High resolution multi-function and conformal electronics device for diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias

Abstract

The present invention is a high resolution, multi-function, conformal electronics device generally having a flexible and stretchable, high-density electrode array, integrated with a catheter (e.g., balloon catheter) for mapping, ablating, pacing and sensing of cardia tissue associated with heart arrhythmias. The active sensing electrode array can acquire diagnostic information including electrical (e.g., electrograms), mechanical (e.g., strain measurements), impedance (e.g., resistance), metabolic (e.g., pH or NADH measurement) from the underlying heart tissue surface with which it is in contact. The electrode array may be designed to be of various sizes and shapes to conform to the targeted cardiac tissue architecture (e.g. atrial, ventricle, right ventricular outflow tract, coronary sinus, pulmonary veins, etc.) corresponding to the specific type of cardiac arrhythmia. The present invention can precisely locate the source of arrhythmia as described above and deliver therapy from the same electrode array. This is achieved using a capacitive sensing electrode array that can not only monitor but also deliver electrical stimulation.