IRE Electrode Irrigation for Heat and Arcing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-voltage irreversible electroporation (IRE) pulses in catheters can cause arcing due to electrode heating and gas bubble formation, leading to excessive heating and impedance increase, which compromises the safety and efficiency of the treatment.
Innovation Solution
The use of irrigation channels, made of thermally conducting materials like Nitinol, to cool electrode edges through convection or conduction, preventing arcing by reducing heat buildup and maintaining stable electrical conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high voltage IRE pulses are applied to tissue, then effective tissue treatment is achieved, but electrode heating and arcing occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically conductive liquid (intermediary) between the electrodes and tissue to facilitate current conduction while preventing direct electrode-tissue contact that causes heating and arcing. The liquid medium distributes the electrical current more evenly, reducing localized heat buildup at electrode surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic principles by using a fluid (electrically conductive liquid) to transmit energy and cool the electrodes. The fluid circulation system acts as a heat sink, continuously removing thermal energy from the electrodes during high-power IRE pulse delivery, thereby preventing excessive temperature rise and arcing.
2Power
If high voltage IRE pulses are applied to tissue, then effective tissue treatment is achieved, but gas bubble formation and impedance increase occur
Solution Approach 1:
The electrically conductive liquid serves as an intermediary medium that maintains stable electrical conduction pathways. By surrounding the electrodes with this conductive fluid, the system prevents direct electrode-tissue interactions that generate gas bubbles, thereby maintaining consistent impedance and reliable current delivery throughout the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert conductive environment using the electrically conductive liquid that prevents electrolysis and gas bubble formation at the electrode surfaces. This stable conductive medium eliminates the formation of insulating gas bubbles that would otherwise disrupt current flow and increase impedance, ensuring reliable electrical conduction.
3Reliability
If irrigation channels are added to cool electrodes, then arcing is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter structure is designed with multi-functionality: the same catheter body houses both the electrodes for IRE delivery and the irrigation channels for cooling. The electrically conductive liquid serves multiple purposes simultaneously - it cools the electrodes, provides a conductive medium for current flow, and prevents arcing. This integration reduces the need for separate cooling systems and minimizes overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling function with the electrical conduction function by using the same electrically conductive liquid for both purposes. The irrigation channels are integrated into the existing catheter structure rather than being added as separate external components. This consolidation of functions reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies the overall device architecture.
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 irrigation system effectively prevents arcing, ensuring safe and efficient application of IRE pulses by maintaining optimal electrical conditions and reducing thermal stress on electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
to cool blood at edges of the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
One or more irrigation channels are configured to flow irrigation fluid in a vicinity of the electrodes, to cool blood at edges of the electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A medical probe includes a shaft and a frame. The shaft is configured for insertion into an organ of a patient. The frame is coupled to a distal end of the shaft, and includes (i) a plurality of electrodes disposed on an outer surface of the frame and configured to apply irreversible electroporation (IRE) to tissue by applying voltage pulses, and (ii) one or more irrigation channels, configured to flow irrigation fluid in a vicinity of the electrodes.