A
system and method that enable real-time
optical measurements of tissue reflection spectral characteristics while performing
ablation, involves the
radiation of tissue and recapturing of light from the tissue to monitor changes in the reflected
optical intensity as an indicator of steam formation in the tissue for prevention of steam pop. The
system includes a
catheter adapted to collect light reflected from tissue undergoing
ablation, a detection component that identifies and separates constituent wavelengths of collected light, a quantification apparatus for generating measured
light intensity data for the collected light, and a processor that analyses the measured
light intensity data in relation to time. The
system may include a
graphical display and / or an audio output (e.g., speaker) that provide visual and / or audio alarm when the system infers formation of a steam pocket in the tissue. The method for monitoring formation of steam pocket during
ablation, wherein a measured reflectance spectral intensity MRSI versus time is analyzed, includes delivering light to tissue, delivering energy for ablation at tissue and measuring the reflectance spectral intensity of the tissue, wherein observation is made as to whether the MRSI initially increases in a specified time period followed by a decrease at a specified rate in the MRSI. If there is no decrease in the MRSI, then delivery of ablation energy to tissue continues. However, if there is a decrease in the MRSI within a specified time and at a specified rate, then the method infers the formation of a steam pocket and decreases or discontinues the delivery of ablative energy to tissue.