Balloon Electrode Flexible Circuit for Easier Sheath Passage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The inherent rigidity of flexible circuits in balloon electrode assemblies makes it difficult to insert and withdraw them from an introducer sheath, complicating the deployment process.
Innovation Solution
The flexible circuit design includes branch traces that are disposed side by side with electrode pads and connected to other pads, with oblique transition sections to guide the assembly into and out of the sheath, reducing overlap and hardness, allowing easier insertion and withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the flexible circuit uses embedded traces on a different layer relative to electrodes to achieve electrical connection, then electrical connectivity is improved, but the circuit's inherent rigidity increases making insertion and withdrawal difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is divided into multiple segments: electrode layer, insulating substrate layer with embedded traces, and conductor layer. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized independently - the embedded traces provide reliable electrical connection while the overall multi-layer structure maintains flexibility for insertion and withdrawal operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from planar circuit布局 to a three-dimensional multi-layer structure. Traces are embedded within the insulating substrate at a different layer relative to the electrodes, creating vertical separation. This dimensional change enables electrical connectivity without requiring traces to overlap with electrodes on the same plane, thereby reducing rigidity and improving ease of insertion/withdrawal
2Manufacturing precision
If the flexible circuit is designed with sufficient structural integrity to maintain electrode positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but the circuit becomes too rigid for smooth passage through the introducer sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating substrate provides localized structural support where needed to maintain electrode positioning accuracy, while the overall circuit structure remains flexible. The embedded traces within the substrate create localized rigid pathways for electrical connection without making the entire circuit rigid, allowing smooth passage through the introducer sheath while maintaining positioning precision
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a balloon electrode catheter, in particular to a flexible circuit for a balloon electrode assembly in a balloon electrode catheter. The flexible circuit comprises an insulating substrate, electrode pads, and traces; wherein the insulating substrate is configured to attach to the balloon of the balloon electrode assembly and to conform to curvature changes during expansion and contraction of the balloon body; the electrode pads are fixed to the insulating substrate for generating a pulse electric field; the trace is located inside the insulating substrate for connecting the electrode pads to corresponding circuits; and the traces include at least one branch trace, the branch trace being arranged side by side with at least one electrode pad along the extended surface of the insulating substrate and being connected to another electrode pad, such that electrical connection of corresponding electrode pad is achieved by means of the branch trace. The above solution is conducive to reducing the hardness of the flexible circuit, making it easier for the flexible circuit to deform when subjected to resistance in the process of entering and exiting the introducer sheath, avoiding serious interference with the sheath, and facilitating the entry and exit of the balloon electrode assembly into and out of the sheath.