Irrigated Ablation Electrode Thermal Barrier Manifolds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irrigated ablation electrode assemblies face challenges in manufacturability and reliability, particularly due to the difficulty in manufacturing thermally insulating manifolds and the resulting structural reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a distal member with radially extending passageways, a first manifold with reduced thermal conductivity for internal isolation, and a second manifold with reduced thermal conductivity for external isolation, along with a flow member to enhance fluid distribution and metering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a thermally insulating manifold is used to isolate the ablation electrode from irrigation fluid, then temperature monitoring accuracy is improved, but manufacturing difficulty and reliability issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature monitoring accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a thermal barrier layer as an intermediary substance between the ablation electrode and the irrigation fluid. This layer acts as a mediator that blocks thermal conduction while allowing the system to function, thereby improving temperature monitoring accuracy without requiring complex thermally insulating manifold structures that are difficult to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a thermally insulating manifold is used to isolate the ablation electrode from irrigation fluid, then temperature monitoring accuracy is improved, but structural reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature monitoring accuracyVSAvoidstructural reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By using a thermal barrier layer as an intermediary substance rather than a complex manifold structure, the patent achieves thermal isolation while maintaining structural simplicity and reliability. The layer-based approach avoids the structural complications and potential failure points associated with manufactured thermally insulating manifolds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If irrigation fluid flows directly through the electrode, then cooling effect is improved, but temperature control accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectVSAvoidtemperature control accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrode structure by introducing a thermal barrier layer that divides the space between the electrode and the irrigation fluid. This segmentation allows the irrigation fluid to provide cooling effect while the thermal barrier layer prevents direct thermal conduction, thereby maintaining temperature control accuracy despite the presence of cooling fluid.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Quantity of substance

If open outlets are used on the electrode surface for irrigation, then fluid distribution is improved, but thermal isolation effectiveness decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid distributionVSAvoidthermal isolation effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal barrier layer serves as an intermediary that covers the electrode surface while allowing fluid outlets to function. This layer maintains thermal isolation effectiveness by blocking thermal conduction paths, while the fluid can still be distributed through the outlets for irrigation purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration improves manufacturability and reliability by providing effective thermal isolation, balanced fluid flow, and precise temperature control, thereby enhancing the accuracy and safety of ablation procedures.

Implementation Method 1

first and second thermally insulating manifolds that will thermally isolate the ablation electrode from the irrigation fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

at least one radially extending passageway for irrigation fluid... The saline solution thus flows directly through the outlets of the passageways onto the electrode or distal member. The direct flow of fluid through the electrode can lower the temperature of the distal end of the electrode during operation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection cooling: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS12274490B2Irrigated ablation electrode assemblies

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 ST JUDE MEDICAL ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DIVISION INC

AI summary

An irrigated ablation electrode assembly comprises a distal member, a first manifold, and a second manifold. The distal member includes an outer surface; an inner surface; and at least one radially extending passageway that extends from the inner surface of the distal member to the outer surface of the distal member. The first manifold includes an outer surface, an inner cavity, and at least one radially extending passageway that extends from the inner cavity to the outer surface of the first manifold. The second manifold includes an outer surface, an inner surface, and at least one radially extending passageway that extends from the inner surface of the second manifold to the outer surface of the second manifold. Other irrigated ablation electrode assemblies are also presented.