Catheter Force Sensor for Real-Time Ablation Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for intracardiac radio-frequency ablation lack effective real-time monitoring and control of electrode contact force and energy application, leading to inconsistent tissue ablation and potential tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that measure mechanical force between a catheter and cardiac tissue, using this force to adjust RF power and application time for precise control of ablation volume, with real-time visualization and monitoring of the ablation process to ensure optimal tissue treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RF energy is applied to ablate cardiac tissue, then therapeutic effect is achieved, but excessive tissue damage may occur without proper contact control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by measuring contact force between the catheter electrode and cardiac tissue using a force sensor, and using this measurement to dynamically adjust RF power delivery. The system continuously monitors contact force and modulates energy application accordingly, preventing excessive tissue damage while ensuring adequate ablation when proper contact is maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the RF power parameter dynamically based on contact force measurements. When contact force exceeds a threshold indicating proper tissue contact, the system increases or maintains RF power for effective ablation. When contact force is below the threshold, the system reduces or stops power delivery to prevent harmful effects from inadequate contact, thus optimizing the therapeutic window.
2Manufacturing precision
If contact pressure is increased to ensure proper electrode-tissue contact, then ablation effectiveness improves, but risk of excessive tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time contact force feedback to precisely control the relationship between contact pressure and ablation outcome. By measuring actual contact force and adjusting RF power accordingly, the system achieves precise ablation when proper contact is made while automatically preventing damage when contact is excessive or insufficient, eliminating the need for manual pressure estimation by the operator.
3Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of contact force is implemented, then ablation control improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pressure measurement systems with a force sensor that directly measures contact force between the electrode and tissue. This sensor integrates into the catheter structure and provides electrical signals that can be processed by the existing RF control system, achieving precise contact force measurement without requiring overly complex mechanical sensing mechanisms.
4Productivity
If RF power is increased to accelerate ablation, then treatment time decreases, but tissue damage control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic RF power delivery that adjusts in real-time based on contact force measurements. The system can rapidly increase power when proper contact is detected to achieve fast ablation, and immediately reduce or stop power when contact is lost or excessive, enabling high productivity while maintaining reliable tissue damage control through continuous adaptation to changing conditions.
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 and controlled ablation by correlating mechanical force with RF power and time, reducing tissue damage and improving the accuracy of ablation volume prediction and visualization, thereby enhancing the safety and efficacy of cardiac ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
RF energy is applied through the catheter to the electrode in order to ablate the heart tissue at the site
Implementation Method 2
ablating the tissue at the site using the electrode
Implementation Method 3
A pressure transducer measures the contact pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
Tissue ablation systems are provided, wherein a cardiac catheter incorporates a pressure detector for sensing a mechanical force against the distal tip when engaging an ablation site. Responsively to the pressure detector, a controller computes an ablation volume according to relationships between the contact pressure against the site, the power output of an ablator, and the energy application time. A monitor displays a map of the heart which includes a visual indication of the computed ablation volume. The monitor may dynamically display the progress of the ablation by varying the visual indication.