Balloon Occlusion Detection via Dielectric Signal Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional balloon ablation procedures for treating atrial fibrillation face challenges in accurately guiding the ablation balloon to the pulmonary vein ostium and ensuring complete occlusion, often requiring X-ray-based angiography and contrast agents, which can be invasive and imprecise, especially for patients with contraindications.
Innovation Solution
A processing system that uses a plurality of electrodes to measure electrical signals sensitive to a dielectric medium injected into the anatomical cavity, generating a combined signal only when predetermined criteria are met, to determine occlusion and potential leaks, thereby improving signal-to-noise ratio and facilitating precise occlusion assessment without fluoroscopy or contrast agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If X-ray-based angiography and fluoroscopy are used to guide balloon ablation, then the balloon can be guided to the ablation site and occlusion can be detected, but patients are exposed to X-ray radiation and the procedure becomes more invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/X-ray based fluoroscopy system with an electrical field-based sensing system. Electrical signals are used to detect the presence of dielectric medium (contrast agent) and determine balloon occlusion status, eliminating the need for X-ray radiation while maintaining detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical signals as an intermediary to detect occlusion. By measuring electrical signals that are sensitive to the presence of dielectric medium, the system indirectly detects balloon occlusion without directly using X-ray imaging
2Measurement precision
If contrast agents are injected for leak detection during balloon ablation, then residual leaks can be detected, but the procedure becomes more invasive and is contraindicated for some patients
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the contrast agent injection method with electrical signal-based detection. Electrical signals sensitive to dielectric medium presence are used to detect leaks, eliminating the need for additional contrast agents and reducing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical sensing system utilizes the existing electrical properties of the body and the dielectric medium itself to generate detectable signals. The system leverages the natural electrical characteristics of the environment rather than requiring additional external agents
3Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to measure electrical signals for occlusion assessment, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines signals from multiple electrodes to create a composite electrical signal representation. By merging information from multiple sensing points, the system improves signal-to-noise ratio while managing complexity through signal integration
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical sensing system with multiple electrodes serves multiple functions: guiding the balloon to the ablation site, detecting occlusion status, and identifying residual leaks. This multi-functionality justifies the electrode system complexity by eliminating the need for separate guidance and detection systems
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
The system provides accurate and reliable occlusion information, reducing the need for X-ray-based methods and contrast agents, enhancing the precision of balloon placement and reducing procedural risks for patients.
Implementation Method 1
each electrical signal being sensitive to the presence of a dielectric medium injected into the anatomical cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A mechanism for aiding a balloon ablation therapy procedure, and in particular, to provide information useful for establishing how successfully a balloon has occluded an anatomical cavity. A plurality of electrodes (positioned upstream or distally of the ablation balloon) each provide a signal responsive to the presence and/or absence of a dielectric medium injected into the anatomical cavity. A combined signal is generated, to which the signals provided by the electrodes only contribute if they meet some predetermined criterion/criteria.