Multi-electrode Catheter Assembly for Mapping and Ablation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter devices for therapeutic electrical energy delivery, particularly multi-electrode ablation catheters, face challenges in detailed mapping and navigation for effective tissue ablation, especially in achieving high tissue specificity.
Innovation Solution
A multi-electrode assembly for a mapping and ablation catheter is designed, featuring a plurality of electrodes and an electrode support member. The assembly includes various types of electrodes such as ring, tip, and split ring electrodes, configured to detect electrophysiological characteristics and deliver ablation therapy. The electrode support member can be planar, flexible, or in the form of a basket, allowing for precise energy delivery and mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional ablation catheters are used, then tissue ablation can be performed, but detailed mapping and navigation for precise target delivery is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrodes (ablation electrodes and mapping electrodes) into a single catheter assembly. The ablation electrodes are configured to deliver therapeutic electrical energy for tissue ablation, while mapping electrodes are positioned to detect electrophysiological signals. This merging allows the catheter to perform both ablation and detailed mapping functions simultaneously, improving measurement precision without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter assembly is segmented into multiple functional components including ablation electrodes, mapping electrodes, and insulating elements. Each electrode can be independently controlled and positioned. The mapping electrodes are distributed along the catheter body to provide detailed spatial mapping capability, while ablation electrodes are positioned at specific locations for targeted energy delivery. This segmentation enables precise navigation and mapping while maintaining manageable device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If pulsed field ablation is used for higher tissue specificity, then ablation precision is improved, but detailed mapping and navigation capabilities are required which increase device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter assembly is designed with multi-functionality where the same electrode structure serves dual purposes. The electrodes are configured to deliver pulsed field ablation energy for high-precision tissue ablation while simultaneously functioning as mapping electrodes to detect electrophysiological characteristics. This universal design reduces the need for separate specialized devices and manages complexity through integrated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates electrodes in multiple spatial dimensions and configurations (ring electrodes, tip electrodes, segmented electrodes) arranged along the catheter body. This multi-dimensional electrode arrangement enables precise three-dimensional mapping and navigation capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple linear catheter structure. The electrodes can be positioned in different orientations and planes to achieve comprehensive tissue characterization and targeted ablation.
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 multi-electrode assembly enables precise and effective tissue ablation with high specificity, facilitating detailed electrophysiological mapping and navigation, which can lead to improved therapeutic outcomes in procedures like pulsed field ablation.
Implementation Method 1
at least a portion of the first plurality of electrodes are configured and arranged on the electrode support member to detect electrophysiological characteristics of a tissue in contact therewith
Implementation Method 2
Pulsed field ablation (PFA) utilizes a controlled electric field to ablate and scar tissue through a process called irreversible electroporation (IRE)
Implementation Method 3
PFA utilizes a controlled electric field to ablate and scar tissue through a process called irreversible electroporation (IRE)
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-electrode assembly of the present disclosure includes a plurality of electrodes; and an electrode support member; wherein a portion of the electrode support member is adapted to selectively ablate a tissue in contact therewith, and at least a portion of the electrodes are configured and arranged on the electrode support member to detect electrophysiological characteristics of the tissue. The electrode support member can be constructed of flexible material and shaped to facilitate contact with certain anatomical structures (e.g., linear, loop, spiral, planar array, or basket shapes). Embodiments described enable selective activation of the electrode support member for ablation and selective activation of electrodes for electrophysiological mapping and/or ablation.