Catheter Optical Component for Direct Tissue Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical stimulation systems for treating cardiac and other tissues face challenges such as lead-related complications, limited accessible locations, and difficulty in visualizing target tissue locations during implantation of wireless stimulation electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A delivery system incorporating an elongate sheath with a distal opening, an attachment mechanism for the stimulation implant, and an elongate optical component that moves from a proximal to a distal configuration to provide direct visualization of the target tissue location, allowing for precise imaging and implantation of wireless stimulation electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless stimulation electrodes are delivered via catheter-based delivery systems, then the ability to stimulate at multiple sites is improved, but the difficulty in visualizing target tissue location before implantation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the delivery catheter and visualization system into a single integrated device. The optical component is positioned within the delivery catheter lumen, allowing simultaneous delivery of the wireless stimulation electrode and direct visualization of the target tissue location through the catheter's distal end.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical component acts as an intermediary that provides direct optical visualization of the target tissue location. It serves as a mediator between the operator and the target site, enabling real-time visual feedback without requiring separate imaging systems.
2Measurement precision
If fluoroscopic and echocardiographic techniques are used to provide visual feedback, then the ability to locate target tissue is improved, but the complexity of the delivery system worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visualization function from external imaging systems (fluoroscopy, echocardiography) and integrates it directly into the delivery catheter. This eliminates the need for complex external imaging equipment and simplifies the overall system while maintaining precise target location capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex external imaging systems with a simpler optical component integrated into the catheter. This substitution reduces system complexity while providing direct visual feedback of the target tissue location.
3Use of energy by moving object
If lead wires are used to accomplish stimulation, then the ability to deliver electrical energy is improved, but the number of accessible locations in the body worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the stimulation function from the lead wire system and transfers it to a wireless stimulation electrode. This eliminates the physical constraints of lead wires and enables access to previously unreachable locations in the body.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state of the stimulation delivery system from wired to wireless. This parameter change fundamentally alters the accessibility characteristics, allowing the stimulation electrode to reach locations that are inaccessible to lead-wire-based systems.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology is generally directed to delivery systems for medical implants, such as stimulation assemblies for stimulating tissue of a human patent, and associated methods. In some embodiments, a delivery system includes (i) an elongate sheath having a distal portion with a distal opening, (ii) an attachment mechanism positioned within the elongate sheath and configured to be releasably coupled to an electrical stimulation implant, and (iii) an elongate optical component movably positioned within the elongate sheath. The optical component is configured to capture image data, and is movable from a first configuration to a second configuration. In the first configuration, the optical component is positioned proximally of the implant. In the second configuration, the optical component is positioned at least partially adjacent to the implant to capture image data proximate the distal opening, thereby facilitating direct visualization of a target location for implantation of the implant.