Magnetic Bipolar Ablation System for Transmural Lesion Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac ablation procedures face challenges in precisely locating ablation apparatus on target tissue and in creating continuous, deep transmural lesions necessary for electrical isolation of heart tissue.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ablation system comprising a first and second ablation component, each with a tissue contacting portion and an ablation element, where the first component's permanent magnet is translationally repositionable and the second component's permanent magnet is freely rotatable, allowing for magnetic attraction and precise positioning on opposite sides of the target tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If catheter-based ablation devices are used to access the endocardial surface, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but precise positioning on target tissue and creation of continuous deep lesions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation system is divided into two separate components: an endocardial component with ablation elements and an epicardial component with magnets. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function - the endocardial component for minimally invasive access and lesion delivery, and the epicardial component for precise positioning and compression - thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of access and lesion precision
Solution Approach 2:
Magnetic fields serve as an intermediary mechanism to transmit positioning information and apply compression forces across the heart wall. The epicardial magnets interact with ferromagnetic elements in the endocardial component without direct mechanical connection, enabling precise positioning and continuous deep lesion creation while maintaining minimally invasive catheter-based access
2Ease of operation
If surgical-based ablation devices are used to access the epicardial surface, then direct access is achieved, but requirement for atriotomies increases procedural complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical surgical access methods requiring atriotomies are replaced with a magnetic coupling system. The epicardial component with magnets can be positioned and secured through magnetic attraction to ferromagnetic elements in the endocardial component, eliminating the need for surgical incisions into the heart chambers while maintaining direct epicardial access
3Ease of operation
If vacuum tissue folding is used to position endocardial surfaces between electrodes, then tissue engagement is achieved, but limitation on tissue size reduces versatility
Solution Approach 1:
Magnetic fields serve as an intermediary to transmit compression forces across the heart wall without direct mechanical contact. The epicardial magnets generate magnetic forces that compress the heart wall tissue between the two components, allowing engagement of larger tissue areas without the size limitations imposed by vacuum-based mechanical folding systems
4Adaptability or versatility
If RF clamp devices with opposing jaws are used for epicardial ablation, then two-wall ablation is achieved, but precision in locating ablation apparatus on target tissue decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Mechanical jaw-based positioning is replaced with magnetic field-based positioning. The epicardial component with magnets can be precisely positioned by adjusting magnetic field strength and direction, and the magnetic coupling provides stable, reversible attachment to the target tissue, thereby improving positioning accuracy while maintaining the two-wall ablation capability
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 system enhances the precision and effectiveness of cardiac ablation by allowing for the creation of continuous, deep transmural lesions through bipolar radiofrequency energy application, improving electrical isolation of heart tissue.
Implementation Method 1
wherein the first component's permanent magnet is translationally repositionable and the second component's permanent magnet is freely rotatable, allowing for magnetic attraction and precise positioning on opposite sides of the target tissue
Implementation Method 2
This system enhances the precision and effectiveness of cardiac ablation by allowing for the creation of continuous, deep transmural lesions through bipolar radiofrequency energy application
Data Source
AI summary
Methods of making an end effector of an ablation system and components thereof are disclosed. An example method of making an end effector may include providing an end effector housing, a permanent magnet, and an electrical connecting device. Fabricating at least one electrical trace onto an exterior of the end effector housing. Positioning the at least one electrical trace on an exterior of the end effector housing extending longitudinally from a distal end to a proximal end. Aligning at least one electrode within the electrical trace. Aligning at least one connection point to the electrical trace. Connecting the electrical connection device to the at least one connection point. Providing an insulator fitted around the proximal portion of the end effector housing such that it insulates the connection of the electrical connecting device and the at least one connection point.