Catheter Tissue Thickness Estimation via Temperature Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cardiac tissue ablation using radiofrequency energy face challenges in controlling local heating, leading to inadequate lesion size, excessive heating, and potential tissue damage, as they lack accurate real-time measurement of tissue thickness during the procedure.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that estimate tissue thickness by monitoring the rate of change of temperature at the catheter's distal end after applying a radiofrequency pulse, using a relationship between the normalized rate of change and tissue thickness to determine the appropriate power and duration for effective ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If radiofrequency energy is applied to create a larger lesion for effective ablation, then the effectiveness of the ablation procedure is improved, but excessive local heating occurs causing tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism by continuously monitoring tissue temperature during ablation and using this information to adjust the applied energy in real-time. Temperature sensors provide continuous feedback about the thermal state of the tissue, allowing the system to prevent excessive heating while ensuring complete ablation. This closed-loop control resolves the contradiction by dynamically balancing lesion size creation with temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring tissue thickness before ablation begins and using this pre-acquired information to pre-calculate the appropriate energy parameters. By determining tissue characteristics in advance, the system can optimize the ablation protocol to achieve complete lesion formation without excessive heating, resolving the contradiction between adequate lesion size and temperature control.
2Reliability
If radiofrequency energy is applied for a longer duration to ensure complete ablation, then the reliability of the procedure is improved, but the risk of tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time temperature monitoring as feedback to determine when ablation is complete. Rather than applying fixed-duration energy, the system continuously adjusts the ablation duration based on temperature readings, stopping when the predetermined temperature threshold is reached. This ensures complete ablation while preventing tissue damage from excessive exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic control of ablation parameters, adjusting power and duration in real-time based on tissue response. The system transitions from static, pre-programmed ablation protocols to dynamic adaptation, where energy delivery is continuously modified according to measured tissue temperature and thickness, resolving the contradiction between complete ablation and damage prevention.
3Ease of operation
If pre-acquired imaging data is used to estimate tissue thickness, then the measurement process is simplified, but the accuracy and real-time relevance of the measurement is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the catheter multi-functional by integrating both imaging capabilities and ablation functionality into a single device. The catheter can perform pre-ablation imaging to measure tissue thickness and then proceed to ablation without requiring separate imaging procedures. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement simplicity while ensuring the imaging and ablation are performed by the same device at the same location, guaranteeing accuracy and real-time relevance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement step using imaging data as a bridge between catheter positioning and ablation. Rather than directly abulating without measurement, the system uses imaging as an intermediary to first characterize the tissue, then uses this information to guide the ablation process. This intermediary measurement ensures accuracy while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing.
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 precise control of ablation procedures by providing an independent measure of tissue thickness, reducing the risk of overheating and improving the effectiveness of the ablation process while minimizing tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
applying pulses of radiofrequency power through the electrode to the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Catheterization is carried out by bringing an electrode that is disposed on a distal portion of a catheter into contact with tissue, wherein the electrode has an area that falls within a range of 0.01-25 mm2. A power generator delivers pulses of radiofrequency power through the electrode to the tissue. While applying the pulses temperatures at the distal portion of the catheter are recorded. A rate of change of the temperatures is calculated and tissue thickness estimated based on the rate of change.