transfer effectiveness is improved, but excessive pressure may permanently damage cardiac muscle and surrounding nerves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation energy transfer effectivenessVSAvoidcardiac muscle and nerve damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates force sensing capability that measures contact pressure between the catheter tip and myocardial tissue in real-time. The system provides feedback on force magnitude and uses this information to guide operators in applying appropriate pressure, ensuring optimal energy transfer while preventing excessive force that could cause tissue or nerve damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If temperature monitoring is enhanced to prevent tissue damage, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue safetyVSAvoidsensor and control system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates temperature sensors and control electronics directly within the catheter tip structure, nesting multiple functional components in a compact configuration. This integration approach minimizes the overall device footprint and reduces the complexity of external wiring and control systems while maintaining comprehensive temperature monitoring capability throughout the ablation procedure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter tip is designed with multi-functionality, combining ablation electrode, temperature sensing, and force measurement capabilities in a single integrated structure. This universal design eliminates the need for separate devices or additional complex subsystems, achieving comprehensive safety monitoring while minimizing device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances the safety and effectiveness of ablation therapies by minimizing tissue overheating, reducing the risk of complications like steam pops and char, and improving the uniformity of lesion formation.

Implementation Method 1

The ablation catheter tip includes high thermal sensitivity materials which facilitate near real-time temperature sensing at the ablation catheter tip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermocouple: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 2

The ablation catheter may utilize ablative energy including, for example, radio frequency (RF), cryoablation, laser, chemical, and high-intensity focused ultrasound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio frequency heating: Dielectric Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20230000545A1Ablation catheter tip with flexible electronic circuitry

Publication Date: 2023.01.05 ST JUDE MEDICAL CARDILOGY DIV INC

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to, for example, a high-thermal-sensitivity ablation catheter tip. More specifically, various aspects of the present disclosure are directed to improved thermocouple response to temperature changes associated with an ablation electrode and/or tissue in contact therewith. Such an ablation catheter tip facilitates reduced lag in an ablation control system's response to the sensed temperature changes.