Multi-loop Mapping Catheter Non-planar Electrode Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac mapping catheters face challenges in achieving high-density mapping with accurate electrode positioning and stability, particularly in navigating complex cardiac anatomy and maintaining contact with the endocardium.
Innovation Solution
The development of a catheter with a dual-loop design, featuring non-planar spline electrode arrays that can expand and deform to maintain contact with the heart tissue, while also being steerable and easy to use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a catheter uses a single-plane electrode array, then the device complexity is reduced, but the mapping precision and coverage of complex cardiac anatomy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-plane electrode array to a multi-loop three-dimensional electrode configuration. The first and second non-planar loops are positioned in different planes and extend in multiple dimensions, enabling comprehensive coverage of complex cardiac anatomy while maintaining manageable device complexity through systematic design
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode array is segmented into multiple independent non-planar loops (first loop with first plurality of electrodes, second loop with second plurality of electrodes). Each loop can be independently positioned and configured, allowing the system to achieve high mapping precision across complex three-dimensional cardiac structures without overwhelming device complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If the catheter uses a rigid electrode array structure, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ability to navigate complex cardiac anatomy and maintain stable contact is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter employs flexible splines that can dynamically adjust their configuration. The splines are capable of bending and deforming to navigate complex cardiac anatomy while maintaining stable contact with the endocardium. The dynamic flexibility allows the rigid electrode array design to adapt to varying anatomical conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes flexible spline structures that can be inserted through the catheter shaft and deployed to form the electrode arrays. These flexible splines can navigate complex cardiac geometry and maintain stable contact with the endocardial surface, combining manufacturing precision with anatomical adaptability
3Measurement precision
If the catheter uses multiple sensing electrode arrays in three-dimensional configuration, then the electroanatomical mapping fidelity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple sensing electrode arrays arranged in three-dimensional space using non-planar loops positioned in different planes. This multi-dimensional configuration captures electrical signals from multiple angles and depths, significantly improving electroanatomical mapping fidelity while the systematic arrangement keeps device complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode arrays are segmented into multiple independent non-planar loops, each with its own set of electrodes. This segmentation allows each loop to be independently positioned and optimized for specific anatomical regions, achieving high mapping fidelity without creating an overly complex monolithic structure
4Reliability
If the catheter uses expandable non-planar loops, then the electrode contact stability with endocardium is improved, but the ease of operation during insertion and deployment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable non-planar loops are designed to be nested within the catheter shaft during insertion. The flexible splines can be collapsed into a compact configuration that fits through the catheter, then expanded at the target site to achieve stable endocardial contact. This nesting principle resolves the contradiction between contact stability and ease of insertion
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter to detect a plurality of physiological signal from within a patient's heart is disclosed. The catheter includes an elongated shaft having a distal region. A location sensor is coupled to the distal region. First and second sensing electrode arrays with electrodes are coupled to the distal region. The first sensing electrode array includes a first spline formed as first non-planar loop in an expanded configuration wherein first and second ends are coupled to the distal region of the shaft and a first intermediate portion extends from the distal region. The second sensing electrode array includes a second spline formed as second non-planar loop in the expanded configuration wherein third and fourth ends are coupled to the distal region of the shaft and a second intermediate portion extends from the distal region. The first intermediate portion does not contact the second intermediate portion in the expanded configuration.