Catheter Electroanatomical Mapping System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for tracking medical probes within a patient's body, particularly catheters in the heart, face challenges in accurately and rapidly mapping cardiac chamber anatomy and determining tissue proximity, as they often require complex setups and may not differentiate between tissue contact and non-contact scenarios effectively.
Innovation Solution
A catheter-based electroanatomical mapping system using two types of distal electrodes, an outer-facing electrode for tissue contact and an inner-facing electrode for blood contact, which applies modulated voltages and calculates impedance ratios to provide simultaneous position tracking and tissue proximity indications, enabling accurate and rapid cardiac chamber mapping using electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex tracking setups are used to track catheter position, then position tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into two distinct electrode types (outer-facing and inner-facing) with different functions. The outer-facing electrode contacts tissue for impedance-based position tracking, while the inner-facing electrode remains isolated from tissue. This segmentation allows the system to use simple electrical impedance measurements for accurate position tracking without requiring complex mechanical or optical tracking systems.
2Measurement precision
If tissue proximity detection is added to position tracking, then tissue contact differentiation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines position tracking and tissue proximity detection functions into a single electrical impedance measurement process. By measuring impedance between the outer-facing electrode and a reference electrode, the system simultaneously determines both the catheter position and whether the electrode is in contact with tissue, eliminating the need for separate detection systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer-facing electrode serves multiple functions: it acts as both the active electrode for position tracking and the sensing electrode for tissue contact detection. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve both position tracking and tissue proximity indication using the same hardware component, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If rapid mapping is achieved through efficient signal processing, then mapping speed is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical or optical tracking mechanisms with electrical impedance-based position determination. Electrical signals can be processed rapidly and accurately, enabling fast mapping of cardiac chambers while maintaining high precision through the inherent accuracy of impedance measurements and the geometric relationship between electrodes.
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
The system allows for precise and efficient mapping of cardiac chambers by distinguishing tissue contact through impedance ratio calculations, enhancing minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures with a simplified electrical setup.
Implementation Method 1
Based on electrical impedances calculated from the high- and low-frequency potentials acquired by the outer-facing electrode, a processor of the system provides a tissue proximity indication of the catheter. Based on electrical impedances calculated from the low-frequency potentials acquired by the inner-facing electrode, the processor calculates a position of the catheter
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes transmitting electrical signals between one or more pairs of body-surface electrodes attached to a body of a patient. Electrical potentials resulting from the transmitted electrical signals are acquired by an outer-facing electrode and an inner-facing electrode of a medical probe inserted in an organ of the patient. A proximity of the medical probe to surface tissue of the organ is estimated based on the electrical potentials acquired by the outer-facing electrode. A position of the medical probe within the organ is estimated based on the electrical potentials acquired by the inner-facing electrode.