Combined RF and Pulsed Field Ablation Catheter for Deeper Cardiac Lesions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter designs for cardiac arrhythmia treatment either rely on radio frequency ablation (RFA) or irreversible electroporation (IRE) as separate techniques, limiting their combined effectiveness in forming deeper and larger lesions for efficient tissue ablation.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system utilizing both radiofrequency (RF) and pulsed field (PF) signals, applied sequentially or simultaneously, to create a combined lesion that is 20% to 40% deeper than either technique alone, with RF signals generating heat and PF signals causing non-thermal cell death, enhancing lesion formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If radio frequency ablation (RFA) or irreversible electroporation (IRE) is used as separate techniques, then the ablation process is simple to perform, but the lesion depth and size are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radio frequency (RF) and pulsed field (PF) ablation modalities into a single catheter system. The catheter includes both RF electrodes and PF electrodes, allowing sequential or simultaneous application of both ablation techniques to create larger and deeper lesions than either technique alone could achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed with multi-functionality to perform both RF ablation and PF ablation using the same device. The catheter can switch between different ablation modalities based on treatment requirements, providing universal applicability for different arrhythmia treatment scenarios while maintaining a single device platform.
2Volume of moving object
If combined RF and PF ablation is applied, then deeper and larger lesions are formed, but the treatment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The combined ablation protocol employs periodic application of RF and PF energy in alternating cycles. Short bursts of RF ablation are followed by PF pulses, creating a rhythmic treatment pattern that allows tissue response time while maintaining cumulative lesion growth efficiency, reducing total treatment time compared to continuous single-modality ablation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous useful action by seamlessly transitioning between RF and PF modalities without significant interruption. The catheter remains in continuous contact with tissue, and the alternating modalities ensure uninterrupted energy delivery, maximizing lesion formation efficiency throughout the treatment duration.
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 combined RF and PF ablation method achieves deeper and larger lesions than either technique alone, improving the efficacy of cardiac arrhythmia treatment by creating lesions with increased depth and size, thereby enhancing treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
applying, with the electrode, a first ablation signal to the tissue. Applying the first ablation signal to the tissue can include forming a first lesion comprising a first depth with little or no first temperature change in a temperature of the tissue
Implementation Method 2
applying, with the electrode, a second ablation signal to the tissue different from the first ablation signal. Applying the second ablation signal to the tissue can include forming a second lesion comprising a second depth and generating a second temperature change in the tissue different from the first temperature change by at least 10°C
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The disclosed technology includes a method of ablating tissue including positioning an electrode into contact with tissue and applying a first ablation signal to the tissue. The method can include forming a first lesion comprising a first depth with little or no first temperature change in a temperature of the tissue. The method can include applying a second ablation signal to the tissue different from the first ablation signal. Applying the second ablation signal to the tissue can include forming a second lesion comprising a second depth and generating a second temperature change in the tissue different from the first temperature change by at least 10°C. The method can include forming a combined lesion comprising the first lesion and the second lesion and comprising a combined size. The combined depth can be about 20% to about 40% greater than either of the first depth and the second size.