Fluorescence Imaging Catheter for Tissue Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catheter imaging systems lack the capability to provide therapeutic treatments and face challenges in visualizing and accessing target tissue effectively, especially in procedures like atrial fibrillation, due to difficulties in dealing with varying tissue thickness and the absence of real-time visualization, which can lead to incorrect placement and fatal consequences.
Innovation Solution
The use of fluorescence imaging with an imaging catheter that includes a flexible catheter, a hood for fluid communication, an imager for visualization, and a sensor to detect fluorescence, allowing for real-time imaging and differentiation between healthy and ablated tissue through the use of excitation sources, fluorophores, and filters, enabling improved tissue contrast and perfusion assessment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional catheter imaging systems are used, then the device structure is simple, but the capability to provide therapeutic treatments and real-time visualization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (imaging, fluorescence detection, therapy delivery) into a single integrated catheter system. The catheter includes an imager, fluorescence sensor, and therapeutic elements that work together to provide real-time visualization and treatment, eliminating the need for separate devices and improving procedural safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed as a multi-functional device that can perform imaging, fluorescence detection, and therapeutic treatments through a single instrument. This universal design allows the system to adapt to different procedural needs while maintaining a unified platform, reducing the complexity of managing multiple separate devices.
2Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods are used, then the device structure is simple, but the visualization of target tissue and differentiation between healthy and ablated tissue is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses fluorescence imaging to detect changes in tissue properties. Healthy tissue and ablated tissue exhibit different fluorescence characteristics, allowing for precise differentiation. The fluorescence sensor detects these optical property changes, providing clear visual distinction between tissue states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fluorescence agents as intermediaries to enhance tissue contrast. These agents accumulate differently in healthy versus ablated tissue, and when excited by light, they emit fluorescence signals that are detected by the sensor, providing indirect but highly accurate tissue differentiation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional catheter devices are used, then the device complexity is low, but the capability to deal with varying tissue thickness and provide real-time feedback is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system incorporates real-time feedback through fluorescence detection, allowing dynamic adjustment of therapeutic parameters based on actual tissue response. The system can adapt to varying tissue thickness by monitoring fluorescence signals and adjusting treatment delivery accordingly, providing a dynamic rather than static treatment approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a feedback mechanism where the fluorescence sensor continuously monitors tissue properties during treatment. This real-time information is used to adjust therapeutic delivery, ensuring appropriate treatment for varying tissue thickness and composition, and preventing both under-treatment and over-treatment.
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
Enables real-time visualization and therapeutic interventions by distinguishing between healthy and ablated tissue, reducing the risk of incorrect placement and improving the effectiveness of procedures like atrial fibrillation treatment by providing clear images of tissue regions and perfusion status.
Implementation Method 1
The use of fluorescence imaging is well known in medicine... Fluorescence imaging has three fundamental components that can provide discrimination: (1) the excitation source, (2) the fluorophore, and (3) a filtered receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Tissue contrast imaging systems are described which detect differences in tissue contrasts to obtain images of the tissue region. The systems may be used to obtain images of the cardiac tissues particularly in a blood-filled environment.