Progressive Cavity Pump Irrigation for Stable Ablation Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing irrigation systems in ablation procedures face challenges in maintaining a steady and continuous fluid flow rate, leading to inconsistent temperature control at the ablation site, which can result in tissue charring or cavitation, and excessive trauma due to unpredictable ablative energy delivery.
Innovation Solution
The use of a progressive cavity pump (PCP) to regulate irrigation fluid flow, controlled by a motor and servomotor, ensures a continuous and smooth flow rate of 1-2 ml/min, adjusted by temperature feedback, eliminating the need for special tubing and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a peristaltic pump is used to pump irrigation fluid, then the pump can provide irrigation flow, but the flow rate is not steady and continuous leading to inconsistent temperature control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the peristaltic pump mechanical system with a progressive cavity pump system that uses a rotor-stator mechanism to generate continuous, steady irrigation fluid flow. This substitution eliminates the pulsating flow characteristics of peristaltic pumps and provides the stable flow rate needed for consistent temperature control during ablation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the irrigation system by implementing a progressive cavity pump design with specific rotor-stator geometry that maintains constant flow rate across varying pressure conditions. This parameter optimization ensures steady fluid delivery regardless of backpressure changes during the ablation process.
2Productivity
If high power is injected to reduce procedure time, then procedural efficiency improves, but excessive trauma may occur due to uncontrolled temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature sensors continuously monitor the ablation site temperature and provide real-time data to the power delivery system. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically adjust power delivery to maintain the target temperature range, enabling high power delivery when appropriate while preventing excessive trauma from overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary cooling action by delivering irrigation fluid to the ablation site before and during power application. This pre-cooling measure prepares the tissue to withstand higher power levels by establishing a baseline temperature and continuous cooling mechanism, thereby increasing procedural efficiency without compromising tissue safety.
3Ease of manufacture
If irrigation fluid flow rate varies, then pump operation is simple, but tissue charring or cavitation occurs due to temperature instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the peristaltic pump with a progressive cavity pump system that inherently provides steady flow characteristics through its rotor-stator mechanism. This mechanical substitution maintains operational simplicity while fundamentally improving flow stability and temperature control at the ablation site.
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
Achieves precise temperature and power control at the ablation site, minimizing tissue damage and improving procedural efficiency by maintaining a stable irrigation flow, thus enhancing ablation quality.
Implementation Method 1
pumping irrigation fluid from an irrigation reservoir through a catheter to an ablation site using a progressive cavity pump
Implementation Method 2
Tissue irrigation is necessary during ablation of the myocardium, to prevent problems such as tissue charring, or cavitation occurring during the ablation
Data Source
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AI summary
In one exemplary mode, a system includes a progressive cavity pump (PCP) comprising a housing, a rotor, a stator, and ports, one port being configured to be connected to an irrigation reservoir, an ablation catheter comprising at least one ablation electrode, at least one irrigation hole, and an irrigation channel having a distal end connected to the irrigation hole(s), and a proximal end configured to be connected to another port of the PCP, a motor comprising a drive shaft which is configured to be connected to the PCP, and drive rotation of, the rotor of the progressive cavity pump, and a controller configured to control a rotatory speed of the motor to control a flow rate of the PCP so as to pump irrigation fluid from the irrigation reservoir into the irrigation channel and out of the irrigation hole(s) of the ablation catheter.