Irrigated Tip Catheter Fluid Isolation and Cooling Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Irrigated tip electrode catheters face challenges in isolating irrigation liquid from electrical components and efficiently utilizing limited space in the tip region, requiring effective irrigation and sealing while ensuring secure attachment to the catheter.
Innovation Solution
The design features a shell and plug configuration that defines a sealed chamber for irrigation fluid distribution, with fluid passages to the outer surface and isolated lumens for electrical components, ensuring efficient cooling and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If irrigation holes are placed at the extreme distal end of the tip electrode, then cooling efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to isolate irrigation liquid from electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The tip electrode is segmented into distinct functional zones: an irrigation zone with holes at the extreme distal end for cooling, and an electrical component zone with isolated lumens proximal to the irrigation holes. This spatial segmentation allows the irrigation liquid to contact only the distal tip surface while electrical components remain isolated in the proximal region, resolving the contradiction between cooling efficiency and component isolation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are housed in the tip electrode, then functional capability is improved, but spatial confinement makes efficient use of limited space difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The tip electrode utilizes the longitudinal dimension (axis) to organize components, placing irrigation holes at the extreme distal end and electrical components proximal to them. This dimensional arrangement efficiently packs multiple functions into the limited tip volume by distributing components along the length of the electrode rather than competing for radial space, thereby improving functional capability while managing spatial constraints.
3Productivity
If irrigation paths are made short and equal in length, then irrigation efficiency is improved, but it becomes more difficult to seal off irrigation components from electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation function is extracted and isolated to the extreme distal end of the tip electrode, with irrigation holes positioned at the tip surface and irrigation paths confined to the distal region. Electrical components are extracted to the proximal region with their own isolated lumens. This extraction creates natural sealing zones where irrigation and electrical systems are spatially separated, making it easier to implement seals while maintaining short, efficient irrigation paths.
4Reliability
If the tip electrode is securely attached to the catheter, then reliability is improved, but it reduces the space available for housing irrigation and electrical components
Solution Approach 1:
The tip electrode is designed with an attachment mechanism that nests within the catheter body structure. The proximal portion of the tip electrode includes features that interface with and attach to the catheter, effectively nesting the attachment mechanism within the overall catheter-tip assembly. This nesting approach provides secure attachment while minimizing the space consumed by the attachment structure itself, leaving maximum volume for housing irrigation and electrical components.
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 enables effective irrigation with reduced thrombus formation and secure housing of components, enhancing RF lesion quality and reducing detachment risks.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid cools the tip tissue interface and lowers the adjacent 'hematacrit,' both of which in turn greatly reduce thrombus formation and charring at the interface.
Implementation Method 2
The liquid cools the tip tissue interface
Implementation Method 3
The liquid cools the tip tissue interface and lowers the adjacent 'hematacrit,' both of which in turn greatly reduce thrombus formation and charring at the interface.
Data Source
AI summary
An irrigated tip electrode design includes a shell generally surrounding a plug which jointly define a chamber that is fed with fluid by a lumen. The fluid is distributed to the outer surface of the tip electrode through fluid passages. The chamber is advantageously isolated from a region of the tip electrode occupied by electrical and/or electromagnetic components in the tip electrode. Lumens occupied by the these components terminate in blind holes that have no communication with the chamber. A method of fabricating includes providing a shell configured from a rod to provide an open interior cavity, sealing and partially filling the cavity with a plug to form a chamber, then forming fluid passages between the cavity and an outer surface of the tip electrode, and providing a lumen through which fluid can enter the chamber and exit therefrom through the fluid passages.