Magnetic Electrode Alignment for Atrial Ablation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current surgical ablation techniques for treating atrial fibrillation, such as bipolar RF ablation, face challenges in precision and safety due to the complexity of aligning electrodes and controlling RF energy, leading to potential tissue damage and complications like perforation and esophageal injury.

Innovation Solution

The use of complementary magnetic electrode assemblies that automatically align through magnetic attraction, allowing for precise positioning and alignment of bipolar electrodes on opposing sides of the atrial wall, facilitating controlled RF energy delivery and reducing the risk of complications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bipolar electrodes are used for RF ablation, then ablation effectiveness is improved, but electrode alignment precision deteriorates due to complexity of positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation effectivenessVSAvoidelectrode alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

A magnetic coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the first and second electrodes, enabling precise alignment through magnetic attraction forces. The magnetic coupling member with opposing magnetic poles creates a force field that automatically positions the electrodes in correct alignment, eliminating the need for complex mechanical positioning systems while maintaining ablation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If complex alignment mechanisms are added to improve electrode positioning, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode alignment precisionVSAvoidalignment mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a magnetic field-based coupling system. The magnetic coupling member generates magnetic attraction forces that automatically align the electrodes, substituting intricate mechanical positioning devices with a simpler electromagnetic field-based solution that achieves the same alignment precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling mechanism enables self-alignment of the electrodes through magnetic attraction forces. When the first and second electrodes are brought into proximity, the magnetic coupling automatically positions them in correct alignment without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex positioning systems, allowing the system to self-correct its own positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If RF energy delivery is increased to improve ablation effectiveness, then treatment efficacy is improved, but tissue damage and complications increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation effectivenessVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling mechanism provides real-time feedback on electrode alignment and positioning. By maintaining precise and stable electrode-tissue contact through magnetic attraction, the system ensures that RF energy is delivered exactly where intended, preventing energy dispersion that could cause unintended tissue damage while maintaining effective ablation at the target site.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach enhances the precision and safety of RF ablation by ensuring accurate alignment of electrodes, minimizing tissue damage, and reducing the risk of complications like perforation and esophageal injury, thereby improving the efficacy of surgical treatment for atrial fibrillation.

Implementation Method 1

the magnetic member of the first electrode assembly and the electrical conductor of the second electrode assembly align automatically when the electrode assemblies are positioned on opposing sides of the atrial wall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

bipolar electrodes for radiofrequency ablation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency heating: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9603660B2Magnetically coupling devices for mapping and/or ablating

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 INTERMOUNTAIN INTELLECTUAL ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC

AI summary

Systems for ablating tissue can include a pair of electrode assemblies. The electrode assemblies can automatically align on opposing sides of operative tissue due to magnetic interaction. One assembly can move automatically in response to the other assembly due to the magnetic interaction. Some systems are capable of cooling the electrode assemblies during ablation procedures.