Catheter Contact Force Sensing for Tissue Proximity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating the proximity of catheter electrodes to tissue are not sufficiently accurate or reliable, particularly in determining the quality of physical contact, which is crucial for effective electrical mapping and ablation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A processor-based technique that infers the real-time quality of physical contact between an electrode and tissue by establishing a relation between contact force and impedance measurements, allowing for improved estimation of touch quality for individual electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reinforcement learning methods are used to estimate tissue proximity, then the system can learn tissue proximity policies, but the measurement precision and reliability of tissue proximity indication are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces contact force sensing as an intermediary measurement to indirectly estimate tissue proximity. Instead of directly measuring proximity, the system measures contact force between the catheter electrode and tissue, which serves as a reliable proxy indicator. This intermediary approach resolves the contradiction by providing both precision (through accurate force measurement) and reliability (through physical contact detection).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electrical/algorithmic methods (reinforcement learning) with a mechanical sensing approach (contact force sensing). By substituting the complex reinforcement learning system with direct mechanical measurement of contact force, the system achieves more reliable and precise tissue proximity indication, as mechanical contact force provides direct physical evidence of electrode-tissue interaction.
2Measurement precision
If contact force sensing is implemented, then touch quality estimation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the catheter assembly multi-functional by integrating both electrical mapping/ablation functions and mechanical contact force sensing functions into a single device. The catheter electrodes serve dual purposes: delivering electrical energy and sensing contact force. This universality reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the electrical measurement system and mechanical force sensing system into an integrated catheter assembly. By combining these functions in a single integrated device rather than separate systems, the patent reduces operational complexity and simplifies the user interface, as both electrical and mechanical data are processed together to provide comprehensive touch quality assessment.
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 technique enables accurate and real-time estimation of touch quality, ensuring effective electrical contact for procedures like ablation, by correlating contact force and impedance measurements across the catheter assembly.
Implementation Method 1
Impedances are measured between a plurality of electrodes of the assembly and a reference electrode
Implementation Method 2
Signals are received from an assembly of coils coupled at least one of the distal-end assembly and the distal end of the shaft, which sense a position and orientation of the distal end assembly relative to a distal end of the shaft
Implementation Method 3
Based on the signals, an indication of a position and orientation of the distal end assembly relative to a distal end of the shaft is determined
Data Source
AI summary
A method to find tissue proximity indications includes inserting a shaft of catheter into body part of living subject, the catheter including an expandable distal-end assembly coupled to a distal end of the shaft that has multiple electrodes disposed thereon. Impedances are measured between each of the electrodes and a reference electrode. Based on measured impedances, subset of the electrodes is identified, that physically contact tissue of the body part. Signals are received from assembly of coils coupled at least one of the distal-end assembly and the distal end of the shaft. Based on signals, estimated is a total contact force exerted on the tissue by the assembly. Based on the identified subset of the electrodes and the estimated total contact force, one or more qualities are inferred, of physical contact between respective electrodesSpe and the tissue. One or more of the inferred qualities of physical contact are output.