Split Electrode Sleeve Catheter for Near-Field Signal Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrophysiology catheters with larger electrodes are susceptible to detecting both near-field and far-field signals, leading to inaccurate measurements and increased risks of short-circuiting, while smaller electrodes are safer and more accurate but challenging to assemble and wire effectively.
Innovation Solution
The development of an electrophysiology catheter with a split electrode sleeve featuring discrete, curved electrodes arranged circumferentially on a non-conductive band, each with an overhang edge for lead wire attachment, and a method for assembling and manufacturing these electrodes to maximize tissue contact and minimize exposure to blood.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If larger electrodes are used in conventional catheters, then the electrode surface area increases, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to detection of both near-field and far-field signals
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates multiple discrete electrodes (e.g., four electrodes) distributed around the circumference of the distal section, replacing a single large electrode. This segmentation allows selective contact with tissue at specific locations, enabling accurate near-field signal detection by isolating the active sensing area from far-field interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrodes are positioned to create localized tissue contact at specific circumferential locations. By controlling which electrodes contact tissue and which remain exposed to blood, the system achieves local quality differentiation - electrodes in tissue contact detect near-field signals with high precision, while electrodes exposed to blood detect far-field signals that can be used for reference or filtering.
2Measurement precision
If smaller electrodes are used to improve measurement precision, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases due to challenging assembly and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is integrated with the distal section as a unified structure. The electrodes are positioned on or within the distal section tubing, with lead wires routed through the same distal section structure. This merging of electrode mounting, lead wire routing, and catheter body into a single integrated assembly simplifies manufacturing and assembly processes compared to separate electrode components.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal section acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates electrode assembly and wiring. Lead wires pass through the distal section tubing to reach the electrodes, and the distal section structure provides a framework for mounting electrodes and routing connections. This intermediary structure simplifies the assembly process by providing built-in pathways and mounting surfaces.
3Measurement precision
If smaller electrodes are used to improve measurement precision, then the measurement precision improves, but the reliability decreases due to increased risk of short-circuiting
Solution Approach 1:
The distal section tubing serves as an electrical insulator and physical barrier between the electrodes and the external environment. Lead wires pass through this insulating tubing to reach the electrodes, providing electrical isolation. This intermediary structure prevents short-circuits by electrically isolating each electrode from the catheter body and from each other, while still allowing mechanical support and signal transmission.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrophysiology catheter having an electrode sleeve mounted on a distal section, the electrode sleeve comprising an electrically-nonconductive band and a plurality of discrete electrodes, the band extending circumferentially around the distal section, each discrete electrode occupying a different radial position around the band. The catheter includes a plurality of lead wires extending through the elongated body and the deflection section, and into the distal section, each lead wire passing through a respective aperture formed in the sidewall of the tubing of the distal section, each wire being connected at its distal end to a respective discrete electrode.