Patient-Specific Catheter Ablation Planning System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Catheter ablation procedures for cardiac arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation, face variability in success rates due to gaps in the ablation line, which can lead to restoration of impulse conduction, and existing methods do not effectively account for patient-specific anatomical and dielectric properties to ensure precise lesion formation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for planning and dynamically adjusting catheter ablation plans using patient-specific anatomical data, including dielectric and thermal properties, to optimize lesion formation by simulating the effects of ablation on target and non-target tissues, adjusting parameters based on geometry, thickness, and structural anisotropy, and avoiding collateral damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional catheter ablation procedures are performed without patient-specific customization, then the procedure can be performed with standard protocols, but gaps in the ablation line occur leading to restoration of impulse conduction and reduced success rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by customizing ablation parameters specifically for each patient based on their unique anatomical characteristics and dielectric properties. The system adjusts power, duration, and other parameters locally according to the patient's specific tissue properties, rather than using uniform standard protocols, thereby improving both precision and reliability of lesion formation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by dynamically adjusting ablation parameters such as power, duration, and frequency based on patient-specific dielectric properties and anatomical data. The system modifies these parameters in real-time according to the patient's unique characteristics, enabling precise control over lesion formation and eliminating gaps that would occur with fixed protocols
2Measurement precision
If ablation parameters are adjusted to account for patient-specific dielectric properties, then lesion formation accuracy improves, but the complexity of planning and parameter adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing dielectric property measurements and anatomical modeling before the actual ablation procedure. The system pre-calculates optimal parameters and creates customized ablation plans based on patient-specific data obtained in advance, reducing the complexity during the procedure itself while maintaining high measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary computational modeling system that bridges the gap between raw patient data and ablation parameters. This intermediary layer processes dielectric measurements and anatomical information to generate optimized parameter sets, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining precision through specialized processing
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive patient-specific data collection is performed, then ablation plan accuracy improves, but the time required for data acquisition and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the data collection and processing into distinct modular components: anatomical data acquisition, dielectric property measurement, computational modeling, and parameter optimization. This segmentation allows each component to be processed efficiently and independently, reducing overall time while maintaining comprehensive precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes virtual copying by creating a digital 3D model of the patient's anatomy and tissue properties that can be repeatedly analyzed and simulated without additional physical measurement time. This virtual copy allows comprehensive data processing and parameter optimization to be performed efficiently multiple times without extending data acquisition time
4Reliability
If ablation is performed with high precision to avoid gaps, then impulse conduction blockage is achieved, but the risk of collateral damage to adjacent structures increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring ablation parameters to the specific anatomical location and tissue type being treated. The system adjusts power and duration locally based on the patient's unique anatomy and proximity to critical structures, enabling precise impulse conduction blockage while minimizing collateral damage through location-specific parameter optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses beforehand cushioning by incorporating safety margins and protective parameters into the ablation plan based on pre-calculated risk assessments. The system pre-adjusts parameters to account for proximity to critical structures, creating a cushioning effect that prevents excessive energy delivery to adjacent tissues while maintaining effective blockage of impulse conduction
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
Improves the accuracy and consistency of catheter ablation by optimizing lesion formation, reducing gaps in the ablation line, and minimizing collateral damage, thereby enhancing the long-term effectiveness of the procedure.
Implementation Method 1
RF ablation relies on heating caused by the interaction between a high-frequency alternating current (e.g., 350-500 kHz) introduced to a treatment region, and dielectric properties of material (e.g., tissue) in the treatment region
Implementation Method 2
It is this dissipated energy that is converted, for example, into heat for ablation
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2B
AI summary
Systems and methods are described for planning of catheter ablation procedures, and in particular for planning of the placement of lesions and/or parameters used in ablation. In some embodiments, planning is based on thermal and/or dielectric simulation of lesions, individualized to the anatomy of the particular patient. Optionally, a plan comprises planning of a path along which an ablation lesion is to be formed, the ablation lesion optionally comprising one or more sub-lesions. The plan is optionally optimized for one or more criteria including, for example: minimization of path length, minimization of sub-lesion number, simplification of catheter maneuvering, avoidance of collateral damage to non-target tissue, access to the target dependent on anatomy shape and/or catheter mechanics, and/or features of the target anatomy such as tissue wall thickness and/or fiber direction.