Staggered Electrode Spine Assembly for Catheter Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrophysiology catheters face challenges in accurately detecting fractionated signals due to electrode density limitations, risk of electrode contact and shorting, and deformation of delicate structures, which affects signal quality and anatomical targeting during cardiac procedures.

Innovation Solution

The development of an electrophysiology catheter with a distal electrode assembly featuring closely-spaced microelectrodes on divergent spines that can flexibly adapt to tissue surfaces, minimizing noise detection and risk of electrode contact, while maintaining mechanical stability and predictability, using a configuration of curved and linear segments for improved flexibility and rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If electrode density is increased to improve signal detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but the risk of electrode contact and shorting increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal detection accuracyVSAvoidrisk of electrode shorting

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode array is divided into multiple independent groups or segments spaced apart from each other. This segmentation prevents electrodes within the same group from contacting each other while maintaining high electrode density within each segment, thus improving signal detection accuracy without increasing the risk of shorting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar electrode arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration where electrodes are positioned at different heights or depths. This dimensional change allows electrodes to be densely packed in the horizontal plane while vertical spacing prevents contact, resolving the contradiction between high density and shorting risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If electrode spacing is reduced to improve near-field potential detection, then measurement precision is improved, but the risk of electrode contact increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenear-field potential detection accuracyVSAvoidelectrode contact and collision

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs curved or tapered electrode structures instead of straight rigid electrodes. The curved geometry allows electrodes to closely follow tissue contours while maintaining adequate spacing, enabling accurate near-field detection without contact. The spherical or dome-shaped electrode tips also distribute contact pressure, reducing the risk of collision during manipulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Adaptability or versatility

If electrode assembly structures are made more flexible to improve tissue contact, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of deformation and elongation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetissue contact flexibilityVSAvoidelectrode structure deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The electrode assembly uses composite materials combining flexible polymers with rigid reinforcing elements or shape memory alloys. The flexible polymer matrix allows the structure to conform to tissue surfaces, while embedded rigid elements or shape memory properties maintain the original electrode geometry and prevent permanent deformation or elongation during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable electrode structures that can change their mechanical properties in response to applied forces. The structure remains flexible during normal tissue contact but automatically stiffens or locks into place when subjected to excessive force, preventing deformation while maintaining adaptability during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If electrode structures are made more delicate to improve flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but the risk of component detachment and kinking increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidcomponent detachment and kinking risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a nested or telescoping structure where delicate electrode components are housed within protective sheaths or conduits. The electrodes can extend or deploy when needed for tissue contact while retracted within protective channels during manipulation, preventing detachment and kinking while maintaining flexibility when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS10945626B2Catheter with staggered electrodes spine assembly

Publication Date: 2021.03.16 BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD

AI summary

An electrophysiology catheter with a distal electrode assembly having covered spine carrying a plurality of microelectrodes. The position of the microelectrodes on each spine is staggered relative to microelectrodes on adjacent spines so as to minimize the risk of electrodes on adjacent spines touching each other during use of the catheter. The staggered electrode configuration provides the distal electrode assembly with a greater effective contact surface because the effective concentric electrode arrays is increased or at least doubled.