Semiconductor Contact Force Sensor for Ablation Catheters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact force sensors for ablation catheters have low sensitivity and accuracy due to their metallic sensor configuration with strain gauges, making it difficult to apply direct contact force effectively.
Innovation Solution
A contact force sensor fabricated using semiconductor materials with a stress-electricity conversion element, including a base part with a ring-shaped structure and arm parts, and a second sensor configuration with a coupling surface, where stress-electricity conversion elements are formed to detect contact force three-dimensionally and improve lead wire connections through soldering and insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a metallic sensor configuration with strain gauge is used, then the sensor can be manufactured with existing materials, but the sensitivity and accuracy are low due to difficulty in directly applying contact force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional metallic mechanical sensor configuration with a semiconductor-based sensor. The semiconductor substrate allows direct integration of stress-electricity conversion elements that can directly sense contact force through piezoresistive effects, eliminating the need for complex mechanical strain transmission mechanisms and adhesive bonding, thereby achieving high measurement precision while maintaining manufacturability through semiconductor fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure combining semiconductor substrate with stress-electricity conversion elements. This composite configuration integrates the mechanical support function of the semiconductor substrate with the sensing function of the stress-electricity conversion elements, allowing direct contact force application to the sensing elements without intermediate transmission components, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturability and measurement precision
2Reliability
If contact force is not applied strongly enough, then complications like cardiac tamponade are avoided, but the abnormal electrical conduction path may not be cauterized sufficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a contact force sensor that provides real-time feedback on the contact force applied by the ablation catheter. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to adjust the contact force dynamically, ensuring sufficient contact for effective ablation while preventing excessive force that could cause cardiac tamponade, thereby simultaneously achieving safety and ablation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The contact force sensor enables dynamic adjustment of contact force during the ablation procedure. The sensor allows real-time monitoring and adjustment of the applied force, transitioning from static force application to dynamic control, which ensures optimal contact force for both safety and effective cauterization of the abnormal conduction path
3Manufacturing precision
If excessive contact force is applied, then the abnormal electrical conduction path is cauterized sufficiently, but cardiac tamponade may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The contact force sensor provides continuous feedback on the applied contact force, enabling real-time monitoring during ablation procedures. This feedback allows immediate detection and correction of excessive force application, preventing cardiac tamponade while maintaining sufficient contact force for effective cauterization of the abnormal conduction path
Solution Approach 2:
The contact force sensor acts as a preventive mechanism by monitoring contact force before harmful effects occur. It allows operators to maintain contact force within safe limits from the outset, preventing cardiac tamponade before it can develop, while still ensuring adequate force for effective ablation
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
The solution provides a contact force sensor with high sensitivity and accuracy, enabling precise detection of contact forces during ablation treatments, reducing the risk of complications like cardiac tamponade.
Implementation Method 1
a stress-electricity conversion element converts a displacement of the contact force transmission part to an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a contact force sensor of high sensitivity and high accuracy. This contact force sensor is fabricated by machining of a silicon semiconductor material. The contact force sensor is provided with a sensor configuration having a base part, and a contact force transmission part formed in a direction orthogonal to this base part. A stress-electricity conversion element for converting displacement of the contact force transmission part to an electrical signal, formed in the base part of the sensor configuration, is also provided.