Catheter Cryoadhesion Anchoring for Cardiac Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for positioning minimally-invasive medical devices in the heart, such as catheters and leads, are cumbersome and lengthy due to inadequate three-dimensional reconstruction, difficulty in visualizing specific tissue sites, and complex anatomy, leading to prolonged procedures and potential risks.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an elongate body, an electrode, and a cryogenic coolant source, allowing for cryoadhesion anchoring and precise positioning of diagnostic or therapeutic elements, along with positional information measurement and mapping, to facilitate efficient placement and treatment within the heart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If fluoroscopic imaging is used to guide catheter placement, then real-time visualization is provided, but three-dimensional reconstruction is inadequate and specific tissue sites cannot be visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary imaging system that bridges fluoroscopic visualization and three-dimensional reconstruction. This intermediary system processes fluoroscopic images to generate accurate 3D models of the heart anatomy, enabling both real-time visualization and precise spatial reconstruction simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fluoroscopic guidance with an enhanced imaging system that uses computational algorithms to convert 2D fluoroscopic images into 3D anatomical models. This substitution enables precise visualization of tissue sites without the limitations of conventional fluoroscopy.
2Productivity
If traditional fluoroscopic guidance is used, then device placement can be monitored, but the procedure time is extended and patient exposure to risks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing fluoroscopic images to generate three-dimensional anatomical models before the catheter placement procedure begins. This pre-computed 3D map serves as a guide during the procedure, enabling faster and more accurate device placement without requiring time-consuming real-time 3D reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the imaging system continuously monitors device placement and compares it against the pre-computed 3D anatomical model. This real-time feedback allows for immediate correction of positioning errors, reducing overall procedure time and improving accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If minimally-invasive devices are placed in the heart, then treatment can be performed, but positioning in confined tortuous areas is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional fluoroscopic imaging to three-dimensional anatomical reconstruction, adding the depth dimension to the visualization. This 3D perspective enables operators to navigate and position devices in confined tortuous areas of the heart more easily by viewing anatomical structures from multiple angles simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional imaging system that simultaneously provides real-time fluoroscopic visualization, generates three-dimensional anatomical models, and guides device placement. This universal system handles multiple positioning challenges with a single integrated approach, reducing the complexity of requiring separate systems for each function.
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
Enables expedited and precise placement of medical devices in the heart, reducing procedure time and associated risks by utilizing cryoadhesion for secure anchoring and advanced positional guidance.
Implementation Method 1
a cryogenic coolant source in fluid communication with the chamber
Implementation Method 2
directing a cryogenic coolant into the first chamber; anchoring the first chamber to the first tissue region through cryoadhesion
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating cardiac tissue is provided, including positioning a first chamber of a medical device adjacent an atrial wall; directing a cryogenic coolant into the first chamber; anchoring the first chamber to the atrial wall through cryoadhesion; directing a distal portion of the medical device into the coronary sinus; and positioning a cardiac lead through at least a portion of the coronary sinus with the distal portion. The method may include measuring a temperature of the first chamber; removing the first chamber from the atrial wall once a predetermined threshold temperature of the first chamber is reached; anchoring a second chamber of the medical device to a portion of the coronary sinus; and/or perfusing blood flow through at least a portion of the second chamber.