Catheter Light Scattering Probe for Deep Cardiac Tissue Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for characterizing cardiac tissue microstructure are limited by depth penetration and inability to accurately assess anisotropic tissues, leading to inadequate diagnosis and treatment of conditions like fibrosis and arrhythmia, particularly in conditions where tissues of interest lie beyond the reach of conventional optical imaging and invasive procedures are risky or costly.
Innovation Solution
A tissue characterization probe with a multi-arm arrangement of illumination and detection fibers, configured to perform light scattering spectroscopy, enabling characterization of cardiac tissues up to 30 mm deep and capable of handling anisotropic tissues by employing orthogonal detection fiber arrangements, combined with machine learning techniques for data analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional optical imaging methods are used, then the equipment cost and procedure complexity are reduced, but the depth penetration is limited and cannot characterize tissues beyond 100 μm
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into multiple arms with separate illumination and detection fibers, allowing independent optimization of each component. This segmentation enables deeper tissue penetration while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from conventional single-point optical imaging to three-dimensional tissue characterization by implementing multi-arm probe geometry with fibers oriented in multiple spatial dimensions, enabling depth penetration beyond conventional limits while capturing spatially-resolved scattering signals
2Length of stationary object
If fiber-optics confocal microscopy is used, then the equipment cost is reduced, but the depth penetration is limited to about 100 μm
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to tissue anisotropy by using multiple detection fibers at different orientations and positions, allowing the measurement configuration to adjust to the underlying tissue structure. This dynamic approach maintains measurement precision while extending depth penetration
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key measurement parameters including fiber spacing, detection angles, and illumination wavelengths to optimize for deeper tissue penetration. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves both extended depth range and maintained characterization accuracy
3Measurement precision
If endomyocardial biopsy is used, then the tissue characterization accuracy is improved, but the invasiveness and complication rate increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical probe serves as an intermediary that provides indirect but accurate tissue characterization through light scattering spectroscopy. This intermediary approach delivers biopsy-level diagnostic accuracy without the physical trauma, bleeding, and infection risks associated with invasive tissue extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical tissue extraction process with an optical measurement system. Instead of physically removing and analyzing tissue samples, the system uses light scattering spectroscopy to non-invasively characterize tissue microstructure with comparable diagnostic accuracy
4Area of stationary object
If MRI imaging is used, then the macroscopic tissue visualization is improved, but the cost and accessibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The probe creates optical copies of tissue scattering signatures that replicate the diagnostic information obtained from expensive MRI imaging. By measuring light scattering patterns, the system generates surrogate data that provides similar tissue characterization capability at fraction of the cost and with portability
Solution Approach 2:
The probe design incorporates multiple functions including illumination, detection, and potential integration with ablation or other therapeutic modalities. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate expensive imaging and treatment systems into a single versatile platform
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 accurate characterization of cardiac tissue microstructure, improving diagnosis and treatment by providing detailed three-dimensional maps of cardiac tissue properties, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and reducing the need for invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
catheterized light scattering spectroscopy
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~4
AI summary
Disclosed are devices, systems, and methods for characterizing tissue using light scattering spectroscopy. A tissue characterization probe includes an elongate member having a proximal end and a plurality of distal probe tips at a distal end. A plurality of illumination fibers extend through the elongate member to the distal probe tips such that each distal probe tip includes at least one illumination fiber. A plurality of detection fibers also extend through the elongate member such that each probe tip includes at least one detection fiber. The disclosed devices and systems beneficially enable characterization of tissues within depths greater than 100 µm. The disclosed devices and systems also enable effective characterization of anisotropic tissues, such as cardiac myocardium.