Flexible PCB Ablation Catheter for Integrated Sensing and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ablation catheters face challenges in efficiently delivering ablating signals, acquiring tissue signals, regulating force application, and managing heat and fluid flow during procedures, often requiring separate mechanisms for electrode security and fluid pathways.
Innovation Solution
The catheter incorporates a tip electrode with microelectrodes and fluid apertures, a PCB within the lumen for signal transmission, a slotted tube with strain gauges for force estimation, and a conduit for efficient fluid flow, integrating these functions into a single structure to enhance stability and efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate dedicated irrigation tubings are used for each electrode, then fluid delivery to different electrodes can be controlled independently at different flow rates, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple irrigation functions into a single integrated tubing system with a common pump head that distributes fluid through multiple pathways to different electrodes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated tubings and multiple pump heads while maintaining independent flow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The single irrigation tubing system is designed to serve multiple electrodes simultaneously, with the ability to deliver fluid to different electrodes at different flow rates through a unified structure that performs multiple irrigation functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate pump heads are used to operate independently on different tubings, then independent fluid control is achieved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple pump heads into a single pump head that can independently control fluid delivery to multiple electrodes through a distributed tubing network, reducing the number of mechanical components while preserving independent control functionality
3Reliability
If a flexible printed circuit board is used to convey signals and energy, then electrical connection between electrodes and external contacts is improved, but the PCB must be securely anchored to prevent migration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the PCB anchoring function with the electrode security mechanism, where the same structural features that secure electrodes to the catheter body also anchor the PCB, eliminating the need for separate anchoring mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB is positioned and secured within the catheter structure in a nested arrangement where the PCB is housed within the catheter body and anchored using the existing structural elements of the catheter, integrating multiple functions into a compact configuration
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 integrated design allows for secure electrode positioning, accurate signal acquisition, effective force regulation, and enhanced heat exchange, improving the safety and efficacy of ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of strain gauges are coupled to the tube and are configured to output a signal in response to bending of the tube
Implementation Method 2
an ablation electrode at the distal end of the catheter is used to deliver an ablating signal to the tissue
Implementation Method 3
The tip electrode is shaped to define a plurality of fluid apertures configured to allow passage of a fluid therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
Described embodiments include apparatus that includes a catheter and a tip electrode, at a distal end of the catheter, shaped to define a plurality of microelectrode apertures. The apparatus further includes at least one printed circuit board (PCB) disposed within a lumen of the catheter, and a plurality of microelectrodes coupled to the PCB and at least partly situated within the microelectrode apertures, the PCB being configured to carry signals from the microelectrodes. Other embodiments are also described.