Optical Catheter FBG Mapping for Heart Pressure Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiovascular interventional procedures face challenges in precisely measuring and controlling the pressure applied by catheters during heart mapping and radiofrequency ablation, leading to potential complications such as blood clot formation or heart perforation, due to limitations in existing pressure-sensing technologies and 3D mapping accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A 3D heart mapping system using a mapping catheter with at least three optical cores equipped with fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) that senses the shape and pressure of the catheter in real-time, allowing for the calculation of coordinates and construction of a 3D heart shape without the need for additional electrode patches or external fields, enabling precise pressure measurement and accurate location verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a catheter applies excessive pressure to the affected body part, then the medical procedure can be performed effectively, but the catheter tip may damage the affected body part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time pressure feedback through force sensors located at the catheter tip, which continuously monitor the contact force applied to the heart tissue. This feedback is transmitted to a control system that adjusts the catheter's position and pressure application, ensuring the pressure remains within the safe and effective range (0.01-5 N) for radiofrequency ablation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pressure measurement systems with optical fiber-based force sensors using fiber Bragg grating (FBG) technology. This substitution enables more precise and reliable pressure sensing at the catheter tip, allowing for accurate real-time measurement of contact forces during cardiac procedures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the catheter applies extremely low pressure to the affected body part, then damage is avoided, but the affected body part may not be completely or desirably treated
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time pressure feedback system continuously monitors contact force and provides data to the control system, which adjusts catheter manipulation to maintain pressure within the therapeutic window (0.01-5 N). This ensures sufficient pressure for effective radiofrequency ablation while preventing excessive pressure that could cause tissue damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system performs self-regulation of pressure application through the integrated force sensors and control system, which automatically adjust the catheter's interaction with the heart tissue based on real-time pressure measurements, eliminating the need for constant manual adjustment by the operator.
3Measurement precision
If additional electrode patches or external fields are used for 3D mapping, then mapping accuracy is improved, but device complexity and procedure time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the mapping catheter itself: force sensing, 3D location tracking, and heart surface mapping are all integrated into a single catheter system. The FBG-based force sensors and location sensors work together to provide comprehensive data for constructing accurate 3D maps of the heart's inner wall without requiring separate electrode patches or external field systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping catheter is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs radiofrequency ablation, force measurement, location tracking, and 3D heart mapping. This universal device eliminates the need for multiple separate tools and external systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high mapping accuracy.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the catheter is not in contact with the target tissue, then blood clot formation is avoided, but radiofrequency ablation cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensors provide real-time feedback on catheter-tissue contact status, enabling the control system to detect when the catheter is properly engaged with the target tissue. This feedback ensures that radiofrequency ablation is only performed when adequate contact is established, preventing blood clot formation from improper non-contact application while ensuring effective treatment when contact is appropriate.
5Reliability
If the catheter is in excessive close contact with the inner wall of the heart, then treatment effectiveness is improved, but heart perforation may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The real-time force feedback system continuously monitors contact pressure between the catheter and heart tissue, alerting the operator or automatically adjusting the catheter position when pressure approaches dangerous levels. This feedback mechanism enables maintenance of sufficient contact for effective radiofrequency ablation while preventing excessive pressure that could cause heart perforation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides advance warning and automatic pressure regulation before dangerous force levels are reached, cushioning against the risk of heart perforation by preventing excessive pressure application in the first place rather than reacting after damage occurs.
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 solution allows for accurate and precise measurement of pressure and shape of the catheter, reducing the risk of complications and improving the accuracy of heart mapping, enabling safer and more effective cardiovascular interventions.
Implementation Method 1
A 3D heart mapping system using a mapping catheter with at least three optical cores equipped with fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) that senses the shape and pressure of the catheter in real-time
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a system for three-dimensionally mapping a heart, comprising: a mapping catheter including three or more optical cores each of which has a plurality of FBGs disposed in the lengthwise direction of a catheter body, and a plurality of electrodes disposed in the lengthwise direction of the catheter body and exposed on the outer circumferential surface of the catheter body, wherein the electrodes make contact with the inner wall of the heart; and a mapping processor for calculating coordinates of the FBGs by wavelength information of reflected light received from the three or more optical cores, and calculating coordinates of the electrodes from the coordinates of the FBGs so as to build a three-dimensional shape of the heart by using a sample point at which the plurality of electrodes make contact.