Gearing Mechanism for Tissue Stabilization in Cardiac Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter-based ablation devices for treating atrial fibrillation face challenges in accurately and consistently creating lesions due to cumbersome manipulation of the distal tip, especially when targeting moving or contracting organ tissue, leading to reduced success rates in eliminating AF, particularly in patients with persistent AF.
Innovation Solution
The development of a device with a sliding housing and gears that allow for controlled gripping and releasing of tissue, combined with suction mechanisms and adjustable geometry to maintain tissue position, enables precise application of RF energy through the gears or flexible electrodes, facilitating effective lesion creation despite tissue movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a catheter-based ablation device is used to treat atrial fibrillation, then the procedure is less invasive with shorter recovery times, but the distal tip manipulation becomes cumbersome making it difficult to accurately create lesions on moving organ tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the catheter into multiple functional sections: a distal section with ablation electrodes, a middle section with gripping mechanisms (gears), and a proximal control section. This segmentation allows independent control of tissue gripping and ablation functions, solving the manipulation difficulty by providing dedicated control mechanisms for each function rather than relying on complex distal tip manipulation alone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms between the operator and the target tissue: robotic control systems that translate operator inputs into precise catheter movements, and gripping mechanisms that act as intermediaries to stabilize tissue before ablation. These intermediaries bridge the gap between the operator's control capabilities and the precision required for ablation on moving tissue
2Reliability
If the ablation catheter tip is moved across the tissue to create lesion patterns, then AF trigger foci can be isolated, but inconsistent and unstable placements result in disjointed lesions and insufficient ablation depth
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary action by gripping and stabilizing the tissue before ablation occurs. The gripping mechanism engages the tissue first, holding it stationary relative to the ablation electrode, ensuring consistent placement and contact pressure before the ablation energy is delivered. This preliminary stabilization prevents the inconsistency and instability that lead to poor lesion quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including force sensors that monitor contact pressure between the catheter and tissue, and positioning systems that provide real-time feedback on catheter location. This feedback allows the operator or robotic system to adjust and maintain optimal placement, ensuring consistent lesion creation and adequate ablation depth
3Reliability
If conventional catheter ablation is performed on patients with persistent AF requiring extensive ablation patterns, then more complete isolation of AF sources is needed, but the success rate remains only 30-80% due to tissue movement and manipulation difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The device enables self-service by allowing the tissue to be gripped and held stationary by the catheter's own gripping mechanism, eliminating the need for external stabilization. The catheter independently secures the tissue through its integrated gears and gripping elements, providing stable contact for complex ablation patterns without requiring additional equipment or assistance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the catheter system adaptable to tissue movement through active control. The robotic control system dynamically adjusts catheter position and orientation in real-time, and the gripping mechanism dynamically engages and disengages based on procedural needs. This dynamic capability allows the system to maintain stability during complex ablation patterns even as tissue would naturally move
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 solution enhances the accuracy and effectiveness of tissue gripping and ablation, improving the success rate of AF treatment by maintaining tissue position and ensuring consistent energy application, even in challenging conditions like moving organs.
Implementation Method 1
suction mechanisms and adjustable geometry to maintain tissue position
Implementation Method 2
The catheter has a metallic tip that is used to deliver high frequency electrical current to tissue. The current locally heats up (ablates) the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A device for gripping tissue that is inside of a patient for use in delivering therapy is provided. The device may include a first gear that rotates and that engages the tissue. A second gear that also rotates may be included and may likewise engage the tissue. A spacing mechanism may be included in the device that adjusts the spacing between the first and second gears such that the first and second gears are moved closer to one another and moved farther from one another.