Irrigated Ablation Catheter With Internal Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ablation catheters face challenges in precisely detecting tissue contact without relying on catheter deflection, which can lead to inefficient ablation procedures and potential thrombus formation due to blood coagulation.
Innovation Solution
An irrigated ablation catheter equipped with a pressure sensor mounted inside the electrode, allowing for precise detection of tissue contact through pressure measurements, enabling effective ablation using RF energy while preventing coagulum formation by saline irrigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ablation catheters rely on catheter deflection to detect tissue contact, then the device structure remains simple, but the detection precision is insufficient and thrombus formation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical deflection detection system with a pressure sensor-based detection system. The pressure sensor mounted inside the electrode directly measures contact pressure between the electrode and tissue, substituting the indirect mechanical deflection method with a direct pressure measurement approach, thereby improving detection precision without significantly complicating the overall catheter structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressure sensor as an intermediary element between the electrode and the detection system. This pressure sensor acts as a mediator that directly senses the contact pressure between the electrode and tissue, providing more accurate contact detection compared to the traditional deflection-based indirect measurement method
2Productivity
If ablation is performed without precise tissue contact detection, then the ablation procedure is faster, but the ablation effectiveness decreases and thrombus formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the pressure sensor continuously monitors contact pressure between the electrode and tissue during the ablation procedure. This real-time feedback allows the operator to adjust the catheter position and contact force to optimize ablation effectiveness, ensuring reliable tissue contact while maintaining procedural efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary verification of tissue contact through pressure sensor detection before initiating the ablation process. By detecting contact pressure in advance, the system ensures proper electrode-tissue contact is established, preventing ineffective ablation and reducing the risk of thrombus formation before energy delivery begins
3Object-affected harmful factors
If saline irrigation is applied to prevent coagulum formation, then thrombus risk is reduced, but the device complexity and fluid management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the saline irrigation function with the existing electrode structure by integrating irrigation channels directly into the electrode body. This combination allows cooling saline to be delivered precisely at the electrode-tissue interface, effectively preventing coagulum formation and thrombus without requiring separate, complex irrigation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies saline irrigation locally at the electrode-tissue contact site through integrated irrigation channels in the electrode. This localized cooling approach prevents coagulum formation exactly where it would form (at the hot electrode-tissue interface) without requiring system-wide complex fluid management, addressing the harmful effect precisely where needed
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 pressure sensor accurately detects tissue contact, enhancing the precision and efficiency of ablation procedures while minimizing thrombus formation and coagulum issues, thereby improving the effectiveness of cardiac arrhythmia treatments.
Implementation Method 1
The catheter also has a pressure sensor located inside the inner cavity of the electrode
Implementation Method 2
The irrigated ablation catheter may utilize radiofrequency energy to ablate the target tissue
Implementation Method 3
utilize radiofrequency energy to ablate the target tissue
Implementation Method 4
preventing coagulum formation by saline irrigation
Implementation Method 5
preventing coagulum formation by saline irrigation
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an irrigated ablation catheter that has a pressure sensor to determine tissue contact as well as methods of using the same. The irrigated ablation catheter contains fluid tubing, an electrode with passages and a lumen and a pressure sensor located inside the lumen of the electrode. In some embodiments, a cooling fluid, such as saline, is passed through the catheter.