Cardiac Procedure Simulation for Atrial Fibrillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and variability of human anatomy in the left atrium make it challenging for physicians to accurately perform radiofrequency ablation procedures for atrial fibrillation, leading to suboptimal success rates and potential fatal complications due to incorrect positioning and operation of medical devices.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the acquisition and simulation of heart images, calculation of anatomical features, determination of treatment paths, and verification of device insertion and operation using computer simulations and ultrasound guidance to plan and execute precise ablation procedures, ensuring optimal tool deployment and minimizing risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiofrequency ablation is performed based on physician skill and anatomical variability, then treatment can be performed with current technology, but the success rate is suboptimal and complications may occur due to incorrect positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary 3D reconstruction of the heart anatomy and virtual simulation of catheter insertion paths before the actual procedure. This advance planning allows physicians to identify optimal access routes and positioning points, reducing the difficulty of device positioning and improving procedural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual 3D copy of the patient's heart anatomy based on medical imaging data. This digital replica allows for rehearsal of the procedure, verification of catheter paths, and optimization of ablation point positioning without physical risks, thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheters are inserted through the sheath to reach different locations in the left atrium, then comprehensive ablation can be performed, but the complexity of the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables a single sheath to serve multiple functions by allowing sequential insertion of different catheters through the same access point. The virtual simulation identifies optimal positioning points that maximize the utility of each catheter, reducing the need for multiple sheath insertions while maintaining comprehensive treatment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes catheter positioning by calculating specific anatomical parameters such as distance from the sheath tip to target points, angles of approach, and depths of insertion. These parameter optimizations allow comprehensive ablation coverage while minimizing the number of devices needed and simplifying the overall procedure.
3Reliability
If the sheath is positioned to access the left atrium through the interatrial septum, then treatment of atrial fibrillation can be performed, but incorrect positioning may cause fatal complications
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual positioning judgment with computer-based virtual simulation and 3D reconstruction. The system automatically calculates optimal sheath insertion points and trajectories based on the patient's anatomical measurements, eliminating reliance on physician estimation and reducing positioning errors that could lead to complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides visual feedback through the display device, showing the virtual position of the sheath and catheter relative to the reconstructed heart anatomy. This real-time or pre-procedure visualization allows verification of correct positioning before actual tissue contact, enhancing safety by enabling detection and correction of positioning errors.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for pre-planning and performing a cardiac procedure on a heart includes acquiring an image or map of the heart; displaying the image or map of the heart; marking at least one feature on the image or map; calculating dimensions of the at least one feature; identifying one or more points on or within the heart for treatment; determining paths to the one or more points on or within the heart for treatment; simulating insertion of a sheath into the heart; simulating insertion of a medical device through the sheath and within the heart; verifying that the one or more points on or within the heart can be accessed for treatment; and performing a medical procedure on or within the heart.