Intravascular Needle Flex Circuit Thermocouple Junction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing intravascular catheter systems face challenges in achieving accurate temperature measurement during ablation due to thermocouple placement, and in diagnostic applications, there is a need for more electrodes to capture sub-dermal data without increasing the bulk of the catheter.
Innovation Solution
A device with a tubular electrical circuit and a sharp end, featuring a patterned layer with electrically conductive traces, electrically insulative substrates, and electrodes on the outer surface, which can lance intravascular tissue and provide precise electrical measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If thermocouples are placed near electrodes for temperature measurement during ablation, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but the complexity of the device increases and measurement accuracy remains challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensing function with the existing electrode structure by integrating thermocouple junctions formed from the electrode material itself. The thermocouple junctions are created at specific locations on the electrode surface through material deposition or formation, merging the ablation electrode and temperature sensing into a single integrated component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermocouple junction as an intermediary element that directly contacts the electrode surface to transfer thermal information. This junction acts as a mediator between the electrode and the measurement system, enabling accurate temperature monitoring without requiring complex internal thermocouple placement within the electrode structure
2Ease of operation
If electrode geometry is made abrupt to enable tissue puncture, then tissue penetration capability is improved, but current distribution becomes non-uniform causing hot spots
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different geometric characteristics to different parts of the electrode: the tip region has an abrupt, sharp geometry optimized for tissue puncture, while the lateral surfaces have a more gradual, uniform geometry optimized for uniform current distribution during ablation. This local differentiation allows the electrode to perform both functions effectively without creating hot spots
3Object-affected harmful factors
If electrode is sheathed during intravascular delivery to avoid inadvertent tissue puncture, then patient safety is improved, but it becomes difficult to ascertain proper sheathing status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a visual indicator mechanism that changes color or provides visual feedback to indicate the sheathing status of the electrode. This allows the operator to easily verify whether the electrode is properly sheathed during delivery, solving the detection difficulty while maintaining patient safety through proper sheathing
4Adaptability or versatility
If electrode count is increased to capture sub-dermal data in diagnostic catheters, then diagnostic capability is improved, but catheter bulk increases making delivery and positioning more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges multiple electrodes in a nested or compact configuration where electrodes are positioned in close proximity to each other, potentially in overlapping or concentric patterns. This nesting approach allows multiple electrodes to be contained within a smaller overall catheter volume, maintaining diagnostic capability while reducing catheter bulk for easier delivery and positioning
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 device enables precise lancing of intravascular tissue and provides accurate electrical measurements, improving the effectiveness of ablation and diagnostic procedures while maintaining a compact and flexible catheter design.
Implementation Method 1
a sharp end affixed near the first end of the tubular shape
Implementation Method 2
a patterned layer including electrically conductive traces that is disposed over the substrate film
Implementation Method 3
an electrically insulative isolating film including one or more vias therethrough that is disposed over the patterned layer
Data Source
AI summary
Ablation and diagnostic tools having a wrapped flexible circuit are provided. The wrapped flexible circuit can include one or more electrodes on a surface layer, one or more conductive traces on one or more lower layers, and an electrically insulating substrate. The surface layer can be patterned to have multiple electrodes. The lower layer(s) can include electrode contact trace(s) and/or traces for forming thermocouple junctions. The wrapped flexible circuit can be affixed to an outer surface of a metallic tube. The electrodes can be electrically isolated from the metallic tube. The metallic tube can have a sharp end to puncture tissue during ablation or intravascular diagnostic procedure. Additionally, or alternatively, the wrapped flexible circuit can have a pointed end and sufficient structural integrity to puncture tissue during ablation or intravascular diagnostic procedure without the support of a metallic tube.