(A) time-division-duplex transceiver IC for radio frequency ablation systems

Abstract

This paper presents the first time-division duplex transceiver IC for a 5-Fr 6-electrode renal denervation (RDN) catheter for treatment of resistant hypertension. Each IC encapsulated in a platinum electrode implements an RDN catheter with 37.5 % of diameter reduction that enables minimally invasive surgery with reduced complications. The six electrodes sharing only four electrical wires perform packet communication with an external power control unit (EPCU) and deliver the designated RF energy to the renal artery wall while measuring local temperature and impedance. Two 500-kHz 21-Vrms AC supplies with $\pm35-V$ DC potentials are used to transfer up to 6-W RF ablation signal with 120-Vpp swing while maintaining the process break-down voltage of 70 V. The proposed RDN IC fabricated in $0.18-\mum$ HV BCDMOS occupies $2.1 mm^2$.