Modular Ring Electrode Assemblies for Compact Cardiac Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac mapping catheters face challenges in assembling electrode assemblies with small components, which are tedious and difficult to manufacture, and there is a need for improved electrode assemblies that can facilitate data collection with minimal footprint and maximize surface area utilization.
Innovation Solution
A ring electrode assembly is designed with an insert, a ring electrode, and collars to fix the ring electrode to the insert, featuring tapered ends and lumens for irrigation and lead wires, and connected by bridge tubes, allowing for efficient assembly and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If multiple electrodes are assembled on the end effector to collect larger amounts of data signals and maximize surface area utilization, then data collection capability is improved, but assembly complexity increases and manufacturing becomes tedious and difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into modular components: a flexible circuit board divided into multiple electrode elements, each with dedicated connection pathways. This segmentation allows independent fabrication and assembly of electrode units, reducing overall assembly complexity while maximizing the number of electrodes on the end effector.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for electrodes, conducts electrical signals from multiple electrodes, and enables positioning of electrodes on the end effector. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly while maintaining high electrode density.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the end effector is designed with small footprint to prevent unwanted damage to surrounding target anatomy, then safety is improved, but manufacturing difficulty increases due to small component sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The end effector employs a flexible circuit board that can be manufactured as a thin, adaptable substrate. This flexible film structure allows the end effector to conform to small anatomical targets with minimal footprint, reducing risk of damage to surrounding tissue while maintaining manufacturability through flexible fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode assembly uses a nested structure where electrode elements are integrated into the flexible circuit board, which itself is integrated into the end effector housing. This nesting allows compact packaging of multiple small components within a minimal footprint, facilitating both safety and manufacturing.
3Quantity of substance
If multiple electrodes are assembled on the end effector to maximize surface area utilization, then data collection capability is improved, but assembly time and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode elements are merged onto a single flexible circuit board, sharing common connection pathways and support structures. This merging approach allows simultaneous fabrication of multiple electrodes in one manufacturing process, significantly improving assembly efficiency while maximizing the number of electrodes on the end effector.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible circuit board performs multiple functions: supporting electrodes, conducting signals, and providing structural framework. This universality eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing assembly steps and time while enabling high electrode density on the end effector.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes an end effector for a catheter. The end effector comprises a plurality of ring electrode assemblies, each ring electrode comprising a ring electrode disposed around an insert. Collars can be attached to each end of the ring electrode to fix the ring electrode to the insert. Multiple ring electrode assemblies can be coupled to one another with bridge tubes to form a length of an end effector.