Thin Film Mapping Catheter Balloon Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional double-catheter technique for pulmonary vein isolation is limited by the large size of mapping electrodes, which restricts the flexibility and accuracy of the therapy device and reduces treatment options for healthcare providers.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring a hollow core with a balloon disposed over it, and a flexible framework with thin film elements, including a plurality of mapping electrodes, that can be expanded to improve mapping accuracy and reduce the device's overall size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mapping electrodes are used in the double-catheter technique, then mapping functionality is achieved, but the device size becomes large which limits flexibility and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies thin film technology by forming mapping electrodes directly on the balloon surface using sputtering or evaporation processes. This creates a flexible, integrated electrode array that conforms to the balloon geometry, reducing the overall catheter size while maintaining mapping functionality and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines mapping and therapy functions into a single integrated catheter. The mapping electrodes are formed directly on the balloon surface, merging the mapping catheter and therapy catheter into one device, thereby reducing size and improving flexibility while maintaining both functionalities.
2Quantity of substance
If large mapping electrodes are used, then comprehensive electrical mapping is achieved, but the therapy device flexibility and placement accuracy are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thin film electrodes provide comprehensive coverage across the balloon surface while maintaining flexibility. The thin film structure allows the catheter to navigate complex anatomical pathways and be positioned accurately, unlike rigid conventional electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the electrodes by transitioning from thick, rigid conventional electrodes to thin, flexible deposited films. This parameter change enables both comprehensive coverage and improved flexibility for accurate positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a double-catheter technique is used, then both mapping and therapy functions are provided, but the overall device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges mapping and therapy functions into a single integrated catheter system. The mapping electrodes are formed directly on the balloon surface, eliminating the need for separate mapping and therapy catheters, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive treatment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single catheter design provides multi-functionality by integrating both mapping and therapy capabilities. The balloon serves dual purposes: as a mapping platform with integrated electrodes and as a therapy delivery device, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device includes a sheath; a balloon disposed over at least a portion of the sheath; and a flexible framework including an expandable region and a non-expandable region. The expandable region is formed on an inflatable portion of the balloon and includes longitudinal extending arms, each arm including one or more layers of dielectric material, one or more conductive traces, and one or more electrodes electrically connected to the one or more conductive traces. The non-expandable region is formed on a non-inflatable portion of the balloon or the sheath and includes one or more layers of dielectric material, the one or more conductive traces, and one or more contacts electrically connected to the one or more conductive traces. A cable including a plurality of wires that are electrically connected to the one or more contacts.