Multi-Shaft Catheter for RF Ablation Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF ablation catheters face challenges in fine-tuning fluid inlet and outlet flow rates, requiring a larger catheter profile and compromising device profile, while maintaining concentricity and efficient fluid circulation for balloon inflation and RF energy transmission.
Innovation Solution
A multi-shaft, multi-lumen catheter assembly with concentric or adjacent shafts allows independent control of inlet and outlet lumen sizes, featuring a balloon with RF transmitter mounted on the exterior wall, enabling precise fluid flow management and energy delivery through conductive fluid for efficient ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rapid exchange catheter configuration is used to facilitate control of inlet and outlet flow rates, then flow rate control is improved, but the catheter profile becomes larger
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter employs a nested multi-shaft architecture where an inner shaft containing the inlet lumen is positioned within an outer shaft containing the outlet lumen. This nesting arrangement allows independent control of inlet and outlet flow rates through separate lumens while maintaining a compact overall catheter profile, resolving the contradiction between flow control capability and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is segmented into multiple independent shafts and lumens (inlet lumen, outlet lumen, and rapid exchange lumen) that can be independently sized and controlled. This segmentation enables fine-tuning of flow rates through each lumen separately without requiring a larger overall catheter profile, as each lumen's dimensions can be optimized independently.
2Device complexity
If an Over-The-Wire catheter system is used, then the catheter structure is simpler, but fine-tuning of fluid inlet and outlet flow rates becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter divides the fluid transport system into separate segmented lumens (inlet lumen in the inner shaft, outlet lumen in the outer shaft) with independent dimensions and flow paths. This segmentation allows precise fine-tuning of inlet and outlet flow rates by adjusting individual lumen characteristics without complicating the overall catheter structure, as each lumen can be independently optimized.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable flow characteristics through its multi-lumen design, allowing dynamic fine-tuning of flow rates by modifying individual lumen parameters (diameter, length, routing) while maintaining the simplicity of the overall catheter structure through modular construction.
3Length of moving object
If the catheter profile is minimized, then device invasiveness is reduced, but the cross-sectional area for fluidic transport is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter transitions from a single-plane lumen arrangement to a three-dimensional nested shaft configuration, allowing fluid lumens to be stacked in the radial dimension rather than requiring lateral expansion. This vertical stacking of lumens within concentric shafts maximizes fluidic transport cross-sectional area while maintaining a minimal external catheter profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested shaft architecture places the inlet lumen-containing inner shaft within the outer shaft containing the outlet lumen, efficiently packing multiple fluid transport pathways into a compact radial footprint. This nesting maximizes the total fluidic transport cross-sectional area within the constraints of a minimal catheter profile by utilizing the radial space hierarchy.
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 solution enables fine-tuning of fluid flow rates, maintaining a low device profile while ensuring effective balloon inflation and RF energy transmission, enhancing the precision and efficiency of tissue ablation.
Implementation Method 1
a radio frequency (RF) transmitter mounted on the exterior wall of at least one of the plurality of individual shafts such that the RF transmitter while bathed in an ionic fluid, such as saline, generates ionic energy, which is directed through the balloon to a desired location or locations upon supply of an external energy
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device for ablation of a target tissue is disclosed. The medical device includes a catheter assembly attached to a balloon for the ablation of the target tissue. The catheter assembly includes a proximal end and a distal end. The catheter assembly includes a plurality of individual shafts placed concentrically or adjacent to each other. Further, the plurality of individual shafts includes a respective lumen, wherein the lumens of the plurality of individual shafts can be configured to supply radio frequency (RF) energy to an RF transmitter placed inside the balloon and also to serve as the passageway for a fluid to travel within the balloon. The fluid flowing within the lumens of the catheter assembly can further help in expanding the balloon and transferring energy from the RF transmitter within the balloon to the ablation site via a plurality of windows attached.