Ablation Probe Fluid Acoustic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation procedures face challenges in accurately determining tissue conditions during interventional cardiac electrophysiology due to the separation of imaging and ablation catheters, leading to difficulties in quickly and accurately visualizing tissue characteristics, and the complexity of interpreting ultrasound images without additional imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated ablation probe with ultrasonic imaging capabilities, featuring an ablation electrode tip with acoustic openings, ultrasonic imaging sensors within the probe, an acoustically transparent member, and a fluid channel for acoustic coupling, allowing for real-time visualization of tissue characteristics during ablation procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate imaging and ablation catheters are used, then imaging coverage and ablation capability are both provided, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines ultrasonic imaging sensors, ablation electrode, and fluid delivery system into a single integrated catheter assembly. The imaging sensors and ablation electrode are positioned at the distal tip of the same catheter body, eliminating the need for separate tracking systems and reducing procedural complexity while maintaining both imaging and ablation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: ultrasonic imaging, ablation, and fluid delivery for acoustic coupling. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate devices needed while improving ease of operation during interventional procedures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate imaging and ablation catheters are used with position tracking, then imaging and therapy can be performed, but ease of operation decreases due to coordination complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the imaging sensors and ablation electrode into a single catheter, the system eliminates the need for complex position tracking and coordination between separate devices. The unified design allows the physician to control both imaging and ablation functions from a single device, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Productivity
If ultrasound images are obtained without acoustic coupling fluid, then imaging can proceed, but measurement precision decreases due to acoustic impedance mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic coupling fluid as an intermediary medium between the ultrasonic sensors and body tissue. This fluid matches the acoustic impedance of both the sensor and tissue, enabling efficient ultrasonic wave transmission and improving image quality without sacrificing imaging speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses fluid dynamics to deliver acoustic coupling fluid through dedicated channels to the sensor-tissue interface. The fluid delivery mechanism ensures continuous acoustic coupling during imaging, maintaining both high imaging speed and precision throughout the procedure.
4Productivity
If ablation electrode tip is in direct contact with tissue, then ablation efficiency increases, but imaging quality decreases due to acoustic interference
Solution Approach 1:
The ablation electrode tip is segmented into distinct functional zones: an outer ablation electrode surface for tissue contact and an inner imaging sensor array for ultrasonic imaging. This segmentation allows simultaneous ablation and imaging by spatially separating the two functions while maintaining both performance qualities.
Solution Approach 2:
Acoustic coupling fluid is introduced as an intermediary between the imaging sensors and the ablation electrode tip. This fluid layer enables ultrasonic waves to pass through the ablation electrode structure, allowing high-quality imaging even when the ablation electrode is in direct contact with tissue for efficient ablation.
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
Enables precise imaging and ablation of body tissue with improved accuracy and ease of use by integrating ultrasonic imaging sensors within the ablation probe, facilitating real-time visualization and reducing the need for separate imaging systems.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid channel interposed between the ultrasonic imaging sensors and the acoustically transparent member
Implementation Method 2
each ultrasonic imaging sensor is configured to transmit ultrasonic waves through the fluid channel, the acoustically transparent member, and a corresponding one of the acoustic openings
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and systems for ultrasonically imaging tissue and performing ablation therapy are disclosed. An ablation probe for treating and imaging body tissue includes an ablation electrode tip with a number of acoustic openings and a plurality of ultrasonic imaging sensors disposed within an interior lumen of the tip. The ultrasonic imaging sensors are supported within the interior lumen via an insert equipped with a number of recesses that receive the ultrasonic imaging sensors. An acoustically transparent shell disposed between the ultrasonic imaging sensors and the acoustic openings forms a fluid channel in the acoustic pathway of the sensors. During an ablation procedure, cooling fluid from an external fluid source is delivered through the fluid channel, providing an acoustic coupling effect between the ultrasonic imaging sensors and the surrounding body tissue.