A new paradigm in electrophysiology catheter for intra-cardiac ECG using flexible and stretchable electronics

Important results from the project

The goal of the project "SmartCath" is to develop a concept for connecting a large number of sensors in the distal end of a catheter by integrating ASICs, which perform A / D conversion and multiplexing to a common data bus connected to measuring equipment in the proximal end of the catheter. Manufacturing of a complete prototype has begun, but system testing has not yet been done due to delay with the ASIC. A number of innovative solutions have been found that have resulted in two patent applications and two more that are under development.

Expected long term effects

A system specification comprising hardware and software has been made and processes for the manufacture of constituent components have been developed and verified. Two different equipments for rational production of these have been developed. One specifically for this project, the other also for general electrophysiology catheters. Collaboration with two leading Medtech companies has been established and is expected to be deepened.

Approach and implementation

The project has been led by CathPrint and the main work has been carried out by its staff. Other important participants have been Fudan Univerity (FU) in China who designed the ASIC and the Swiss company Optiprint. Optiprint has developed a new process due to the high requirements set by CathPrint on the PCB. The cooperation with both of these parties has worked very well. What caused problems is the long and uncertain lead times FU has for the production of ASICs, but the major advantage of the collaboration is that the design of ASIC is part of dissertation and did not cost CathPrint anything.