Catheter Electrode Selection for Targeted Irreversible Electroporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroporation methods lack specificity in electrode selection for targeted tissue ablation and require more effective voltage pulse generation and control for therapeutic applications, particularly in treating cardiac arrhythmias.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a voltage pulse generator and electrode controller that selectively applies DC voltage through a series of electrodes, using a selection module to identify anode and cathode subsets, and a pulse delivery module to deliver pulsed voltage waveforms, enabling controlled irreversible electroporation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pulsed DC voltages are applied to generate electroporation, then cell membrane disruption and tissue ablation are achieved, but lack of electrode selection specificity prevents targeted ablation
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple independently controllable electrode segments, allowing selective activation of specific electrode pairs based on the target tissue location. This segmentation enables precise spatial control of electroporation while simplifying the operation through automated selection algorithms that match electrodes to anatomical targets.
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrodes along the catheter are configured with varying properties (such as spacing, size, and polarity) to optimize electroporation effectiveness for specific tissue types and depths. This local differentiation allows tailored ablation profiles for different anatomical regions while maintaining ease of use through pre-programmed selection protocols.
2Productivity
If high voltage pulses are delivered to achieve rapid electroporation, then treatment speed is improved, but control over voltage delivery timing and distribution becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system delivers voltage pulses in periodic sequences with controlled intervals, allowing rapid successive pulses that achieve swift tissue ablation while providing built-in timing control. The periodic delivery pattern simplifies the control architecture by using rhythmic, predictable pulse trains rather than complex aperiodic sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures voltage pulse parameters (amplitude, duration, inter-pulse intervals) and electrode selection sequences before delivery. This preliminary programming enables rapid automated execution during the procedure, achieving fast treatment without requiring complex real-time control decisions during actual ablation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electroporation is used for tissue ablation, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but lack of modulation for various tissue types limits clinical applicability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage pulse parameters (amplitude, width, frequency, number of pulses) based on the identified tissue type and desired therapeutic outcome. This dynamic adaptability allows the same electroporation mechanism to reliably treat different tissue types (cardiac, tumor, vascular) by optimizing parameters for each specific application, maintaining therapeutic effectiveness across diverse clinical scenarios.
Data Source
AI summary
Catheter systems and methods for the selective and rapid application of DC voltage to drive irreversible electroporation are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a voltage pulse generator and an electrode controller. The voltage pulse generator is configured to produce a pulsed voltage waveform. The electrode controller is configured to be operably coupled to the voltage pulse generator and a medical device including a series of electrodes. The electrode controller includes a selection module and a pulse delivery module. The selection module is configured to select a subset of electrodes from the series of electrodes. The selection module is configured identify at least one electrode as an anode and at least one electrode as a cathode. The pulse delivery module is configured to deliver an output signal associated with the pulsed voltage waveform to the subset of electrodes.