Automated Ablation Lesion Mapping via Real-Time Parameter Indexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anatomical mapping systems used during ablation procedures require manual marking of treatment regions, which is subjective and prone to inaccuracies due to variabilities such as catheter or tissue movement and changes in operating conditions, leading to potential discrepancies between marked lesions and effective ablation delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that generate a three-dimensional anatomical map of the tissue, using an electronic control unit to create an index indicative of the state of ablation therapy based on factors like duration of ablation, energy delivered, temperature, and contact coupling, and alter the visual characteristics of the map objectively to reflect the effective delivery of ablation therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual marking of treatment regions is used on anatomical maps, then the system is simple to operate, but the accuracy and reliability of lesion location assessment deteriorates due to subjectivity and variabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical marking system with an automated computer-based system that calculates and displays lesion locations objectively. The system uses processing means to automatically determine lesion locations based on ablation parameters, eliminating the need for manual marking while improving accuracy and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If repeated electrophysiologic mapping procedures are performed to verify ablation effectiveness, then measurement precision improves, but time consumption and procedure complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback system where the computer automatically calculates and displays lesion location information during the ablation procedure. This real-time feedback allows clinicians to assess ablation effectiveness immediately without needing repeated mapping procedures, reducing procedure time while maintaining verification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculation and display of lesion location information before the ablation procedure is complete. By providing advance information about lesion locations and effectiveness, the system eliminates the need for subsequent verification procedures, saving time while ensuring accurate assessment.
3Productivity
If the ablation catheter is intentionally moved while generating ablative energy, then productivity increases and collateral damage reduces, but the reliability of manual lesion marking deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual marking system with an automated computer-based system that tracks and calculates lesion locations based on real-time ablation parameters. This automated system maintains high reliability even when the catheter is moved during energy delivery, as it objectively records the actual lesion locations without relying on manual marking accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for assessing effective delivery of ablation therapy to a tissue in a body is provided. A three-dimensional anatomical map of the tissue is generated and displayed with the map defining a corresponding volume. An index is generated corresponding to a location within the volume with the index indicative of a state of ablation therapy at the location. The index may be derived from one or more factors such as the duration an ablation electrode is present at the location, the amount of energy provided, the degree of electrical coupling between an ablation electrode and the tissue at the location and temperature. A visual characteristic (e.g., color intensity) of a portion of the anatomical map corresponding to the location is then altered responsive to the index.