Segmented Cardiac Electrode with Insulating Gap for High-Resolution Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac ablation procedures lack precise high-resolution mapping capabilities, leading to incomplete tissue ablation and potential missed areas during treatment, as they rely on regular mapping electrodes that may not provide detailed anatomical information necessary for effective ablation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a high-resolution electrode configuration, featuring a first and second electrode portion separated by an electrically insulating gap, uses a filtering element to facilitate high-resolution mapping and ablation, allowing for precise tissue targeting and coverage of areas not adequately mapped by separate systems, with the option to integrate with existing multi-electrode systems for enhanced three-dimensional mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If regular mapping electrodes are used in cardiac ablation procedures, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and anatomical mapping detail deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is divided into multiple discrete portions (first electrode portion and second electrode portion) separated by an electrically insulating gap. This segmentation allows each portion to function as an independent mapping electrode while collectively providing high-resolution anatomical coverage, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a fully continuous complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
An electrically insulating gap is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second electrode portions. This gap electrically isolates the two portions during mapping to enable precise local measurements, while a filtering element serves as a mediator to restore electrical continuity during ablation energy delivery, allowing the system to switch between high-precision mapping and effective ablation modes.
2Measurement precision
If electrically insulating gaps are introduced between electrode portions to enable high-resolution mapping, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous electrode structure is segmented into discrete portions separated by electrically insulating gaps. This segmentation creates distinct measurement zones that improve mapping resolution by allowing independent voltage measurements at each electrode portion, while the modular nature of the segmentation keeps the structural complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical parameter (conductivity) is changed spatially by introducing electrically insulating gaps between electrode portions. During mapping, the gaps maintain electrical isolation for high-resolution measurements. During ablation, a filtering element changes the electrical parameter to allow energy delivery, thus adapting the system's electrical characteristics to different operational requirements without permanently increasing structural complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple separate electrode portions are used for high-resolution mapping, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to deliver ablation energy effectively deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A filtering element is introduced as an intermediary component that selectively restores electrical continuity between the first and second electrode portions during ablation energy delivery. This mediator allows the system to maintain electrical isolation during mapping for high-resolution measurements while enabling effective power delivery during ablation by providing a low-impedance path for RF energy through the gap.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connectivity between electrode portions is made dynamic rather than static. The filtering element enables the system to switch between two states: an electrically isolated state during mapping that provides high measurement precision, and an electrically connected state during ablation that enables effective power delivery. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between measurement precision and power delivery capability.
4Power
If continuous electrode structure is used for ablation, then power delivery is improved, but mapping resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure's electrical connectivity is made dynamic, allowing it to transition between isolated and connected states based on operational requirements. During mapping, the electrically insulating gaps maintain isolation to provide high measurement precision. During ablation, the filtering element enables connectivity to ensure effective power delivery, thus resolving the contradiction between continuous structure benefits and mapping resolution requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode is segmented into discrete portions with controllable electrical connectivity. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high mapping resolution when needed by maintaining electrical isolation between portions, while still enabling effective ablation power delivery when needed by restoring connectivity through the filtering element, thus providing the benefits of both continuous and segmented structures.
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 and comprehensive high-resolution mapping and targeted ablation, ensuring complete tissue treatment by providing detailed anatomical data and improving the precision and effectiveness of cardiac ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
the filtering element is configured to present a low impedance and the first and second electrode portions are configured to function as a single longer electrode at a frequency used for delivering ablative energy
Implementation Method 2
at least one electrically insulating gap (G) positioned between the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion
Implementation Method 3
deliver radiofrequency energy sufficient to at least partially ablate the tissue
Implementation Method 4
tissue ablation may be used to treat a variety of clinical disorders... radio frequency (RF) ablation
Data Source
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Figure 3~4
AI summary
According to some embodiments, methods and systems of enhancing a map of a targeted anatomical region comprise receiving mapping data from a plurality of mapping electrodes, receiving high-resolution mapping data from a high-resolution roving electrode configured to be moved to locations between the plurality of mapping electrodes, wherein the mapping system is configured to supplement, enhance or refine a map of the targeted anatomical region or to directly create a high-resolution three-dimensional map using the processor receiving the data obtained from the plurality of mapping electrodes and from the high-resolution roving electrode.