Optically Transparent Conductive Electrode for Dual Sensing Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for treating cardiac arrhythmias rely primarily on electrical signals for mapping and ablation, which are not selective enough to differentiate between local and far-field depolarizations or identify cardiac tissue conditions such as ischemia, limiting their effectiveness in evaluating and treating cardiac tissue.
Innovation Solution
A medical device system that combines optical and electrical evaluation capabilities, using an optically transparent and electrically conductive distal tip electrode with integrated optical fibers and transparent materials like graphene and diamond, allowing for simultaneous light emission and reception to assess tissue conditions and deliver ablation energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical signals are used for mapping and ablation, then the device can deliver energy and obtain electrical maps, but the signals are not selective enough to differentiate between local and far-field depolarizations or identify cardiac tissue conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines optical evaluation capabilities with electrical ablation capabilities in a single catheter device. The optically transparent and electrically conductive distal tip electrode allows simultaneous optical sensing (to differentiate tissue conditions) and electrical delivery (for ablation), resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and signal selectivity by integrating multiple sensing modalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal tip electrode serves multiple functions: it is both optically transparent (allowing optical fibers to transmit light for tissue evaluation) and electrically conductive (allowing electrical signals for mapping and ablation). This multi-functionality enables the single component to address both the precision of tissue condition identification and the versatility of electrical signal delivery.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an optically transparent and electrically conductive material is used for the distal tip electrode, then both optical and electrical functions are enabled, but finding materials that satisfy both properties simultaneously is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures for the distal tip electrode, combining optically transparent materials (such as sapphire, glass, or transparent polymers) with electrically conductive coatings or layers (such as transparent conductive oxides, graphene, or thin metal films). This composite approach enables both optical transparency and electrical conductivity to coexist in the same electrode structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrode design applies different material properties to different regions or layers of the distal tip. The bulk material provides optical transparency, while surface coatings or integrated conductive layers provide electrical conductivity. This local differentiation of material quality allows each layer to optimize its specific function while working together as an integrated electrode.
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
Enables more accurate evaluation of lesion formation and tissue conditions before, during, and after treatment procedures, improving the precision and effectiveness of cardiac tissue ablation by providing both optical and electrical feedback.
Implementation Method 1
an optically transparent and electrically conductive distal tip electrode with integrated optical fibers and transparent materials like graphene and diamond, allowing for simultaneous light emission and reception
Implementation Method 2
an optically transparent and electrically conductive distal tip electrode with integrated optical fibers and transparent materials like graphene and diamond
Implementation Method 3
integrated optical fibers and transparent materials like graphene and diamond, allowing for simultaneous light emission and reception
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system, and method for optically evaluating and treating or ablating tissue. Specifically, device, system, and method allow for the optical and/or electrical evaluation of tissue at the same location(s) at which ablation or treatment or ablation energy is delivered. This allows for a more accurate evaluation of lesion formation and tissue condition before, during, and/or after a treatment or ablation procedure. In one embodiment, a device for performing a medical procedure includes an elongate body including a proximal portion, a distal portion having a distal end, and a longitudinal axis, and a distal tip electrode at the elongate body distal end, the tip electrode being optically transparent and electrically conductive. The device may also include optical windows in the elongate body aligned with one or more transparent lateral electrodes for optically interrogating tissue and/or for delivering treatment or ablation energy to tissue.