Skived Loop Mapping Probe for Stable Pulmonary Vein Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mapping catheters face challenges in maintaining a stable orientation within the pulmonary vein ostium during ablation procedures for arrhythmia treatment, leading to irregular heart rhythms due to aberrant conductive pathways.
Innovation Solution
A mapping probe assembly with a body frame featuring a skived loop section and shape memory material that expands radially to securely contact the interior walls of the pulmonary vein ostium, ensuring a uniform pressure distribution and stable positioning, combined with adjustable electrodes for precise mapping and ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a small-diameter tubular probe assembly is used, then the device can be introduced through standard vasculature, but stable orientation during mapping is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is divided into distinct functional segments: a flexible catheter shaft for navigation, a steerable distal section for positioning, and a loop-shaped probe assembly for mapping. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized independently - the shaft remains flexible for introduction, while the loop provides stable orientation during mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly is formed into a loop shape rather than a straight configuration. This curved geometry allows the distal tip to engage with the pulmonary vein ostium wall, providing a stable reference point that maintains consistent orientation during electrical mapping procedures.
2Device complexity
If the catheter shaft is positioned tangential to the loop plane, then the structure is simpler, but stable positioning and orientation during mapping are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter shaft is positioned perpendicular to the loop plane rather than tangential to it, creating an asymmetric configuration. This asymmetric arrangement provides a more stable mechanical reference frame that resists rotation and maintains consistent orientation during mapping, improving positioning stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheters are used to access pulmonary vein interior regions, then mapping capability is improved, but procedural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly integrates multiple functions into a single device: the catheter shaft provides navigation and access, the steerable section enables precise positioning, and the loop-shaped distal portion with electrodes performs electrical mapping. This multi-functional integration eliminates the need for multiple separate catheters while maintaining comprehensive mapping capability.
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 enables a more balanced and stable catheter position, improving the accuracy of heart atrium or ostium mapping and maintaining orientation throughout the ablative therapy, enhancing the effectiveness of arrhythmia treatment by ensuring consistent contact and pressure distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A mapping probe assembly with a body frame featuring a skived loop section and shape memory material that expands radially to securely contact the interior walls of the pulmonary vein ostium
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a mapping probe assembly includes a body frame with a lumen therein. The body frame includes a catheter shaft region, a loop section and a transition region between the catheter shaft region and a loop section. A plurality of mapping electrodes are attached around the loop section. Electrical conductors extend through the lumen of the body frame to the mapping electrodes. In some embodiments, the loop section is skived, where a portion of the body frame is removed toward the interior of the loop section. The loop section has a generally planar loop, and further has a loop center. In some embodiments, the catheter shaft has an alignment generally perpendicular to the loop section where the alignment of the catheter shaft is along a line that intersects the planar loop proximate to the loop center.