Segmented Balloon Catheter Electrodes for RF Ablation and Precise Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radio-frequency ablation (RFA) procedures face challenges in using balloon catheters with small electrodes for both effective tissue ablation and precise electrophysiological signal acquisition due to the large size of electrodes, which either damage tissue or acquire signals from a wide region, making diagnosis impractical.
Innovation Solution
A balloon catheter with segmented electrodes, where each electrode is divided into segments of unequal areas, allowing parallel application of RF signals for ablation and separate acquisition of electrophysiological signals from each segment, with irrigation apertures in larger segments for tissue irrigation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If large electrodes are used on the balloon catheter, then effective tissue ablation is achieved, but electrophysiological signal acquisition precision deteriorates due to signals being acquired from a wide region
Solution Approach 1:
Each electrode on the balloon catheter is divided into multiple segments of different areas. The larger segments are used for RF ablation to ensure effective tissue destruction, while the smaller segments are used for electrophysiological signal acquisition to ensure precise localized measurements. This segmentation allows the same electrode structure to fulfill both functions with appropriate performance characteristics.
2Measurement precision
If small electrodes are used on the balloon catheter, then electrophysiological signal acquisition precision is improved, but ablation effectiveness deteriorates due to insufficient electrode area
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode surface is segmented into multiple regions with different areas. Smaller segments provide the precision needed for accurate electrophysiological signal acquisition, while larger segments provide the surface area necessary for effective RF ablation. Both functions are achieved simultaneously using the segmented electrode structure.
3Device complexity
If a single electrode structure is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform both ablation and precise sensing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using separate electrodes for ablation and sensing, the electrode is segmented into multiple segments that can serve different functions. This maintains relative structural simplicity while enabling dual functionality - some segments for ablation and others for sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented electrode structure serves multiple functions: larger segments perform RF ablation while smaller segments perform electrophysiological sensing. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for completely separate electrode systems, maintaining device simplicity while achieving versatility.
4Area of stationary object
If large electrode areas are used, then ablation coverage is improved, but irrigation effectiveness deteriorates due to difficulty in targeting specific tissue regions
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into segments of different areas, with larger segments for ablation and smaller segments for sensing and irrigation targeting. This segmentation allows irrigation to be directed at specific smaller regions rather than being distributed across a large electrode surface, improving targeting precision.
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 solution enables safe and effective tissue ablation with large electrode areas while allowing precise electrophysiological signal acquisition from localized tissue regions, enhancing diagnostic capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
applying the RF current to electrodes at the tip of the probe
Implementation Method 2
heat generated from radio-frequency (RF) alternating current
Implementation Method 3
configured to be inflated within the body cavity with a fluid that flows into the balloon through the insertion tube
Implementation Method 4
the fluid flows out of the balloon through the irrigation apertures to irrigate the tissue contacted by at least the first segment
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus includes a probe, which includes an insertion tube configured for insertion into a body cavity. A balloon is connected distally to the insertion tube and is inflated within the body with a fluid that flows into the balloon through the insertion tube. Electrodes are disposed at different respective locations on a surface of the balloon and configured to contact tissue within the body cavity, each electrode being divided into multiple segments, including at least two segments having different respective areas. An electrical signal generator applies radio-frequency (RF) signals simultaneously in parallel to the multiple segments of each electrode with an amplitude sufficient to ablate the tissue contacted by the electrode. Sensing circuitry acquires electrophysiological signals from at least one of the multiple segments of each electrode separately and independently of the other segments of the electrode.