Automated Heart Chamber Mapping via Magnetic Navigation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mapping heart tissue surfaces, especially those with varying geometry like local ridges, are inefficient and lack precision, making it difficult to accurately capture anatomical and electrical information necessary for therapies like Radio Frequency ablation.
Innovation Solution
The use of a remote navigation system, such as an automated magnetic navigation system, to guide a medical device in making precise contact with the heart tissue, employing sequenced movements to map anatomical features and electrical impulses, allowing for accurate identification of anatomical ridges and abnormalities, and facilitating the delivery of targeted therapies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual mapping methods are used to map heart tissue surfaces, then the mapping process can be performed with simple equipment, but the mapping precision and efficiency are insufficient especially for complex geometries like local ridges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical mapping operations with an automated magnetic navigation system that uses magnetic fields to control the position and movement of the mapping catheter. This substitution of mechanical control with magnetic field control enables precise automated mapping of complex heart geometries including local ridges, directly resolving the contradiction between mapping precision and system complexity by providing high precision through automation while managing complexity through specialized equipment design
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping system incorporates automated features where the system itself performs the mapping operations without continuous manual intervention. The automated navigation and mapping capabilities allow the system to autonomously navigate the catheter and capture anatomical data, improving precision while the automation handles the complexity of coordinated movements and data acquisition
2Productivity
If automated magnetic navigation system is used to guide medical device, then mapping efficiency and accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-planning the mapping procedure and pre-positioning the catheter under magnetic navigation before the actual mapping begins. This preliminary setup phase handles the complex navigation system configuration and path planning, allowing the subsequent mapping process to proceed efficiently with reduced real-time complexity management
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic navigation system acts as an intermediary between the operator and the mapping catheter, mediating the control and guidance. This intermediary layer manages the complexity of automated navigation by providing a controlled interface that translates operator intent into precise catheter movements, thereby improving mapping efficiency while containing operational complexity within the navigation system
3Measurement precision
If sequenced movements are employed to map anatomical features, then accurate identification of anatomical ridges is achieved, but the mapping process time and procedural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping process employs periodic action through sequenced movements where the catheter systematically moves through predetermined positions and orientations to map anatomical features. This periodic, rhythmic movement pattern ensures comprehensive coverage of the heart surface including accurate identification of ridges, while the systematic nature of the sequencing optimizes the time required compared to random or manual exploration
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic adjustments in the sequenced movements to adapt to the anatomical geometry being mapped. The movement sequence can be dynamically modified based on real-time feedback from the mapping process, allowing efficient navigation around complex features like ridges without requiring excessive time for manual adjustment, thus balancing precision with time efficiency
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 approach enables a more accurate and efficient mapping of heart anatomy and electrical activity, allowing for precise delivery of therapies like Radio Frequency ablation by maintaining contact with the tissue surface and adapting movements to accommodate different heart regions and geometries.
Implementation Method 1
The mapping process is carried out by a medical device that is driven or controlled by a remote navigation system. One example of such a system is the Stereotaxis' Niobe magnetic navigation system
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided to facilitate the movement of a medical device for automated mapping of anatomical surfaces of a subject's heart with a remote navigation. The method may include one or more distinct movements for moving a medical device for mapping a portion of an anatomical surface of a subject's heart. Upon establishing contact of the tip of the medical device with a surface of the heart, one method provides for moving the medical device along the surface of the heart towards an anatomical feature until a loss of contact with the surface is sensed, and determining the point where the loss of contact occurred to identify at least one point along the anatomical feature. The process may be repeated to identify a multiplicity of points that serve to define the ridge on the interior heart surface. The ridge location in the anatomical map can be used as a reference or guide to facilitate the further mapping of physiological properties and to plan therapy delivery during the medical procedure.