Balloon Catheter Occlusion Detection Using Fluid Dilution Sensing
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting occlusions in cardiac cavities such as pulmonary veins or the left atrial appendages using contrast fluid have disadvantages such as allergic reactions and existing methods for detecting occlusions in cardiac tissue ablation procedures using fluoroscopy are not effective without contrast fluid, which poses risks and limitations.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a sheath with a catheter and expandable balloon for occlusion detection in cardiac cavities, employing sensors to measure blood characteristics such as temperature, impedance, or pH, without the need for contrast fluid, by injecting a fluid like saline to detect occlusions based on changes in blood characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If contrast fluid is used to detect occlusion, then occlusion detection is achieved, but allergic reactions and safety risks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a non-contrast fluid (such as saline or water) as an intermediary substance to detect occlusion. Instead of using contrast fluid that directly interacts with the occlusion site and causes allergic reactions, the system uses a benign fluid that mixes with blood and is detected through sensors, thereby eliminating the harmful allergic reaction risk while maintaining occlusion detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional optical/mechanical contrast-based detection system with a sensor-based detection system. Instead of relying on visual contrast enhancement that requires harmful contrast fluids, the system uses sensors to detect changes in blood characteristics (such as temperature, impedance, or other physical properties) caused by the injected non-contrast fluid, thereby substituting a safer detection mechanism
2Reliability
If contrast fluid is used for occlusion detection, then detection capability is provided, but suitability for all applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the detection medium from contrast fluid to non-contrast fluid. This parameter change makes the system more versatile and adaptable to different patient populations, including those with allergies, renal issues, or contraindications to contrast fluids, while maintaining reliable occlusion detection through alternative sensing mechanisms
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 effective occlusion detection in cardiac cavities like pulmonary veins and left atrial appendages, reducing risks associated with contrast fluid use, and providing a less invasive, more precise method for identifying occlusions.
Implementation Method 1
Occlusion detection via fluid dilution
Implementation Method 2
injecting a fluid through an inner lumen of the catheter, detecting, via the at least one sensor, at least one characteristic of blood in the target cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of occlusion detection is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of positioning a medical tool coupled to a distal portion of a distal end of a delivery catheter at a target cavity within a patient. The medical tool includes an expandable balloon, and at least one sensor. The expandable balloon is expanded when positioned at the target cavity. The expandable balloon includes a membrane formed of a plurality of irrigation pores. Fluid is introduced into the target cavity either by injection or through the pores, or both. Using a sensor, a characteristic of blood is detected with the target cavity. The characteristic of blood is processed to determine the presence or absence of an occlusion within the cavity.