Steerable Mapping-Ablation Catheter for Renal Nerve Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current catheter systems for renal nerve ablation lack accuracy and safety due to their design not being tailored to the anatomy and structure of the renal artery, leading to potential side effects and ineffective treatment of diseases related to hyperactivity of the sympathetic nerve system.
Innovation Solution
A catheter device system with a guide catheter and a mapping-ablation catheter that allows for adjustable curvature, rotational movement, and energy delivery for both nerve mapping and ablation, optimized for the renal artery anatomy, using electrodes for electrical stimulation and ablation, and incorporating temperature and resistance detecting devices for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional catheter system is used for renal nerve ablation, then the procedure can be performed, but the accuracy and safety are compromised due to lack of anatomical optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system is divided into separate functional components: a guide catheter for navigation and positioning, and a mapping-ablation catheter for nerve mapping and ablation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping-ablation catheter incorporates a steerable distal end that can be rotated and positioned dynamically along the renal artery. This dynamic positioning capability enables precise targeting of renal nerves at various locations, significantly improving the accuracy and safety of the ablation procedure.
2Measurement precision
If the catheter distal end is made steerable and rotatable, then the precision of nerve mapping and ablation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping-ablation catheter is nested within the guide catheter, with the steerable distal end of the mapping-ablation catheter capable of rotation and positioning independent of the guide catheter. This nested configuration allows the precise steering and rotation functions to be isolated to the distal end, improving precision while containing the complexity within a localized structure.
3Productivity
If multiple functions (mapping and ablation) are integrated into one catheter, then the procedure efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping and ablation functions are merged into a single mapping-ablation catheter, allowing both nerve mapping and ablation to be performed with one device. This integration improves procedure efficiency by reducing the number of devices and steps required, while the modular design keeps the complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping-ablation catheter is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform both nerve mapping through electrical stimulation and nerve ablation through energy delivery. This universal design consolidates multiple procedures into a single device, enhancing productivity while maintaining acceptable complexity through shared structural components.
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
Enhances the accuracy and safety of renal nerve ablation by allowing precise mapping and ablation of renal nerves, reducing the risk of side effects and improving treatment outcomes for conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart failure.
Implementation Method 1
said electrode can deliver electrical energy to a position in contact with the renal artery wall
Implementation Method 2
said electrode can deliver electrical energy to a position in contact with the renal artery wall for mapping and ablation of nerves
Implementation Method 3
said distal end of the mapping-ablation catheter is curved and can be extended out of or retracted into the guide catheter and is rotatable along the central axis of the open end of the guide catheter
Implementation Method 4
incorporating temperature and resistance detecting devices for precise control
Data Source
Figure 1-1~1-2
Figure 1-3~1-4
Figure 2-1
AI summary
A device for mapping and ablating the renal nerves distributed on the renal artery is provided, said device comprising a guide catheter (11), a mapping-ablation catheter (12), a handle (13) and a connector (15). The guide catheter (11) had at least one lumen and a distal end with adjustable curvature. The mapping-ablation catheter (12) is housed in one of the lumens of the guide catheter (11) and its distal end has one or more electrodes (22) and one or more detecting devices (23). The distal end of the mapping-ablation catheter (12) is curved, rotatable, and can be extended out of or retracted into the guide catheter (11). The handle (13) connects the guide catheter (11) and mapping-ablation catheter (12), and comprises one or more controlling components for controlling the movement of the guide catheter (11) and mapping-ablation catheter (12). The connector (15) is designed to supply energy to the electrodes (22).