Integrated Temperature Sensor and 3D Electrode for Catheter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices used for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in the heart lack an efficient and cost-effective way to accurately measure temperature at the site of treatment, which is crucial for procedures like ablation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a printed temperature sensor with a three-dimensional electrode on a medical device, such as a catheter, allows for accurate temperature measurement at the site of contact with the heart tissue, while also reducing manufacturing costs by combining the sensor and electrode into a single element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a temperature sensor and electrode are integrated into a single element, then manufacturing cost is reduced and device complexity is simplified, but measurement precision and contact accuracy may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensor and electrode into a single integrated element, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing manufacturing complexity. This merging approach directly addresses the ease of manufacture improvement while maintaining measurement precision through careful design of the integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-dimensional profile of the integrated element creates localized contact points that optimize both electrical contact and temperature sensing at the tissue interface. The varying heights and shapes of different regions allow the electrode and sensor to maintain precise contact with irregular tissue surfaces, ensuring measurement accuracy despite integration.
2Reliability
If a three-dimensional profile is used for the electrode, then contact with heart tissue is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode incorporates a three-dimensional profile with curved and elevated surfaces that conform to the irregular geometry of heart tissue. This curvature allows the electrode to maintain reliable contact across varying tissue surfaces, improving reliability while the integrated manufacturing process keeps overall device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode transitions from a traditional two-dimensional flat surface to a three-dimensional structure with varying heights and profiles. This dimensional enhancement allows the electrode to adapt to the three-dimensional topology of heart tissue, improving contact reliability without requiring multiple separate components.
3Productivity
If traditional separate components are used for sensor and electrode, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor and electrode are manufactured as a single integrated component, allowing for streamlined production processes. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and quality checks for individual components, thereby improving production efficiency and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated element serves multiple functions simultaneously - electrical contact, temperature sensing, and structural support - all within a single manufactured component. This multi-functionality reduces the number of parts that need to be produced and assembled, improving overall production efficiency and reducing manufacturing complexity.
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 of temperature measurement, improves contact between the electrode and heart tissue due to the three-dimensional profile, and reduces production costs, making it a more efficient and cost-effective option for medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature sensor can include a thermocouple
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A medical device includes an elongate shaft extending along a shaft longitudinal axis and includes a shaft proximal portion and a shaft distal portion. The medical device can include an electrode disposed on the shaft distal portion. The medical device can include a first conductor lead and a second conductor lead, each of the conductor leads electrically being coupled to the electrode. A thermocouple junction formed via a thermocouple conductor can be electrically coupled to the electrode and the first conductor lead.