Ablation Probe Ultrasonic Imaging Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation procedures face challenges in accurately determining tissue characteristics during interventional cardiac electrophysiology due to the separation of imaging and ablation catheters, leading to difficulties in quickly and accurately visualizing tissue conditions and interpreting ultrasound images without additional imaging systems.
Innovation Solution
An integrated ablation probe with ultrasonic imaging capabilities, featuring an ablation electrode tip, acoustic openings, a distal tip insert with fluid channels, and ultrasonic sensors configured to transmit and receive ultrasonic waves, allowing for real-time visualization of anatomical structures and 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 capability is provided, but device complexity and difficulty in determining tissue characteristics increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate imaging and ablation functions into a single integrated catheter device. The catheter incorporates both ablation electrodes and imaging sensors (such as optical coherence tomography or ultrasound sensors) within the same structure, allowing simultaneous or coordinated imaging and ablation procedures to be performed with one device rather than requiring multiple separate catheters.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an ablation device and an imaging device. The same catheter body houses components for delivering ablation energy and for acquiring images of tissue, enabling a single device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate specialized devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate imaging and ablation catheters are used, then imaging function is provided, but ease of operation and accuracy in visualizing tissue conditions deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging imaging and ablation functions into one catheter, the physician operates a single device for both functions, eliminating the need to coordinate multiple separate catheters. The integrated design allows real-time imaging feedback during ablation, making it easier to visualize tissue conditions and adjust the procedure accordingly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate imaging and ablation catheters are used, then imaging capability is provided, but measurement precision and accuracy in determining tissue characteristics decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of imaging and ablation in a single catheter enables precise spatial correlation between the imaging data and the ablation site. The imaging sensors are positioned within millimeters of the ablation electrodes, allowing direct visualization of tissue characteristics at the exact location where ablation will occur or is occurring, thereby improving measurement precision.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate imaging and ablation catheters are used, then imaging function is provided, but loss of time in quickly determining tissue conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated catheter allows the physician to perform both imaging and ablation in one procedural step rather than requiring separate steps with separate devices. Real-time imaging is available during the ablation procedure, eliminating time delays associated with positioning and coordinating multiple separate catheters.
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 visualization of tissue boundaries, lesion formation, and other tissue characteristics during ablation, improving procedural accuracy and reducing the need for separate imaging systems by providing high-resolution ultrasonic images for guiding ablation therapy.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of ultrasonic imaging sensors coupled to the distal tip insert, the ultrasonic imaging sensors configured to transmit ultrasonic waves through the acoustic openings
Data Source
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AI summary
Devices and systems for ultrasonically imaging anatomical structures and performing ablation therapy within the body are disclosed. A combined ablation and ultrasound imaging probe includes an ablation electrode tip including an ablation electrode configured for delivering ablation energy, and a number of ultrasonic imaging sensors configured for imaging the tissue surrounding the probe. The ultrasonic imaging sensors are supported within the interior of the tip via a tip insert, and deliver ultrasonic waves through acoustic openings formed through the tip. The tip insert separates an interior lumen within the tip into a proximal fluid chamber and a distal fluid chamber. During an ablation procedure, the ultrasonic imaging sensors can be tasked to generate a number of ultrasonic images that can be displayed on a user interface.