Catheter Birefringence Mapping for Ablation Depth Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation systems face challenges in consistently assessing and understanding the effects of ablation on tissue depth due to the variability of factors such as electrical power, tissue properties, and blood flow, leading to incomplete representation of ablation success, particularly in cardiac procedures where recurrence rates for conditions like Atrial Fibrillation remain high.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a catheter and console device that collects birefringence measurements and maps them onto a three-dimensional tissue map, allowing for real-time or near-real-time visualization of tissue changes during ablation procedures, enabling more precise guidance and assessment of ablation effectiveness by identifying areas of low birefringence associated with unorganized tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ablation systems are used to treat tissue, then ablation can be performed, but the ability to assess and understand ablation effects on tissue depth is insufficient due to variability in electrical power, tissue properties, and blood flow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrical field-based ablation assessment with optical field-based birefringence measurement. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology uses light to probe tissue properties, specifically measuring birefringence changes that occur during ablation. This optical approach provides more precise and reliable measurement of ablation effects compared to electrical methods, as it directly visualizes tissue structural changes without being influenced by variability in electrical power delivery or tissue electrical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes birefringence measurement which detects changes in the optical properties of tissue during ablation. As tissue undergoes ablation, its molecular structure changes, causing measurable alterations in birefringence. This optical property change serves as a visual indicator of ablation progression and tissue damage, enabling real-time assessment of treatment effectiveness and tissue depth affected
2Adaptability or versatility
If ablation is performed with variable parameters (electrical power, tissue properties, blood flow), then treatment can be adapted to different conditions, but the difficulty in identifying lesions and determining lesion properties increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces difficult-to-interpret electrical field measurements with optical birefringence measurements. The optical system provides direct visualization of tissue structural changes through birefringence patterns, making lesion identification and property determination straightforward regardless of variations in electrical power or tissue properties. This substitution eliminates the complexity of interpreting electrical signals under variable conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces birefringence measurement as an intermediary parameter that connects ablation treatment to observable tissue changes. Instead of directly measuring difficult-to-interpret electrical field effects, the system uses birefringence as a mediator that reliably indicates tissue structural modification. This intermediary measurement approach simplifies lesion detection and provides clear feedback on ablation effectiveness across different tissue conditions
3Reliability
If comprehensive assessment of ablation depth and tissue changes is desired, then recurrence rates may be reduced, but current systems provide incomplete representation of ablation success
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces incomplete electrical field assessment with comprehensive optical coherence tomography imaging. OCT provides cross-sectional images of tissue with high resolution, revealing detailed structural changes during ablation. This optical imaging approach captures comprehensive information about ablation depth, extent, and tissue damage patterns, eliminating the information loss inherent in traditional electrical assessment methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional electrical field measurements to three-dimensional optical imaging. OCT technology generates cross-sectional and volumetric images of tissue, providing spatial information about ablation lesions in multiple dimensions. This dimensional enhancement allows comprehensive assessment of ablation depth, width, and tissue involvement, delivering complete information about treatment success and enabling better prediction of recurrence risk
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of ablation procedures by providing a comprehensive view of tissue changes, guiding ablation strategies and improving the consistency of treatment outcomes by tracking birefringence changes over time, potentially reducing recurrence rates of conditions like Atrial Fibrillation.
Implementation Method 1
a catheter and console device that collects birefringence measurements and maps them onto a three-dimensional tissue map
Implementation Method 2
extracting a birefringence measurement from the optical measurement
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B~2C
AI summary
Described herein are systems, methods, and computer-readable media for catheter-based birefringence mapping for an ablation procedure. A system includes a catheter that includes optical fibers coupled to a computing device that includes a processer that may create a three-dimensional map that displays optical properties of a tissue using optical measurements, specifically birefringence measurements, and a mapping system.