Nested Electrode Basket for Consistent Catheter Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing catheter systems for tissue ablation face issues with inconsistent electrode contact and skeletal 'jumping' during 'one-shot' ablation procedures due to uneven expansion and spacing of electrode struts, which can interfere with the ablation process.
Innovation Solution
The electrode assembly features an inner and outer basket with alternating struts functioning as bipolar electrode pairs, providing 360° circumferential ablation and reducing skeletal jumping by effectively doubling the number of adjacent electrodes and allowing for customizable current application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single electrode basket is used, then the device complexity is lower, but the electrode contact consistency and ablation uniformity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode basket is divided into multiple independent struts (e.g., 6-12 struts) that can expand and collapse independently. Each strut functions as a separate electrode element, allowing individual contact optimization with tissue while maintaining overall basket integrity. This segmentation enables consistent electrode contact across different expansion states without requiring a completely redesigned single-basket system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple electrode baskets are nested within each other, with inner baskets containing electrodes that can be independently controlled from outer baskets. This nested configuration allows for layered tissue contact and maintains electrode consistency through coordinated expansion of multiple nested structures, resolving the reliability-complexity contradiction by organizing complexity hierarchically.
2Area of stationary object
If electrode struts are spaced farther apart, then the ablation coverage area increases, but the electrode contact consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode struts are designed with dynamic expansion and collapse capabilities, allowing the spacing between electrodes to be adjusted in real-time. During ablation, struts expand to increase coverage area while maintaining consistent contact pressure through controlled mechanical deformation. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between coverage area and contact consistency by optimizing both parameters during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameters of electrode struts (length, diameter, material properties) are optimized to maintain consistent contact characteristics across varying spacings. By changing strut parameters such as using shape memory alloys or adjusting wire gauge, the system maintains reliable electrode-tissue contact even when struts are spaced farther apart to increase ablation coverage.
3Loss of time
If complex current is applied for one-shot ablation, then the procedure duration is reduced, but skeletal jumping occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode basket is divided into multiple independent struts that can be selectively energized. Instead of applying complex current to a single basket, the system segments the current application across multiple struts, allowing for simplified current waveforms that reduce skeletal jumping while maintaining effective ablation through distributed electrode activation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the electrode basket receive different current applications based on local tissue requirements. The system applies current locally to specific struts contacting tissue, using simplified current waveforms at each location rather than complex global current patterns. This local quality approach reduces skeletal jumping while achieving effective ablation in the target area.
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
Enables complete 360° tissue contact in a single ablation event, reducing skeletal jumping and improving procedure efficiency by ensuring consistent electrode contact and adjustable current application.
Implementation Method 1
energizing the inner electrode basket as one of a cathode or anode, and energizing the outer electrode basket as the other of the cathode or anode, such that the inner and outer baskets function as a plurality of bipolar electrode pairs
Data Source
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AI summary
Described herein is an electrode assembly for a catheter system, and methods of using and forming the same. The electrode assembly includes an inner electrode basket having a first proximal end, a first distal end, and a first plurality of struts. The electrode assembly also includes an outer electrode basket having a second proximal end, a second distal end, and a second plurality of struts. The first proximal end is positioned within and coaxial with the second proximal end, and the first distal end is positioned within and coaxial with the second distal end such that the inner electrode basket is positioned within and coaxial with the outer electrode basket. The inner electrode basket is angularly offset from the outer electrode basket such that the first plurality of struts and the second plurality of struts alternate about a circumference of the electrode assembly.