Ablation Array With Independently Activated Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catheter-based ablation techniques for treating cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, are tedious, require extensive manpower and time, and result in collateral tissue damage due to the need for multiple catheters and precise fluoroscopic guidance, which is challenging for dynamic structures like the heart and often necessitates direct contact with ablation sites.
Innovation Solution
An integrated imaging and ablation catheter with independently controllable ablation elements and an ultrasound transducer, allowing for simultaneous ablation of multiple points without direct contact, using different excitation waveforms for each element to create linear or curvilinear lesions, and a system that integrates imaging and therapy to guide the ablation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional RF catheter ablation techniques are used with fluoroscopic guidance, then ablation procedures can be performed, but the procedures are extremely tedious requiring considerable manpower, time and expense, and result in greater collateral damage to tissue surrounding the ablation sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fluoroscopic mechanical imaging guidance with ultrasonic imaging guidance. The ultrasonic imaging catheter provides real-time visualization of the ablation site and surrounding tissue without ionizing radiation, enabling precise catheter positioning and ablation delivery while minimizing collateral tissue damage through improved spatial resolution of the treatment zone
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback through ultrasonic imaging during the ablation procedure. The imaging system continuously monitors the catheter position and tissue response, allowing the operator to adjust the ablation parameters and catheter position to achieve precise lesion formation while avoiding surrounding healthy tissue, thereby reducing collateral damage
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate catheters are used for imaging and ablation, then both functions can be performed, but the device complexity increases and the procedure becomes more tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the imaging function and ablation function into a single integrated catheter system. The ultrasonic imaging catheter and RF ablation catheter are combined, allowing both imaging and therapy to be delivered through one device. This eliminates the need for multiple separate catheters, reduces procedural complexity, and streamlines the ablation workflow while maintaining both imaging and ablation capabilities
3Measurement precision
If fluoroscopic guidance is used for catheter placement, then catheter positioning can be achieved, but the procedure requires long term exposure to ionizing radiation to the patient as well as medical personnel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes fluoroscopic imaging with ultrasonic imaging for catheter guidance. Ultrasonic waves provide real-time imaging of the catheter position and cardiac anatomy without using ionizing radiation, thereby maintaining catheter positioning accuracy while eliminating radiation exposure to both patient and medical personnel
4Use of energy by moving object
If the catheter tip is required to be in direct contact with each ablation region, then RF energy can be delivered effectively, but the ablation process becomes extremely tedious and lengthy especially with 100-200 ablation points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ablation function into multiple independently controllable ablation elements along the catheter shaft. This allows simultaneous activation of multiple ablation points at different locations, transforming a sequential single-point ablation process into a parallel multi-point ablation process, thereby dramatically increasing procedural productivity while maintaining effective RF energy delivery to each segment
5Measurement precision
If pre-case CT and/or MRI and electroanatomical mapping systems are used to acquire anatomical information, then anatomical guidance can be provided, but these systems provide only static images and are inherently unfavorable for imaging dynamic structures such as the heart
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic real-time ultrasonic imaging during the ablation procedure. Unlike static pre-procedural CT or MRI, the ultrasonic imaging system continuously updates the anatomical visualization to track cardiac motion and catheter position in real-time, providing dynamic anatomical guidance that adapts to the moving heart structure throughout the procedure
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces procedure time, minimizes collateral damage, and eliminates the need for multiple catheters, enabling more precise and efficient ablation with reduced exposure to ionizing radiation, while allowing for real-time imaging and therapy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
an array of ablation elements, each of which may be independently and selectively activated to ablate tissue at a desired location
Implementation Method 2
an integrated imaging and ablation catheter with independently controllable ablation elements and an ultrasound transducer
Data Source
AI summary
A system for imaging and providing therapy to one or more regions of interest is presented. The system includes an imaging and therapy catheter configured to image an anatomical region to facilitate assessing need for therapy in one or more regions within the anatomical region and delivering therapy to the one or more regions of interest within the anatomical region. The catheter includes a therapy device having a plurality of independently controllable therapy elements. The independence of the therapy elements is exploited when multiple regions are to receive therapy simultaneously or at a given catheter position within a subject.