Multi-bend Steerable Catheter for Coronary Sinus Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrophysiology mapping catheters face challenges in effectively mapping the high right atrium and coronary sinus via groin access, often interfering with ablation procedures and requiring multiple access points, which complicates simultaneous control and increases patient discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A multi-bend, steerable catheter with a flexible shaft and distinct electrode sets on steerable and prolapsing sections, allowing bi-directional steering and prolapsing against the high right atrium, facilitating mapping without blocking the isthmus and reducing the need for multiple access points.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pre-shaped, non-steerable mapping catheter is inserted through the jugular vein to map both the coronary sinus and right atrium, then mapping capability is achieved, but maneuverability to reach the high right atrium is difficult and the catheter blocks the isthmus region interfering with ablation procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemapping capabilityVSAvoidmaneuverability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is divided into distinct functional sections: a steerable distal section with first electrodes for coronary sinus mapping, and a prolapsing section with second electrodes for high right atrium mapping. This segmentation allows each section to be optimized for its specific function while working together to solve the overall mapping challenge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter transitions from a static, pre-shaped design to a dynamic, multi-bend steerable design. The steerable distal section can be actively positioned using pull wires, and the prolapsing section can dynamically conform to the high right atrium wall, enabling easy maneuverability to reach difficult-to-access regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a pre-shaped mapping catheter extends across the isthmus region to map the high right atrium, then mapping coverage is improved, but interference with ablation catheter procedures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemapping coverageVSAvoidinterference with ablation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of extending across the isthmus region as with traditional catheters, the steerable distal section is positioned within the coronary sinus ostium, and the prolapsing section prolapses into the high right atrium from a different trajectory. This inverted approach achieves comprehensive mapping coverage while clearing the isthmus pathway for ablation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple access ports (jugular and groin) are used for simultaneous mapping and ablation procedures, then functional capability is enhanced, but procedural complexity and patient discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capabilityVSAvoidprocedural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter integrates multiple functions into a single device: it can map the coronary sinus, high right atrium, and isthmus region, and can also serve as an ablation catheter. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mapping and ablation catheters, allowing both procedures to be performed through a single groin access point.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If smaller mapping electrodes are used to increase the number of electrodes on the catheter, then mapping precision is improved, but current transmission capability for ablation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemapping precisionVSAvoidcurrent transmission capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter employs different electrode sizes on different sections: smaller electrodes on the steerable distal section optimized for precise mapping in the coronary sinus, and larger electrodes on the prolapsing section optimized for ablation in the high right atrium. This segmentation allows each electrode set to be optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the catheter have different electrode characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The steerable distal section has small mapping electrodes for high-resolution electrical activity detection, while the prolapsing section has larger ablation electrodes for effective tissue ablation, with each region's electrode design matching its operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS8229538B2Multi-bend steerable mapping catheter

Publication Date: 2012.07.24 BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED INC

AI summary

An electrophysiology catheter introduced through the groin and inferior vena cava into the right side of the heart comprises an elongate flexible shaft having a steerable distal section and a prolapsing section located proximally of the distal section. The distal section is inserted into the coronary sinus and a back-steering force is applied to the catheter to anchor the distal section therein, after which the catheter is further advanced to prolapse the prolapsing section against the high right atrium. Electrical pathways in both the coronary sinus and the high right atrium are mapped using respective electrode pairs carried on the distal and prolapsing sections of the catheter.