Catheter Electrode Contact Quality Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mapping systems lack real-time feedback for electrode contact with anatomical structures during medical procedures, which can lead to inaccurate positioning and unreliable data collection, affecting the precision of diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system equipped with multiple mapping electrodes and a processor that senses signals, determines the quality of contact based on signal parameters, and provides real-time graphical feedback, utilizing sensors such as force and impedance sensors to ensure accurate contact and data reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time feedback is provided for electrode contact quality, then mapping precision and data reliability are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (electrical signal sensing, force sensing, impedance sensing) into a single integrated catheter system. The mapping electrodes, force sensors, and impedance sensors work together as a unified system to assess contact quality, rather than using separate independent systems. This merging approach provides comprehensive feedback while managing overall system complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it maps electrical signals from the anatomical structure, measures contact force through force sensors, and assesses contact quality through impedance sensors. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide comprehensive feedback on both electrical and mechanical contact aspects, improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors (force and impedance) are used to determine contact quality, then reliability of contact assessment is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into functionally independent segments: mapping electrodes for electrical signal detection, force sensors for mechanical contact measurement, and impedance sensors for electrical pathway assessment. Each segment performs a specific function and can be manufactured and tested independently before assembly, making the complex multi-sensor system more manageable and easier to manufacture through modular construction.
3Measurement precision
If real-time signal processing and quality assessment are performed, then accuracy of anatomical mapping is improved, but processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors signal parameters and contact quality in real-time during the mapping procedure. By performing preliminary assessments of signal quality and contact status throughout the procedure, the system can immediately identify and correct positioning issues without delaying the overall mapping process. This continuous real-time processing ensures accurate mapping while minimizing time loss through proactive rather than reactive processing.
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 precise real-time monitoring and adjustment of electrode contact, improving the accuracy of anatomical structure mapping and ensuring reliable data collection, thereby enhancing the precision of medical interventions.
Implementation Method 1
a catheter including a plurality of mapping electrodes, each mapping electrode configured to sense signals associated with an anatomical structure
Implementation Method 2
the contact determination mechanism comprising at least one of a force sensor and an impedance sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter system includes a mapping catheter including a plurality of mapping electrodes, each mapping electrode configured to sense signals associated with an anatomical structure. The catheter system further includes a processor operatively coupled to the plurality of mapping electrodes and configured to receive the signals sensed by the plurality of mapping electrodes, characterize the signals sensed by the plurality of mapping electrodes based on a signal parameter of the sensed signals, and generate an output of a quality of contact of the plurality of mapping electrodes with the anatomical structure based on the signal characterization.