Heart Chamber Transition Zone Mapping for Precise Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical procedures face challenges in accurately mapping the transition zone between heart chambers, particularly in pulmonary vein isolation procedures, leading to incomplete ablation and ineffective treatment of arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation due to improper placement of ablation electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing catheters with sensing and ablation electrodes, combined with magnetic and impedance-based position sensing, estimates the transition zone by analyzing electrical potential and impedance signals to improve accuracy, and displays the estimated zone on an anatomical map for precise ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mapping techniques are used to estimate the transition zone between heart chambers, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but the accuracy of transition zone mapping is insufficient leading to improper electrode placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transition zone mapping problem by dividing it into multiple discrete electrode measurement points. By placing multiple electrodes at specific intervals along the catheter, the system breaks down the continuous transition zone into measurable segments, allowing for more precise location identification through comparative signal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical potential and impedance signals as intermediary measurements to indirectly locate the transition zone. Instead of directly visualizing the transition zone, the system uses these electrical signals as mediators that change character at the transition zone boundary, enabling accurate mapping through signal analysis rather than direct observation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensing electrodes are used to improve transition zone estimation accuracy, then the location precision improves, but the device complexity and signal processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning multiple sensing electrodes at known intervals along the catheter before entering the transition zone. This preliminary configuration allows the system to systematically compare signals from predetermined positions, simplifying the detection process by eliminating the need for dynamic electrode repositioning during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback by continuously monitoring electrical potential and impedance signals from multiple electrodes and using this information to refine the transition zone location estimate. The comparative analysis of signals from different electrode positions provides feedback that confirms or adjusts the identified transition zone boundary, improving measurement reliability.
3Reliability
If ablation electrodes are improperly placed due to inaccurate transition zone mapping, then the procedure is simpler to perform, but the treatment effectiveness is reduced leading to incomplete ablation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the electrical dimension to the spatial placement problem. By measuring electrical potential and impedance signals as an additional dimension of information, the system can identify the transition zone location without relying solely on anatomical landmarks or operator skill, thereby improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automated signal-based guidance.
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 accuracy of transition zone estimation and ablation, ensuring complete blockage of electrophysiological waves and effective elimination of arrhythmias by precisely positioning ablation electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
one or more sensing electrodes that when placed in contact with the tissue, are configured to sense signals, such as electrical potential and/or impedance on the tissue in question
Implementation Method 2
one or more sensing electrodes that when placed in contact with the tissue, are configured to sense signals, such as electrical potential and/or impedance on the tissue in question
Implementation Method 3
one or more ablation electrodes configured to apply radiofrequency (RF) energy to perform ablation of tissue of the patient heart
Data Source
AI summary
A system, includes (i) a processor, which is configured to receive, in a zone between first and second regions of an organ of a patient, one or more signals, at least a signal among the signals includes first and second components indicative of an electrophysiological (EP) property of the organ, and based on a relation between the first and second components, the processor is configured to estimate a location of at least a transition zone between the first and second regions, and (ii) a display, configured to display at least the estimated transition zone over a map of the organ.