Thermal Shunt for Electrode Heat Removal in Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac ablation technologies face challenges in achieving precise tissue ablation and high-resolution mapping due to limited anatomical precision and inadequate real-time feedback, leading to potential inefficiencies in procedure outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a catheter with a split-tip electrode assembly and electrically insulating gaps, coupled with a filtering element and temperature-measurement devices, allows for precise radiofrequency energy delivery and high-resolution mapping by optimizing impedance and temperature monitoring for improved tissue contact and ablation efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiofrequency energy is delivered to ablate tissue, then tissue destruction is achieved, but heat accumulation in the electrode occurs leading to potential damage and reduced precision
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal shunt member is introduced as an intermediary component between the electrode and the surrounding environment. This thermal shunt acts as a heat sink that absorbs and dissipates heat generated during radiofrequency ablation, preventing excessive temperature accumulation in the electrode while maintaining effective tissue ablation. The thermal shunt member includes a heat capacity element that temporarily stores thermal energy and a thermal conduction path that transfers heat away from the electrode.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution mapping electrodes are used, then anatomical precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly is segmented into multiple functional components: high-resolution mapping electrodes for precise anatomical mapping, ablation electrodes for tissue destruction, and thermal shunt members for heat management. Each segment performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high-resolution mapping without requiring the entire device to be overly complex. The mapping electrodes can be electrically isolated from the ablation electrodes through insulating gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter device is designed with multi-functionality, integrating mapping, ablation, and thermal management capabilities into a single device. The electrode assembly can switch between mapping mode (using high-resolution electrodes) and ablation mode (using ablation electrodes with thermal shunt protection), eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If real-time temperature monitoring is implemented, then procedural safety is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal shunt member provides self-service thermal management by passively absorbing and dissipating heat through its inherent thermal properties. The heat capacity element automatically stores thermal energy when the electrode overheats, and the thermal conduction path naturally transfers heat away without requiring active control systems. This passive mechanism reduces the need for complex active temperature monitoring and control systems.
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 precision and effectiveness of cardiac tissue ablation by ensuring accurate energy delivery and mapping, facilitating better procedural outcomes and real-time feedback for clinicians.
Implementation Method 1
at least one thermal shunt member placing a heat absorption element in thermal communication with the electrode to selectively remove heat from at least one of the electrode and tissue being treated by the electrode when the electrode is activated
Implementation Method 2
the first electrode portion and the second electrode portion being configured to contact tissue of a subject and deliver radiofrequency energy sufficient to at least partially ablate the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, a medical instrument (for example, an ablation device) comprises an elongate body having a proximal end and a distal end, an energy delivery member positioned at the distal end of the elongate body, a first plurality of temperature-measurement devices carried by or positioned within the energy delivery member, the first plurality of temperature-measurement devices being thermally insulated from the energy delivery member, and a second plurality of temperature-measurement devices positioned proximal to a proximal end of the energy delivery member, the second plurality of temperature-measurement devices being thermally insulated from the energy delivery member.