Controlled Sympathectomy Catheter With Real-Time Electrophysiological Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methodologies for denervation, such as renal sympathetic nerve ablation, lack adequate feedback regarding the site, extent, and effect of denervation, leading to inefficiencies in treating conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Innovation Solution
A microsurgical tool with a microfinger and sensing tip is used to monitor electrophysiological activity within a lumen, providing real-time feedback for controlled neuromodulation, including ablation procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional denervation methodologies are used, then the procedure can be performed, but adequate feedback regarding site, extent, and effect of denervation is not available
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates electrophysiological sensing capabilities that provide real-time feedback during the denervation procedure. The sensing tip detects electrical signals from the sympathetic nerve, allowing the operator to monitor the extent and effectiveness of ablation in real-time, thereby resolving the information loss problem without requiring an entirely complex external monitoring system.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter assembly integrates multiple functions into a single device: it combines the ablation electrode with electrophysiological sensing capabilities. This multi-functional design allows the same device to both perform denervation and monitor its effectiveness, reducing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive feedback.
2Manufacturing precision
If ablation is performed without adequate feedback, then the procedure is simpler, but precision and control of denervation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing tip provides real-time electrophysiological feedback that enables precise control of the ablation process. By monitoring nerve activity during and after ablation, the operator can adjust energy delivery to achieve precise denervation of the target sympathetic nerve while preserving surrounding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary mapping and assessment of electrophysiological signals before initiating ablation. This allows identification of the precise location and characteristics of the sympathetic nerve, enabling targeted ablation with high precision while minimizing the complexity of the overall procedure.
3Force
If microfinger is biased against lumen wall, then contact force is increased, but risk of tissue damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microfinger employs a compliant, dynamically adjustable contact mechanism that adapts to the lumen wall contours. The bias force is controlled and adjustable, allowing the microfinger to maintain adequate contact for sensing and ablation while automatically reducing force in response to tissue resistance or irregularities, thereby minimizing tissue damage risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the bias force parameter of the microfinger based on real-time feedback from the lumen wall interaction. By monitoring contact conditions and modifying the applied force accordingly, the system maintains sufficient contact for effective procedures while preventing excessive force that could cause tissue damage.
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 monitoring and modulation of sympathetic tone, allowing for targeted and effective denervation with reduced impact on surrounding anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
a sensing tip in accordance with the present disclosure electrically and mechanically coupled to the microfinger in the vicinity of the region, configured to interface with the wall of the lumen, the sensing tip configured to convey one or more electrophysiological signals associated with the activity
Data Source
AI summary
A catheter system for controlled sympathectomy procedures is disclosed. A catheter system for controlled micro ablation procedures is disclosed. Methods for performing a controlled surgical procedure are disclosed. A system for performing controlled surgical procedures in a minimally invasive manner is disclosed.