Incremental Advancement Electrode Catheter for Renal Nerve Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nerve ablation procedures for treating hypertension, particularly in the renal artery, are time-consuming and require frequent repositioning of electrodes, leading to increased steps and time due to the need for multiple excitations and ablations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a longitudinal member with multiple electrodes arranged in a helical configuration, allowing for the application of ablative and excitatory currents without moving the electrodes, by advancing and rotating the member to move electrodes into sequential positions, thereby reducing the number of steps and time required for nerve ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If electrodes are frequently repositioned during nerve ablation procedures, then complete coverage of the renal artery can be achieved, but the procedure time and number of steps increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple electrode segments arranged along its length, allowing different sections to perform different functions (excitation, ablation, sensing) simultaneously. This segmentation enables comprehensive arterial coverage without requiring frequent catheter repositioning, as multiple electrodes can work in parallel at different locations along the artery.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates dynamic elements including rotatable electrode arrays and flexible segments that can be actively positioned and oriented during the procedure. This dynamic capability allows the electrode array to be rotated into optimal positions for treating different segments of the renal artery, reducing the need for complete catheter withdrawals and reinsertions.
2Reliability
If multiple excitations and ablations are performed sequentially, then thorough nerve treatment is achieved, but the number of procedural steps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter integrates multiple electrode types and functions into a single device platform, combining excitation electrodes, ablation electrodes, and sensing electrodes in one catheter assembly. This merging allows simultaneous performance of excitation, ablation, and monitoring functions, reducing the number of separate procedural steps and device exchanges required.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter design enables continuous treatment through the renal artery by maintaining constant electrode-tissue contact while rotating or advancing the catheter. The continuous spiral or segmented electrode arrangement ensures that useful therapeutic action (excitation or ablation) is continuously applied as the catheter moves through the artery, eliminating gaps in treatment and reducing procedural steps.
3Productivity
If electrodes are kept at fixed positions for simultaneous current application, then procedure time is reduced, but the ability to treat different arterial segments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter employs a curved or spiral electrode arrangement that conforms to the natural geometry of the renal artery. This curved configuration allows the electrode array to maintain fixed relative positions while the entire catheter can be rotated or angled to treat different arterial segments, combining the benefits of fixed-position efficiency with the ability to access various treatment locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter adds rotational and angular dimensions to the fixed electrode array, allowing the same set of electrodes to treat different arterial segments by rotating the catheter body or changing its orientation within the artery. This dimensional freedom enables a fixed electrode configuration to achieve variable treatment positions, maintaining procedure efficiency while expanding treatment versatility.
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 approach simplifies the nerve ablation procedure by allowing simultaneous or independent application of ablative and excitatory currents at fixed electrode positions, reducing the number of steps and time needed, while maintaining effective tissue ablation without the need for frequent electrode repositioning.
Implementation Method 1
using a controller to drive the first electrode to apply an ablative current
Implementation Method 2
using the controller to drive the second electrode to apply an excitatory current
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus comprises: (a) a longitudinal member (32), having a distal portion (34); (b) a plurality of electrodes (38) disposed on the distal portion of the longitudinal member, such that a first electrode (38a) of the plurality of electrodes is disposed distally along the longitudinal member from a second electrode (38b) of the plurality of electrodes; and (c) a controller (40). The controller comprises an actuator, and circuitry (42) electrically connected to the electrodes via the longitudinal member. The actuator is configured to move the longitudinal member in discrete incremental movements such that for each incremental movement, (i) before the incremental movement the first electrode is disposed in a starting position, (ii) during each incremental movement the actuator moves second electrode toward the starting position, and (iii) at the end of each incremental movement the second electrode is stationary at the starting position.