Magnetically Steerable Ablation Catheter for Precise Tip Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catheter movement and control methods are often imprecise, leading to undesired contact with patient anatomy and improper positioning during procedures like ablation, which can result in complications.
Innovation Solution
A magnetically steerable irrigated ablation catheter with a shaft containing distributed magnets and flexible sections that curve in response to a magnetic field, allowing precise navigation and control without mechanical steering mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional catheter movement and control methods are used, then the catheter can be navigated through patient anatomy, but the control is imprecise leading to undesired contact and improper positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical steering mechanisms with a magnetic field-based control system. Magnets embedded in the catheter shaft interact with external magnetic fields to achieve precise positioning without mechanical actuators, eliminating the trade-off between precision and operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical force application to magnetic field interaction. By varying magnetic field strength and direction, precise catheter positioning is achieved while maintaining ease of operation through non-contact control
2Reliability
If magnets are embedded in the catheter shaft for magnetic steering, then precise control is achieved, but the shaft must remain flexible for navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by embedding magnets only in specific sections of the catheter shaft rather than uniformly throughout. This localized magnetization maintains flexibility in non-magnetized regions while providing sufficient magnetic interaction in controlled sections, resolving the conflict between stability and flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter shaft combines magnetic materials with flexible polymer materials to create a composite structure that simultaneously provides magnetic responsiveness for stability and mechanical flexibility for navigation through patient anatomy
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 catheter enables precise and stable navigation through complex patient anatomy, improving placement accuracy and reducing complications by enabling fine control and minimizing lateral profile, while supporting temperature monitoring and high spatial resolution for electrophysiological monitoring and ablation.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second sets of magnets collectively enable the flexible section to curve without kinking in response to a magnetic field being applied to the first and second set of magnets
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein relate to magnetically steerable irrigated ablation catheters and methods of operating the same. A steerable catheter can include a distal tip including a first set of magnets. The steerable catheter further includes a shaft. The shaft includes a flexible section with a distal end coupled to the distal tip. The shaft further includes a second set of magnets spaced along a length of the flexible section and spaced from the first set of magnets such that the first and second sets of magnets collectively enable the flexible section to curve without kinking in response to a magnetic field being applied to the first and second set of magnets. In some embodiments, each magnet from the second set of magnets can be coupled to the flexible section via metallic elements disposed at the ends of each magnet.