Segmented Electrode Catheter with Slot-Based Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manufacturing discrete electrode segments on small diameter catheters for precise sensing or stimulation within the human body is challenging, as conventional techniques fail to effectively create multiple segments on compliant materials.

Innovation Solution

A medical catheter with a compliant body featuring slots and apertures allows for the secure positioning and independent control of segmented electrodes, enabling precise directional stimulation or feedback sensing by routing conductors through the catheter's lumen or printing conductive traces on its surface, thereby enhancing electrode segment density and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional manufacturing techniques are used to create discrete electrode segments, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but manufacturing precision and electrode segment density deteriorate on small diameter catheters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrode segment placement precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter body is divided into multiple slots that receive and position individual electrode segments. Each slot acts as a discrete positioning feature that ensures precise placement of electrode segments along the catheter body, enabling accurate spatial control without complex manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrode segments are positioned within slots that are integrated into the catheter body structure. The slots are formed within the catheter body material itself, creating a nested arrangement where the electrode segments are housed within the catheter structure, ensuring precise positioning while maintaining manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If multiple electrode segments are placed on a small diameter catheter, then sensing and stimulation precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing precisionVSAvoidcatheter structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter body is constructed from flexible compliant material that can accommodate multiple electrode segments along its length. The flexibility of the material allows the catheter to maintain its structural integrity while supporting increased electrode density, enabling precise sensing and stimulation without requiring a rigid complex structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The slots in the catheter body serve multiple functions: they position electrode segments, provide structural support, and maintain the catheter's flexibility. This multi-functional design allows the catheter to accommodate multiple electrode segments without proportionally increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11730426B2Catheter with segmented electrodes and methods of making same

Publication Date: 2023.08.22 HERAEUS MEDICAL COMPONENTS LLC

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure relate to medical catheters, including electrophysiological catheters, comprising a catheter maintaining at least one electrode including a plurality of electrode segments. The catheter can include a plurality of slots in which the electrodes can be secured so that the electrodes are at least partially positioned within a center lumen of the catheter. Methods of manufacturing medical catheters are also disclosed. In various methods of assembling a catheter, a hollow, tubular catheter made of a compliant material having a very small, micro or nano outside diameter is provided. Then, the slots are formed in the catheter and the electrode segments are positioned within the slots.