Selective Tissue Ablation Catheter With Pulsed Electrode Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroporation methods lack specificity in electrode selection for selective and rapid tissue ablation, necessitating improved energy delivery and pulse control for various tissue types, particularly in cardiac arrhythmia treatment.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with a voltage pulse generator and electrode controller that allows for the selective application of DC voltage through independent selection of anode and cathode subsets, generating pulsed voltage waveforms for irreversible electroporation, and includes features like bipolar ablation, temperature control, and ionic fluid irrigation for targeted tissue ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pulsed DC voltages are applied to drive electroporation, then tissue ablation is achieved, but specificity in electrode selection for selective ablation is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple independently controllable electrode segments along its length. Each segment can be selectively activated as an anode or cathode, allowing precise spatial control of electroporation. This segmentation enables the system to target specific regions of tissue for ablation while leaving other regions intact, directly addressing the selectivity requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns different functional roles (anode or cathode) to different electrode segments based on the desired ablation pattern. The controller can switch between various electrode configurations in real-time, adapting the electroporation delivery to match complex tissue anatomy and treatment requirements, thereby achieving selective ablation without requiring overly complex hardware.
2Productivity
If rapid action is required for therapy delivery, then treatment time is reduced, but control precision for pulse delivery may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures multiple electrode activation sequences and pulse parameter sets in advance. The controller can retrieve and execute pre-programmed ablation patterns that are optimized for different tissue types and anatomical regions. This preliminary preparation allows rapid therapy delivery while maintaining precise control, as the system doesn't need to calculate and adjust parameters in real-time during the actual ablation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time monitoring of tissue response and electrical impedance changes during electroporation. The controller uses this feedback information to automatically adjust pulse parameters and electrode activation sequences, ensuring precise control even during rapid therapy delivery. The feedback mechanism allows the system to adapt to varying tissue properties and maintain optimal ablation conditions without sacrificing speed for 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
Enables precise and rapid tissue ablation by achieving irreversible electroporation with controlled electric fields, enhancing therapeutic efficacy in cardiac arrhythmia treatments.
Implementation Method 1
applying brief, high voltage DC pulses to tissue, thereby generating locally high electric fields, typically in the range of hundreds of Volts/centimeter. The electric fields disrupt cell membranes by generating pores in the cell membrane
Implementation Method 2
the application of relatively large electric fields generates instabilities in the phospholipid bilayers in cell membranes, as well as mitochondria, causing the occurrence of a distribution of local gaps or pores in the membrane
Implementation Method 3
delivering electrical energy in the context of ablating tissue rapidly and selectively by the application of suitably timed pulsed voltages
Data Source
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Figure 2A~2B
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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.