Esophageal Probe with Multi-Sensor 3D Thermal Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for esophageal temperature and location monitoring during cardiac ablation procedures are inadequate, leading to high rates of esophageal injuries and underestimation of luminal esophageal temperature, which can result in lethal complications like atrial esophageal fistulas due to suboptimal orientation and positioning of probes.
Innovation Solution
A medical probe with multiple temperature sensors and electrodes proximate to the distal end, capable of continuous, live monitoring and three-dimensional anatomic and thermal mapping, allowing real-time visualization and positioning within the esophagus, thereby enhancing the accuracy of temperature readings and reducing the risk of thermal injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single temperature sensor is used in the esophageal probe, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of temperature monitoring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is segmented into multiple functional zones with temperature sensors positioned at specific locations (distal end, mid-section, proximal end) to monitor different segments of the esophagus independently, allowing comprehensive temperature mapping throughout the entire probe length
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point temperature measurement to three-dimensional temperature field mapping by positioning multiple sensors at different locations and orientations within the esophageal lumen, enabling spatial distribution of thermal data
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the temperature sensor is positioned away from the ablation site, then the risk of thermal injury to the sensor is reduced, but the measurement precision of luminal esophageal temperature deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities with flexible positioning mechanisms that allow real-time adjustment of sensor locations along the esophageal length, enabling the system to adapt to changing anatomical conditions and maintain optimal measurement positions
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses real-time temperature feedback from multiple sensors to continuously monitor the thermal environment and provides alerts when temperatures approach dangerous thresholds, allowing dynamic adjustment of ablation parameters or probe positioning to prevent thermal injury
3Ease of operation
If the probe orientation is not optimized, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision of temperature and location monitoring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates self-aligning features and automatic positioning capabilities that enable the system to autonomously optimize its orientation within the esophagus without requiring complex manual adjustment, with sensors automatically orienting themselves relative to the esophageal anatomy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses visual feedback mechanisms including color-coded indicators and real-time imaging that display the probe's spatial relationship to the esophageal wall, allowing operators to immediately recognize optimal positioning through visual cues
4Reliability
If multiple temperature sensors and electrodes are positioned proximate to the distal end, then the measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature sensors and electrodes are merged into an integrated probe assembly with unified housing and coordinated positioning, allowing simultaneous measurement of temperature and electrical parameters at the same spatial locations through a single device
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
The probe provides accurate, continuous monitoring and visualization of esophageal temperatures and locations, reducing the risk of esophageal injuries and fistulas by ensuring precise positioning and real-time feedback during cardiac ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are coupled to the probe
Implementation Method 2
An electrode is also coupled to the probe
Implementation Method 3
radio-frequency electrical impulses (or other ablation technique) are used to induce and/or study various arrhythmias, and ablate the abnormal tissue
Implementation Method 4
Fistula formation is thought to occur due to conductive heat transfer to the esophagus that causes trans-mural tissue injury
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention resides in one aspect in a device for monitoring luminal esophageal temperatures in a patient. The device includes a probe adapted to be inserted into an esophagus of the patient. The probe extends between a proximal end and a distal end. A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are coupled to the probe. An electrode is also coupled to the probe. The second temperature sensor is displaced from the first temperature sensor along a longitudinal axis of the probe. A controller processes information received by the electrodes and the temperature sensors. The controller generates a live and continuously updating three dimensional anatomic map and three dimensional thermal map of the esophagus based at least in part on the information received from the temperature sensors and the electrodes. The thermal map and the anatomic map are displayed on a video monitor.