RF Ablation Catheter Navigation Using Time-Division Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing navigation systems for medical devices, such as catheters, are overwhelmed by high-level radiofrequency ablation energy, making it difficult to recover low-level navigation signals during energy delivery.

Innovation Solution

A system with a switching mechanism that selectively connects energy delivery electrodes to either the ablation energy source or navigation system, using time-division multiplexing to separate navigation signals from ablation energy, allowing precise location determination during procedures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If RF ablation energy is delivered at high level to treat tissue, then ablation effectiveness is improved, but navigation signals are obliterated by the RF energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation energy levelVSAvoidnavigation signal

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrical connection path into separate segments: one for RF ablation energy delivery and another for navigation signal transmission. The catheter is segmented with dedicated RF electrodes for high-power ablation and separate mapping electrodes for low-level navigation signals, preventing signal obliteration while maintaining effective treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary switching system that mediates between the RF energy source and the navigation system. The switch selectively connects the catheter to either the RF generator or the navigation system based on operational requirements, allowing high-power ablation when needed and clean navigation signal reception when needed without interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a multiuse catheter is used for both ablation and navigation, then device versatility is improved, but signal interference occurs during energy delivery

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecatheter functionalityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter is physically segmented with distinct RF electrodes and mapping electrodes, each serving its specific function. This segmentation allows the same device to perform both ablation and navigation without interference, as each electrode type is optimized for its intended purpose and electrically isolated from the other.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching that adapts the catheter's electrical connection based on the current operational mode. The switch dynamically reconfigures the circuit to connect RF electrodes to the RF generator during ablation and mapping electrodes to the navigation system during positioning, preventing interference while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If navigation signals are transmitted at low level during RF ablation, then signal accuracy is improved, but signals are overwhelmed by high-level ablation energy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation measurementVSAvoidenergy delivery level

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the electrical pathways so that low-level navigation signals are transmitted through a separate route independent from the high-power RF ablation pathway. This allows precise navigation measurements to be made without being overwhelmed by the high energy levels used for tissue treatment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The switching system acts as an intermediary that isolates the navigation signal path from the RF ablation path. During navigation operations, the switch directs the low-level signals away from the high-power RF circuitry, preventing signal drowning while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 accurate navigation of medical devices by filtering or sequencing ablation and navigation energies, ensuring clear signal recovery and device location tracking during treatment.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime-division multiplexing:

Implementation Method 2

These arrhythmias can be treated using ablation techniques such as radiofrequency (RF)... RF ablation energy tends to be delivered at a very high level (greater than thirty volts)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency ablation: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

it can also be used to measure electrograms or aid in location via electrical navigation methods... the navigation signals tend to be used at a very low level (on the order of millivolts)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical navigation:

Data Source

PatentUS20260060747A1Methods and systems to combine RF ablation therapy with device navigation

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 MEDTRONIC ABLATION FRONTIERS LLC

AI summary

Methods and systems for combining ablation therapy with navigation of the ablation device. An ablation system may be configured for use with one of two methods to prevent loss of navigation signals during ablation energy delivery. In the first method, ablation energy signals are filtered from the navigation signal. In the second method, the delivery of ablation energy is sequenced with the delivery of navigation energy such that ablation energy and navigation energy are not delivered at the same time and navigation signals received by the system are time-division multiplexed to reconstruct the navigation signals and determine a location of the device within the patient.