Segmented Catheter Shaft Reduces Tissue Perforation Risk

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electrophysiology catheters face a risk of tissue perforation during ablation procedures due to localized force concentration at the distal tip, which existing designs have not adequately addressed.

Innovation Solution

The catheter design features a segmented elongate shaft with a diagnostic electrode on the distal-most segment and an ablation electrode on intermediate segments, including atraumatic tips and irrigation ports, along with adjustable flexibility and various electrode configurations to distribute force and reduce tissue contact pressure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If the ablation electrode is located at the distal tip of the catheter, then the ablation treatment can be delivered directly to the target tissue, but the localized force concentration at the distal tip creates a risk of tissue perforation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation energy deliveryVSAvoidtissue perforation risk

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter shaft is divided into multiple segments with different flexibility characteristics. The distal segment is made more flexible than proximal segments, allowing it to buckle under ablation force and reduce peak stress concentration at the tissue contact point, thereby preventing perforation while maintaining effective ablation treatment delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The catheter incorporates dynamic flexibility variations along its length, with the distal segment being more compliant than proximal segments. This dynamic property allows the catheter to adapt its mechanical response during ablation, distributing force over a larger area and reducing the risk of tissue perforation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the electrode contacts the target tissue directly, then effective ablation treatment can be delivered, but the force concentration at the contact point increases the risk of tissue damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveablation treatment effectivenessVSAvoidtissue damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible distal segment acts as a mechanical cushion before the ablation force is applied to the tissue. When ablation energy is delivered, the flexible segment buckles or deflects, absorbing and distributing the mechanical stress away from the tissue contact point, thereby preventing tissue damage while maintaining effective ablation treatment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9078667B2Catheter having reduced force concentration at tissue contact site

Publication Date: 2015.07.14 ST JUDE MEDICAL ATRIAL FIBRILLATION DIVISION INC

AI summary

A mapping and ablation catheter that reduces the risk of cardiac perforation during diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. The catheter comprises an elongate shaft including a proximal and distal portions, where the distal portion comprises a plurality of segments including a proximal-most segment, a distal-most segment and one or more intermediate segments between the proximal-most and distal-most segments. The catheter can include a diagnostic electrode in the distal most segment, an atraumatic tip located at the distal end of the distal-most segment, and an ablation electrode located in a segment proximal to the distal-most segment.