Catheter Optical Interrogation for Ablation Lesion Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation systems for treating atrial fibrillation face challenges in forming and verifying effective lesions due to poor catheter contact with myocardium, leading to inefficient energy transfer and high recurrence rates of atrial fibrillation.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a catheter with electrodes and optical fibers that deliver ablation energy and illuminate tissue with specific wavelengths to detect NADH fluorescence, allowing for real-time monitoring of tissue ablation and lesion formation, enabling improved contact verification and lesion durability assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If ablation energy is delivered to tissue, then lesion formation is achieved, but poor catheter contact results in inefficient energy transfer and incomplete lesions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary optical interrogation of tissue before ablation to verify catheter-tissue contact and assess tissue characteristics. This preliminary assessment allows the system to confirm proper positioning and contact stability before delivering ablation energy, ensuring that the catheter is correctly positioned and will maintain contact during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback during ablation by continuously monitoring optical signals from the tissue. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to observe lesion formation progression and contact stability throughout the procedure, enabling adjustments to ensure complete and reliable lesions are formed.
2Productivity
If ablation lesions are formed without verification, then treatment speed is maintained, but high recurrence rates occur due to gaps and incomplete lesions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary optical mapping and tissue characterization before ablation to identify all target areas and plan the ablation strategy. This preliminary step ensures that no gaps are missed during the procedure, allowing for complete lesion formation while maintaining efficient treatment delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
Real-time optical feedback during ablation allows continuous verification of lesion formation. The system monitors tissue optical properties changes as lesions form, providing immediate confirmation that complete, durable lesions are being created. This enables the operator to adjust the procedure to ensure no gaps remain, improving long-term durability without significantly extending treatment time.
3Measurement precision
If optical fibers are integrated with each electrode, then real-time lesion monitoring is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the ablation electrode and optical fiber into a single integrated catheter structure, with each electrode associated with its own optical fiber. This combination allows simultaneous delivery of ablation energy and collection of optical signals from the same tissue location, enabling precise lesion verification without requiring separate catheters or probes.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated catheter performs multiple functions through a single device: electrical ablation energy delivery, optical tissue interrogation, and real-time lesion monitoring. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate instruments and procedures, despite the increased complexity of the individual catheter structure.
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 enhances the formation and verification of ablation lesions, reducing recurrence rates and improving treatment outcomes by ensuring effective energy transfer and stable contact between the catheter and myocardium.
Implementation Method 1
one or more optical fibers extending through the catheter to deliver light from a light source to the tissue
Implementation Method 2
deliver optical information comprising nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) fluorescence from the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a system for optical tissue interrogation comprises a catheter having a plurality of electrodes disposed in an array at a distal end of the catheter, the plurality of electrodes being configured to deliver ablation energy to tissue; and one or more optical fibers extending through the catheter to deliver light from a light source to the tissue and to deliver optical information comprising nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide hydrogen (NADH) fluorescence from the tissue to a sensor, wherein each electrode of the plurality of electrodes is associated with at least one of the one or more optical fibers.