Non-overlapping Loop Catheter for AF Activation Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for treating atrial fibrillation (AF) using radio frequency (RF) ablation have unsatisfactory long-term results, with over 50% of patients experiencing recurrence within 1-2 years, and existing mapping technologies have limitations in resolution, coverage, and uncertainty in identifying triggers outside the pulmonary veins.
Innovation Solution
A catheter with a magnetic and/or ultrasound sensor for navigation, featuring a pliable body that forms non-overlapping loops or splines, equipped with an embedded electrode assembly to detect wave fronts and determine activation sources, allowing for precise location of focal, rotational, and re-entry activation patterns, and a system to display optimal configurations based on activation sequences for targeted ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mapping technologies are used for AF identification, then the system is simpler and easier to operate, but the measurement precision and coverage are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter body is segmented into multiple non-overlapping loops, each containing electrodes arranged in rows. This segmentation allows the catheter to cover a larger area and provide more measurement points while maintaining a manageable structure. Each loop acts as an independent segment that contributes to the overall mapping precision without requiring the entire catheter to be overly complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-plane electrode arrangements to a three-dimensional loop structure. The non-overlapping loops are arranged in multiple planes and orientations, enabling activation source localization from multiple spatial dimensions simultaneously. This dimensional expansion significantly improves measurement precision without requiring a proportional increase in overall device complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If more electrodes are added to improve mapping coverage, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into multiple loops with electrodes arranged in systematic rows within each loop. This segmentation allows for extended coverage area while organizing the complexity into manageable units. Each loop can be independently configured, making the overall system scalable without proportionally increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter employs nested loops where smaller loops are positioned within or between larger loops. This nesting arrangement maximizes the use of available space, allowing comprehensive coverage of the cardiac chamber while keeping the catheter profile compact. The nested structure enables dense electrode placement without requiring a proportional increase in catheter size or operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If conventional spiral or coiled catheter configurations are used, then the catheter is easier to manufacture, but the loops overlap reducing measurement precision
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter employs asymmetric non-overlapping loop configurations rather than symmetric spiral or coiled structures. Each loop is specifically shaped and positioned to avoid overlap with adjacent loops, creating an asymmetric pattern that optimizes measurement precision. This asymmetric design enables clear differentiation of activation directions from multiple loops without the confusion that arises from overlapping symmetric patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter utilizes curved loop structures that follow the contours of the cardiac chamber. These curved, non-overlapping loops provide optimal contact with the cardiac surface while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard catheter forming techniques. The curvature allows the loops to conform to anatomical surfaces without requiring complex rigid structures.
Data Source
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AI summary
A catheter may be adapted to map a chamber of the heart. The catheter may include a magnetic and/or ultrasound sensor for navigation. The body of the catheter may be pliable and configured to form a predetermined shape upon exiting a catheter sheath. Upon exiting the catheter sheath, the catheter body may be configured to form one or more loops, and the loops may be non-overlapping loops. In some examples, the non-overlapping loops may be concentric loops. Alternatively, the catheter body may be configured to form one or more splines. The catheter body may include an embedded electrode assembly. The electrodes of the electrode assembly may be may be arranged in one or more rows and configured to detect a wave front. The electrode assembly may also be configured to generate and activation sequence and determine a direction of an activation source. The electrode assembly may also be configured to determine the type of activation source, for example a rotational activation source, a focal activation source, and a single-wide activation source.