Basket Electrode Catheter With Helical Splines for Uniform Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophysiology catheters face challenges in achieving an even distribution of electrodes both when in contact with and not in contact with tissue, leading to uneven sampling of electrical activity.
Innovation Solution
The catheter features a deformable shaft with a basket electrode assembly that includes splines configured to assume a twisted or helical shape in the expanded state, allowing for a non-planar arrangement of electrodes with varying spacings to ensure even distribution and sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a basket electrode assembly with straight splines is used, then the catheter can be maneuvered through the introducer sheath, but the electrodes are unevenly distributed when expanded, leading to uneven sampling of electrical activity
Solution Approach 1:
The splines are configured to assume a non-planar, helical shape when the basket assembly is in the expanded state. This curvature transforms the straight splines into twisted structures that naturally distribute electrodes more evenly across the expanded basket surface, resolving the uneven sampling issue while maintaining the compressed state for easy insertion
2Measurement precision
If the spline assumes a planar shape in expanded state, then the structure is simple, but the electrodes are not evenly distributed both when in contact with and not in contact with tissue
Solution Approach 1:
The spline is designed with a helical configuration that provides the necessary curvature to achieve even electrode distribution. This non-planar shape allows electrodes to be spaced more uniformly when the basket is expanded, whether in contact with tissue or floating, while the complexity is managed through the inherent simplicity of the helical geometry
3Manufacturing precision
If straight splines are used in the basket assembly, then manufacturing is simpler, but the electrode spacing is uneven when the basket is expanded
Solution Approach 1:
The helical shape of the splines can be manufactured using standard forming techniques for curved structures. The curvature is introduced during spline fabrication, allowing uniform electrode spacing along the twisted path while maintaining compatibility with conventional manufacturing processes for medical device components
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophysiology catheter is provided. In one embodiment, the catheter includes an elongate, deformable shaft including a proximal end and a distal end and a basket electrode assembly coupled to the distal end of the shaft. The basket electrode assembly configured to assume a compressed state and an expanded state. The electrode assembly further includes an inner structure including an inner electrode disposed thereon and an outer structure including a plurality of outer electrodes disposed thereon. The inner electrode is positioned within an envelope defined by the outer structure when the basket electrode assembly is in the expanded state.