Catheter Tissue Thickness Mapping via Pulse-Echo Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining cardiac tissue thickness during diagnostic or therapeutic procedures are subjective and lack accuracy, relying on estimates from dual-axis fluoroscopic images or histological experience, which are inherently unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an elongate catheter with localization elements and pulse-echo transducers that measure tissue thickness and associate these measurements with specific coordinates, enabling the generation of two-, three-, and four-dimensional maps of cardiac tissue thickness, allowing for precise tracking of cardiac status and optimizing therapy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If subjective estimation methods (dual-axis fluoroscopic images or histological experience) are used to determine tissue thickness, then the diagnostic procedure is simple and quick, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective visual estimation methods with objective acoustic measurement using pulse-echo transducers. The transducers emit acoustic waves and measure the time delay of echoes to calculate tissue thickness, substituting mechanical/acoustic measurement for subjective visual assessment, thereby significantly improving measurement precision and reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to measure tissue thickness. The pulse-echo transducers use acoustic wave propagation through tissue and reflection at tissue interfaces to obtain thickness measurements, providing an objective intermediary measurement method that eliminates subjectivity while maintaining clinical feasibility
2Loss of information
If no tissue thickness measurement capability is provided, then the device complexity is low, but the loss of information regarding tissue characteristics is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single catheter system: localization elements for position tracking, pulse-echo transducers for tissue thickness measurement, and integration with the localization system for spatial mapping. This multi-functional integration provides comprehensive tissue information while managing system complexity through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines tissue thickness measurement capability with existing localization and mapping systems. The pulse-echo transducers are integrated into the catheter body, and thickness measurements are merged with localization data to create comprehensive tissue maps, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices and reducing overall system complexity
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
This approach provides accurate and objective measurements of cardiac tissue thickness, enhancing diagnostic precision and therapeutic decision-making by offering detailed, real-time maps of cardiac anatomy and status.
Implementation Method 1
at least one pulse-echo transducer carried by the distal end portion of the elongate catheter body, wherein the at least one pulse-echo transducer is adapted to measure a thickness of a tissue
Implementation Method 2
the at least one pulse-echo transducer is adapted to measure a thickness of a tissue proximate the distal end portion of the elongate catheter body
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for measuring a spatial location of a tissue surface (e.g., interface between different tissue types or tissue body fluid interface, generally includes an elongate catheter (13) body having a distal end portion (60), a plurality of localization elements (52, 54, 56) carried by the distal end portion (60), and pulse-echo acoustic element(s) carried by the distal end portion (60). The localization elements (52, 54, 56) allow the catheter (13) to be localized (e.g., position, orientation) within a localization field, while the acoustic element(s) provides detection of tissue surfaces where incoming acoustic energy reflects toward the acoustic element(s). A controller determines location of detected tissue surface or interface from the localization of the distal end portion (60) of the catheter (13). Tissue thicknesses can be derived from the detected locations of multiple (e.g., near and far) tissue surfaces. Maps and models of tissue thickness can also be generated and/or registered to electroanatomical model(s).