Catheter Balloon NADH Fluorescence Imaging for Ablation Gaps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF ablation techniques for treating atrial fibrillation lack real-time visualization of tissue injury, leading to incomplete lesions and high recurrence rates due to gaps in ablation areas, which are difficult to detect without invasive post-procedure imaging.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with an expandable balloon and UV illumination device to excite native NADH in tissue, allowing for real-time fluorescence imaging of ablated areas through a fiberscope and camera, distinguishing complete ablation from gaps and ischemic tissue without the need for additional dyes or contrast agents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RF ablation is performed without real-time visualization, then the ablation procedure can be completed, but the extent of tissue injury cannot be determined leading to incomplete lesions and high recurrence rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes fluorescence imaging where ablated tissue exhibits altered fluorescence characteristics compared to viable tissue. The system captures fluorescence images at different wavelengths, and the ratio of fluorescence intensities provides real-time feedback on the extent of tissue ablation, allowing visualization of complete versus incomplete lesions during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces invasive post-procedure imaging methods with non-invasive optical fluorescence imaging. By using fluorescence markers and optical detection systems, the technique provides real-time visualization of tissue injury without requiring mechanical intervention or additional invasive procedures after ablation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple imaging modalities are used to verify ablation completeness, then detection accuracy improves, but procedure time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fluorescence imaging wavelengths into a single integrated system. By capturing images at different wavelengths simultaneously or in rapid succession and calculating fluorescence ratios, the system provides comprehensive verification of ablation completeness in real-time during the procedure, eliminating the need for separate post-procedure imaging sessions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback during the ablation procedure by continuously monitoring fluorescence signals. The fluorescence ratio calculations give immediate information about tissue injury extent, allowing the operator to adjust ablation parameters on-the-fly to ensure complete lesions, thereby avoiding repeated procedures due to incomplete ablation.
3Measurement precision
If fluorescence imaging is performed with multiple wavelengths, then tissue characterization accuracy improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-wavelength fluorescence imaging system where a single device captures images at multiple wavelengths and processes them to provide comprehensive tissue characterization. The system can differentiate between viable tissue, ablated tissue, and intermediate states using fluorescence ratio calculations, making the device versatile for various ablation verification needs without requiring multiple separate instruments.
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 immediate visualization of ablation lesions and gaps during the procedure, improving the accuracy of tissue ablation, reducing recurrence rates, and minimizing unnecessary tissue damage, while providing stable imaging for several hours post-ablation.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination device positioned within the balloon for propagating light from an external light source for illuminating a tissue being treated to excite native reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide or nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) in the tissue, and an imaging device positioned within the balloon for detecting fluorescence from the illuminated tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for visualizing ablated tissue are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for imaging tissue includes a catheter having an expandable balloon at a distal end, an illumination device positioned within the balloon for propagating light from an external light source for illuminating a tissue being treated to excite native nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) in the tissue, and an imaging device positioned within the balloon for detecting fluorescence from the illuminated tissue, the imaging device being configured to communicate detected NADH fluorescence to an external fluorescence camera.