Catheter Navigation Guidance via 3D Anatomical Plane Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Navigating and positioning medical devices with complex geometry relative to anatomical features, such as pulmonary veins, is challenging due to the lack of accurate correlation between navigation electrodes and the ablating surface, especially in fluoroscopic imaging and navigation systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a medical device with navigation electrodes and a processing unit to define a plane approximating the anatomical feature, determine a vector normal to the plane, and calculate target locations for the treatment element and navigation electrodes, using equations to display graphical indicators on a three-dimensional image for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If navigation electrodes are used to guide the medical device, then navigation capability is provided, but accurate correlation between navigation electrodes and ablating surface is lost due to complex device geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional fluoroscopic imaging to three-dimensional anatomical mapping. By creating a 3D model of the anatomical structure and calculating precise spatial coordinates for the ablating surface relative to navigation electrodes, the system resolves the positioning ambiguity caused by complex device geometry. The 3D coordinate system allows accurate representation of the spatial relationship between electrodes and ablating surface that cannot be achieved with traditional 2D imaging.
2Loss of information
If fluoroscopic imaging is used to visualize the medical device, then device location can be observed, but precise placement relative to targeted tissue regions is difficult to infer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computational processing unit as an intermediary between the fluoroscopic imaging system and the operator. This processing unit receives imaging data, integrates it with 3D anatomical models, and calculates precise placement information. The intermediary translates ambiguous 2D fluoroscopic images into accurate 3D positioning data, enabling precise device placement relative to targeted tissue regions while preserving the simplicity of using standard fluoroscopic equipment.
3Reliability
If complex geometry medical devices are used for treatment, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but navigation and positioning become more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service navigation by allowing the complex device to navigate itself with computational guidance. The processing unit automatically calculates the optimal positioning and orientation of the ablating surface relative to the anatomical target, providing real-time feedback without requiring manual interpretation of complex imaging data. This automated navigation system maintains treatment effectiveness while significantly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for determining a target location for a medical device having complex geometry relative to an anatomical feature, and for navigating and positioning the medical device at the target location. The system may include a medical device including a treatment element having a centroid, one or more navigation electrodes, and a longitudinal axis and a navigation system in communication with the one or more navigation electrodes, the navigation system including a processing unit. The processing unit may be programmed to define a plane that approximates a surface of the anatomical feature, define a centroid of the anatomical feature, define a vector that is normal to the plane and extends away from the centroid of the anatomical feature, and determine a target location for the treatment element of the medical device based on the vector to assist the user in placing the device for treatment.