Ablation Tag Proximity Mapping for Precise Catheter Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac ablation procedures face challenges such as difficulty in closing ablation gaps, aligning visualized 3D locations with previous ablation sites, and preventing repetitive ablations due to inadequate visualization of ablation tags.
Innovation Solution
A real-time graphical encoding system that highlights catheter electrodes based on proximity to ablation tags, using color or pattern encoding to indicate fully, partially, or proximally ablated locations, allowing physicians to navigate and avoid over-ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ablation visualization methods are used, then the procedure is simpler, but the precision of ablation and ability to avoid repetitive ablations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies color encoding to ablation tags and electrodes based on their proximity relationships. Tags are displayed in different colors (e.g., green for fully ablated, yellow for partially ablated, red for proximal) and electrodes are highlighted in colors corresponding to the nearest tag. This visual encoding system provides precise spatial information about ablation status without adding physical complexity to the ablation apparatus itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy or representation of the ablation field through the anatomical map with encoded tags and electrodes. Instead of modifying the physical ablation process, it generates a graphical replica that displays proximity relationships and ablation status, allowing physicians to plan and monitor ablations with high precision through this virtual representation.
2Reliability
If real-time graphical encoding is implemented, then repetitive ablations are prevented, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased visualization complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the ablation information by creating distinct visual categories for different proximity zones. Each electrode is individually evaluated and assigned a color based on its specific relationship to nearby tags, breaking down the complex spatial information into discrete, easily interpretable segments that guide precise catheter positioning and electrode selection.
3Manufacturing precision
If proximity-based encoding is used, then ablation gaps are closed more effectively, but the device complexity increases due to real-time processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating proximity relationships between electrodes and tags, determining appropriate color encodings, and updating the display in real-time without requiring manual intervention. The processor continuously monitors catheter position and electrode-tag relationships, autonomously generating and refreshing the visual encoding to guide complete tissue coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving or generating an anatomical map of wall tissue of at least a portion of a cardiac chamber, the map superimposed with ablation tags at locations of ablated wall tissue. Upon placing an ablation catheter having one or more electrodes in a vicinity of the wall tissue, at least one electrode among the one or more electrodes is identified, that violates a location proximity criterion to one or more of the ablation tags. The identified at least one electrode is graphically encoded. The anatomical map showing the graphically encoded at least one electrode is displayed to a user.