Catheter Contact Lobe Visualization for Real-Time Tissue Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
In intraluminal catheter therapy, achieving a balance between high-detail visualization and a simple structure of visual elements is challenging, and ensuring adequate contact between the catheter distal end assembly and tissue is crucial for accurate and effective treatment, while avoiding excessive force that can cause tissue deformation or inadequate contact that renders ablation ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A computer system provides real-time graphical feedback using contact lobes, formed by curves overlaid on the catheter rendering, indicating contact level through electrical impedance measurements, allowing physicians to adjust catheter positioning and force application for precise tissue engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If detailed visual feedback elements are added to show catheter-tissue contact, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded contact lobes to indicate different contact levels. Each lobe's color corresponds to a specific contact force range, allowing physicians to quickly assess contact quality without complex numerical displays. This resolves the contradiction by providing detailed measurement information through simple, intuitive color variations rather than complex visual structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a visual dimension (color and shape) to represent contact level data that would otherwise require complex numerical or textual displays. By mapping contact force magnitude to lobe size and color intensity, the system provides precise measurement feedback while maintaining a simple graphical interface structure.
2Reliability
If real-time impedance monitoring is implemented, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic impedance measurements rather than continuous monitoring. The system measures impedance at regular intervals during catheter manipulation and ablation, updating the visual feedback accordingly. This periodic approach maintains treatment reliability by providing timely contact assessment while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time monitoring.
3Ease of operation
If visual feedback is simplified, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded contact lobes to indicate different contact levels. Each lobe's color corresponds to a specific contact force range, allowing physicians to quickly assess contact quality without complex numerical displays. This resolves the contradiction by providing detailed measurement information through simple, intuitive color variations rather than complex visual structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visual properties (color, size, opacity) to different regions of the contact lobe visualization based on local contact characteristics. Each segment of the lobe represents contact at a specific location, allowing physicians to quickly identify areas of adequate versus inadequate contact. This local differentiation provides precise spatial information while maintaining overall visual simplicity.
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
Enhances the precision and effectiveness of intraluminal catheter therapy by enabling real-time adjustments based on impedance changes, ensuring optimal contact without excessive force, thereby improving treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
real-time proximity based on electrical impedance sensed by electrodes of a catheter
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A~2D
AI summary
The presently disclosed subject matter includes a computer system, method, and graphical user interface that provide graphical feedback indicating real-time contact level between a tissue wall of a luminal organ and an ablation catheter, based on electrical impedance sensed by electrodes of a catheter. As the impedance is related to proximity of the electrodes to the tissue walls, the system utilizes impedance measurements to visually alter the appearance of a graphical representation of the electrodes according to changes in the sensed impedance. The graphical feedback enables the physician to make real-time adjustments to the catheter's positioning and applied force, and thereby enhance the precision and effectiveness of intraluminal catheter therapy. The graphical feedback comprises a plurality of contact lobes centered on the electrodes and have sizes which increase with the contact level.