Non-contact Fiber-optic Temperature Sensor for Esophageal Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF catheter ablation techniques for treating cardiac arrhythmias face challenges in accurately determining the necessary heat parameters, leading to potential thermal injuries and esophageal fistula formation due to the proximity of the esophagus to the treatment site, with no effective measures to prevent such injuries.
Innovation Solution
The development of non-contact fiber-optic temperature sensors that use infrared radiation to monitor temperature changes within the esophagus, providing 360° temperature measurement capabilities without direct contact, allowing for real-time temperature monitoring and automatic adjustment of RF energy application to prevent esophageal injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If RF energy is applied to treat cardiac arrhythmia in the left atrium, then the arrhythmia treatment efficacy is improved, but the risk of esophageal thermal injury and fistula formation increases due to the proximity of the esophagus to the treatment site
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time temperature monitoring feedback by placing temperature sensors in the esophagus to continuously measure temperature during RF ablation. The monitoring system provides immediate feedback on temperature changes, allowing the operator to adjust RF energy delivery to prevent esophageal injury while maintaining effective arrhythmia treatment. This closed-loop feedback system resolves the contradiction by enabling dynamic control of the harmful thermal effects while preserving the therapeutic benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temperature sensors as an intermediary element between the RF ablation catheter and the esophagus. These sensors act as mediators that detect temperature changes in the esophagus caused by RF energy application, providing critical information about the thermal field without directly interfering with the ablation process. This intermediary measurement capability allows for safe treatment by detecting harmful thermal effects before they cause tissue damage.
2Reliability
If Barium radiopaque material is used to visualize the esophagus during fluoroscopy, then the safety against esophageal injury is improved, but the procedure complexity and patient risk increase due to airway protection requirements during sedation and anesthesia
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fluoroscopy-based visualization system with a thermal sensing system. Instead of using Barium contrast material and fluoroscopic imaging to indirectly locate and protect the esophagus, the invention directly measures temperature in the esophagus using implantable temperature sensors. This substitution eliminates the need for complex imaging procedures, Barium administration, and reduces patient risks associated with prolonged sedation and anesthesia, while providing more direct and reliable safety monitoring.
3Reliability
If temperature monitoring is implemented in the esophagus during RF ablation, then the safety margin is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for additional sensors and monitoring systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature monitoring function with the existing RF ablation system by integrating temperature sensors into the procedural workflow. The temperature sensors are positioned in the esophagus concurrent with the ablation procedure, and the monitoring data is integrated into the same clinical decision-making process used for RF energy delivery. This merging approach increases safety without requiring entirely separate monitoring equipment or procedures, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
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 margin of safety during RF catheter ablation by accurately monitoring temperature changes along the esophagus, preventing thermal injuries and reducing the risk of esophageal fistula formation, thereby improving procedure efficacy and patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
non-contact fiber-optic temperature sensors that use infrared radiation to monitor temperature changes within the esophagus
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared fiber-optic device is able to monitor esophageal temperature during an ablation/cryoablation procedure over a volume of interest to sense whether the temperature is too high or too low. The device may include a plurality of optical fibers each with a wide angle lens collectively disposed circumferentially and longitudinally to cover the volume of interest, as the particular region over which undesirable temperature may not be known beforehand. In other examples, the device may include an embedded array of infrared sensors extending sufficiently to encompass a volume of interest. The device may be used as part of a feedback control to regulate and stop operation of the ablation/cryoablation procedure to prevent vessel damage.