2D Electrode Wavelength Mapping for Targeted Fibrillation Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation techniques for cardiac fibrillation are less than desirable due to the complexity of identifying the ever-changing electrical activities, leading to insufficient treatment success and potential harm to patients, with existing catheters being cumbersome and unsuitable for mapping transient arrhythmias.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for mapping cardiac fibrillation using a two-dimensional electrode array to determine conduction velocity, cycle length, and regional wavelengths, identifying driver locations and types, and optimizing ablation lesion placement based on patient-specific electrophysiologic principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If generalized ablation strategies are applied based on basic research principles, then treatment coverage is improved, but treatment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary wavelength mapping and driver identification before ablation treatment. By pre-identifying driver locations and types using the wavelength metric, the system enables customized ablation strategies tailored to each patient's specific electrophysiologic characteristics, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive coverage and precise targeting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses wavelength mapping feedback to guide ablation lesion placement. By continuously monitoring and mapping wavelength during the procedure, the system can adjust ablation strategies in real-time to precisely target drivers while minimizing unnecessary ablation, thus achieving both precision and adequate coverage.
2Reliability
If more ablation lesions are placed to ensure adequate treatment coverage, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but patient harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by delivering ablation energy only to specific regions identified as drivers based on wavelength mapping. Instead of uniform ablation coverage, the system concentrates treatment precisely where needed (at driver locations), achieving high reliability while minimizing harm to surrounding healthy tissue.
Solution Approach 2:
By pre-identifying driver locations and types through wavelength mapping before ablation, the system enables precise targeting that maximizes treatment effectiveness with minimal lesions, thereby reducing complications while maintaining high success rates.
3Measurement precision
If sequential contact-based mapping methods are used, then measurement thoroughness is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from sequential one-dimensional catheter movement to simultaneous two-dimensional array mapping. The 2D electrode array captures electrical activity across multiple locations at once, enabling thorough wavelength and driver characterization without the time penalty of sequential point-by-point mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple measurement functions into a single 2D electrode array platform that simultaneously performs wavelength mapping, driver identification, and electrical activity characterization across multiple sites, dramatically reducing procedure time while maintaining measurement thoroughness.
4Device complexity
If existing catheter electrode configurations are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a two-dimensional electrode array instead of traditional linear catheter configurations. This 2D geometry enables simultaneous measurement of electrical activity across multiple spatial dimensions, providing accurate conduction velocity and wavelength calculations without requiring complex multi-catheter arrangements.
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
Enhances the success rate of ablation treatments by minimizing the amount of ablation required and reducing the risk of complications, while providing patient-specific treatment strategies.
Implementation Method 1
electrode pairs at different locations of the two dimensional array pick up electrical signals at their respective locations
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4F
AI summary
A system that executes a process for mapping cardiac fibrillation and optimizing ablation treatments. The process, in some embodiments, includes: positioning a two dimensional electrode array to several locations in a patient's heart and at each location, obtaining a conduction velocity and a cycle length measurement from at least two local signals in response to electrical activity in the cardiac tissue. In some embodiments, a regional wavelength is calculated by multiplying the local conduction velocity with the local minimum cycle length. The system can then create a wavelength distribution map that identifies the location of the drivers in the heart. In certain embodiments, the system uses variability of conduction velocity and cycle length in an area to determine the driver type. In some embodiments, the system calculates average distance of drivers to non-conductive tissue boundaries. The system then selects ablation placements that maximize treatment efficacy while minimizing tissue damage.