Development and Application of Catheter Electrodes for Rat Airway High-Voltage Pulsed Electric Field Ablation

High-voltage pulsed electric field (HV-PEF) ablation technology has demonstrated promising applications in the clinical treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, its use has been limited to exploratory applications in a small number of cases, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely undefined. To facilitate broader clinical implementation, comprehensive molecular mechanism studies via extensive animal experimentation are essential. Rats, due to their ease of modeling COPD and the availability of comprehensive molecular reagents, serve as an optimal model for such studies. Consequently, the development of electrodes specifically designed for HV-PEF respiratory ablation in SD rats is of significant importance. In this study, we meticulously examined the anatomical structure of rat airways and investigated various equipment parameters, including material composition, rigidity, diameter, electrode ring dimensions, spacing between positive and negative poles, insulation coating for the catheters, welding techniques between the guidewire and electrode ring, and the design of vent holes in the catheter. Based on these considerations, we fabricated PVC ablation electrode catheters with integrated ventilation functionality. Subsequently, we employed finite element simulation to estimate the field strengths that could be applied by these electrodes. The simulation results were then validated in normal rats to assess the electrical safety and efficacy of the electrodes. These findings laid the groundwork for further investigation into the mechanisms of HV-PEF treatment for COPD.