Flexible Probe Force Sensor Using Magnetic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for verifying electrode contact with cardiac tissue during ablation procedures are limited in accuracy and reliability, which can lead to inconsistent lesion formation and potential complications.
Innovation Solution
A flexible probe with a transmitter and receiver assembly, including a resilient element such as a nitinol spring, is used to sense the position and contact force of the probe tip relative to the cardiac tissue, enabling precise determination of contact status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure transducer is used to measure contact pressure between electrode and tissue, then contact force verification is provided, but the device size becomes large and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pressure transducer system with a magnetic field-based sensing system. A magnet is attached to the electrode, and a magnetic sensor on the catheter measures the magnetic field strength to determine contact force. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical pressure transducers while providing accurate contact verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic sensing system serves multiple functions: it verifies electrode-tissue contact, measures contact force magnitude, and can guide electrode positioning. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate sensing systems into a single integrated approach.
2Measurement precision
If existing contact verification techniques are used, then some contact information is obtained, but the accuracy and reliability are insufficient leading to inconsistent lesion formation
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic sensing system provides real-time feedback on electrode-tissue contact status and force magnitude. This feedback allows the operator to adjust electrode positioning and contact force to achieve optimal and consistent lesion formation, eliminating the uncertainty associated with existing verification techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical pressure transducers with magnetic field sensing, the system achieves more precise and reliable measurements. The magnetic sensor can detect subtle changes in magnetic field strength that correspond to variations in contact force, providing superior measurement precision compared to mechanical systems.
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 solution provides accurate and reliable verification of electrode contact, enhancing the precision of ablation procedures and improving the consistency of lesion formation, thereby reducing the risk of complications.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient element disposed between the transmitter and the receiver is configured to deform in response to pressure exerted on the distal tip when the distal tip engages a wall of the body cavity
Implementation Method 2
an assembly in its distal end that includes a transmitter and a receiver that receives signals from the transmitter for sensing a position of the receiver relative to the transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible probe has an assembly in its distal end that includes a compressible spring, the compressible spring arranged in a helix having flat surfaces with at least one leg at each end of the spring. The compressible spring is configured to deform in response to a compressive force acting against the legs at the ends of the spring from pressure exerted on the distal tip when engaging a wall of the body cavity. The compressible spring further includes at least one flexible transmitter coil disposed on the flat surface at one end of the spring and at least one flexible receiver coil on the flat surface at the other end of the spring. The at least one of flexible receiver coil is configured to receive signals from the at least one flexible transmitter coil for sensing a position of the coils relative to each other.