RF Ablation Catheter Vein of Marshall Navigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF ablation technologies for treating atrial fibrillation are limited in effectively targeting and eliminating abnormal electrical signals generated in the vicinity of the vein of Marshall, which complicates the restoration of a normal heart rhythm.
Innovation Solution
A RF ablation catheter with a tapered, atraumatic tip and a coil-type ablation electrode, along with sensing electrodes, is designed to be inserted through the vein of Marshall, utilizing a guidewire lumen and connected to a RF generator for bipolar or monopolar ablation, ensuring minimal vascular damage and improved flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional RF ablation catheter with a straight tip is used, then the ablation function is effective, but the catheter causes vascular damage during insertion and lacks flexibility in navigating complex vascular paths
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter tip is designed with a tapered, curved geometry instead of a straight tip, allowing it to navigate complex vascular paths smoothly and reduce mechanical trauma to blood vessels during insertion and positioning
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates flexible materials and a slender tapered design that enables it to conform to the natural curvature of blood vessels and the vein of Marshall, improving navigability while maintaining structural integrity for effective ablation
2Measurement precision
If a conventional RF ablation catheter is used, then the ablation function is provided, but it cannot accurately target abnormal electrical signals in the vein of Marshall due to insufficient flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The tapered and curved tip geometry enables the catheter to follow the natural anatomical course of the vein of Marshall, improving access to the target area for accurate ablation of abnormal electrical signals
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed with a nested structure where the tapered tip is integrated within the catheter body, allowing for compact storage and easy navigation through catheter sheaths while maintaining the ability to reach the vein of Marshall
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 catheter effectively performs RF ablation with reduced vascular damage, enhancing the treatment of atrial fibrillation by accurately targeting and eliminating abnormal electrical signals, thereby restoring a normal heart rhythm.
Implementation Method 1
eliminating an abnormal electrical signal, which is generated in the vicinity of the vein of Marshall, using radio frequency ablation (RFA)
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for treatment of atrial fibrillation of the heart, the method including: inserting a guidewire from the superior vena cava or inferior vena cava into the vein of Marshall via a coronary sinus; placing a RF ablation catheter, which has an ablation electrode formed on a distal part, in the vein of Marshall according to guidance of the guidewire; and performing RF ablation around the vein of Marshall after connecting the RF ablation catheter to a RF generator.