Modifying the shape of RF ablation electrodes by recessing, adding curvature, and coating with resistive material achieved a more uniform current density compared to conventional tip electrodes.
Finite element analysis demonstrates that modifying RF ablation electrode designs with recessed edges and resistive coatings can achieve more uniform current density, potentially reducing charring and blood coagulation.
The high current density at the edge of a metal electrode causes hot spots, which can lead to charring or blood coagulation formation during radio-frequency (RF) cardiac ablation. We used finite element analysis to predict the current density distribution created by several electrode designs for RF ablation. The numerical results demonstrated that there were hot spots at the edge of the conventional tip electrode and the insulating catheter. By modifying the shape of the edge of the 5-mm tip electrode, we could significantly reduce the high current density at the electrode-insulator interface. We also studied the current density distribution produced by a cylindrically shaped electrode. We modified the shape of a cylindrical electrode by recessing the edge and filled in a coating material so that the overall structure was still cylindrical. We analyzed the effects of depth of recess and the electrical conductivity of the added material. The results show that more uniform current density can be accomplished by recessing the electrode, adding a curvature to the electrode, and by coating the electrode with a resistive material.
Tungjitkusolmun et al. (Sat,) conducted a other in Radio-frequency (RF) cardiac ablation. Modified electrode designs (recessing, curvature, resistive coating) vs. Conventional tip electrode was evaluated on Current density distribution. Modifying the shape of RF ablation electrodes by recessing, adding curvature, and coating with resistive material achieved a more uniform current density compared to conventional tip electrodes.