Nested Mapping Catheter for Multi-Function Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multi-function catheters for cardiac ablation and mapping face challenges such as the need to switch between mapping and ablation configurations, increased complexity and cost, and potential for gas leaks, due to the integration of multiple functionalities, which complicates procedures and may injure patients.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a treatment catheter with a distal portion having a longitudinal groove to receive and retain a mapping catheter, allowing both to be transitionable between linear and circular configurations without additional electrodes or wiring, enabling simultaneous mapping and ablation without increasing device size or complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functionalities (mapping and ablation) are integrated into a single catheter, then the device can perform both mapping and treatment, but the device complexity and fabrication cost significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping catheter is nested within the treatment catheter, with the mapping catheter's distal portion positioned inside the treatment catheter's lumen. This nesting allows both mapping and ablation functionalities to coexist in a single device without requiring separate catheters, thereby achieving multi-functionality while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct functional segments: a treatment catheter for ablation and a mapping catheter for electrogram sensing. Each segment can be independently configured and positioned, allowing the operator to optimize each function separately while using a single integrated system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functionalities are integrated into a single catheter, then mapping and treatment can be combined, but the device size increases making navigation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the mapping catheter within the treatment catheter, the overall device profile is minimized. The mapping catheter fits inside the treatment catheter's lumen, allowing both functions to be delivered through a single access sheath without significantly increasing the external dimensions of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheters are designed with flexible, steerable distal portions that can dynamically adjust their configuration within the heart. The mapping catheter can be selectively advanced or retracted within the treatment catheter, and both can be independently positioned to reach target sites, enabling navigation despite the combined functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple functionalities are integrated into a single catheter, then a single device can perform mapping and ablation, but the likelihood of leaks and gas egress into the heart increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the mapping and treatment functionalities into distinct catheter segments with separate sealing systems, the patent reduces the risk of leaks. Each catheter has its own integrity profile, so a potential leak in one does not necessarily compromise the other, and the treatment catheter's larger diameter provides a more robust seal.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested configuration allows the mapping catheter to be contained within the treatment catheter's sealed lumen, providing an additional barrier against leaks. The treatment catheter acts as an outer seal, and the mapping catheter provides an inner seal, creating redundant sealing layers that reduce the overall leak risk.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the treatment area is manipulated between mapping and ablation configurations, then both functions can be performed, but the treatment procedure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The catheters are designed with dynamic, steerable distal portions that can be independently positioned and configured. The mapping catheter can be advanced to a specific location for electrogram recording, then the treatment catheter can be positioned for ablation, all without removing either catheter. This dynamic positioning simplifies the transition between functions compared to using separate fixed catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping catheter can be pre-positioned and used to identify target sites before the treatment catheter is activated for ablation. This preliminary mapping action is performed while both catheters are already in place, eliminating the need to remove and reposition catheters between mapping and treatment phases.
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 efficient and versatile ablation and mapping procedures without the need for extra components, reducing the risk of gas leaks and improving navigation within the patient, while maintaining device compactness and reducing fabrication complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The first elongate body may include a plurality of thermally transmissive regions, such as electrodes
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of thermally transmissive regions may be in thermal communication with a source of refrigerant
Data Source
AI summary
A device, method, and system for adding mapping functionality to an ablation device without adding electrodes, wiring, or other components to the ablation device. The device includes a treatment catheter including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion including a longitudinal groove. The device also includes a mapping catheter including a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion of the mapping catheter being coupled to the distal portion of the treatment catheter. For example, the distal portion of the mapping catheter is snapped into the groove of the treatment catheter. Together the treatment and mapping catheters are transitionable between a variety of configurations. In this way, the medical device may be used to both treat and map tissue without complicating the design and manufacture of the treatment catheter.