Esophagus Relocation Catheter for Atrial Fibrillation Safety
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During minimally invasive catheter ablation procedures for treating atrial fibrillation, there is a high risk of damaging the esophagus due to its proximity to the heart, leading to potential life-threatening complications such as atrial-esophageal fistula, as existing methods fail to effectively control the esophagus' location relative to the heart.
Innovation Solution
A relocation system comprising an elongated member with interconnected segments and control lines, allowing for manipulation to safely move and restrain anatomical structures like the esophagus away from the surgical site, using radiological materials for visibility and control handles to steer the segments and create desired curves along the longitudinal axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If minimally invasive catheter ablation procedures are performed to treat atrial fibrillation, then patient recovery time is reduced and surgical invasiveness is minimized, but the risk of damaging the esophagus increases due to its proximity to the heart
Solution Approach 1:
The esophagus is repositioned to a safer location before the ablation procedure begins. The relocation system includes an elongated member with segments that can be inserted through the mouth and esophagus, then actuated to push the esophagus laterally away from the heart, creating a safety buffer before any ablation energy is applied
Solution Approach 2:
The relocation system acts as an intermediary device between the surgeon and the esophagus. The system includes an elongated member with multiple segments interconnected by control lines, allowing the surgeon to indirectly manipulate and reposition the esophagus without direct contact during the critical ablation phase
2Reliability
If the esophagus is relocated away from the heart using a relocation system, then the safety margin during ablation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The relocation system is divided into multiple segments (first segment, second segment, third segment) that can be independently controlled. Each segment is interconnected by control lines that can be actuated separately, allowing progressive repositioning of the esophagus while maintaining system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The elongated member segments are designed to be nested or telescopic, allowing the system to be compact for insertion and then expand or articulate once positioned. The control lines run through the segments, allowing compact packaging while maintaining full functionality when deployed
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the esophagus is moved laterally during the procedure, then the risk of thermal penetration damage is reduced, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring esophagus position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates radiopaque materials or markers on the elongated member segments that are visible under fluoroscopy. These markers change their apparent position and orientation as the segments are actuated, providing real-time visual feedback on the degree of esophagus repositioning without requiring direct visualization of the esophagus itself
Data Source
AI summary
A relocation system for influencing an anatomical structure in relation to an internal surgical site. The system is composed of an elongated member constructed and arranged for insertion into a patient. The elongated member is composed of a plurality of segments interconnected by a plurality of control lines. The plurality of segments having one or more straight segments, one or more deflection segments, which are used to shape and steer the elongated member upon manipulation of at least one of the control lines. This causes the elongated member to deform into any desired shape capable of influencing the anatomical structure.