Heated Mapping Electrodes for Cryoablation Ice Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cryoablation procedures face challenges in maintaining the axial movement of mapping catheters during cryotreatment due to ice formation and cryoadhesion, which limits data collection and stability of the cryoballoon, and exposes patients to radiation through contrast medium use.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating heating elements within the mapping catheter that can be activated based on temperature sensors to prevent ice formation and maintain fluid liquidity in the guide wire lumen, allowing for axial movement and continuous data collection during cryotreatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the mapping catheter is retracted from deep within the PV to collect data closer to the PV ostium, then data accuracy about the target isolation site is improved, but the cryoballoon may slip out of place and occlusion of the PV may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the mapping function from the cryoballoon by introducing a dedicated mapping catheter that can be independently positioned. The mapping catheter includes multiple mapping electrodes distributed along its length, allowing data collection from multiple positions without affecting cryoballoon stability. This segmentation enables the mapping catheter to be retracted for data collection while the cryoballoon remains stationary and stable.
2Reliability
If the mapping catheter is left deep within the PV to maintain support for the cryoballoon, then cryoballoon stability is maintained, but data collection about the target isolation site is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the functions between the cryoballoon (providing stability and occlusion) and the mapping catheter (providing data collection). The mapping catheter can be positioned deep within the PV to support the cryoballoon, then retracted along the guide wire lumen to collect data from multiple positions including areas closer to the PV ostium, without compromising cryoballoon stability.
3Measurement precision
If contrast medium and fluoroscopy are used to reassess PV occlusion during repositioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but patient exposure to radiation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical imaging system (fluoroscopy with contrast medium) with an electrical sensing system. The mapping electrodes on the mapping catheter detect electrical signals from the PV tissue to determine occlusion status and catheter position. This electrical field-based detection method provides positioning information without requiring radiation or contrast medium injection.
4Ease of operation
If the mapping catheter is retracted before cryoadhesion occurs, then axial movement is maintained, but the cryoballoon may become unstable and require repositioning
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping catheter acts as an intermediary between the operator and the cryoballoon positioning system. It provides continuous electrical signal feedback about PV occlusion status, allowing the operator to monitor and adjust positioning without relying on fluoroscopy. The mapping catheter's ability to detect electrical signals enables real-time assessment of cryoballoon effectiveness during retraction and repositioning maneuvers.
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 continuous axial movement of the mapping catheter and prevents ice formation on electrodes, improving data accuracy and reducing patient exposure to radiation by maintaining occlusion assessment without contrast media, thus enhancing the effectiveness and safety of cryoablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating heating elements within the mapping catheter that can be activated based on temperature sensors to prevent ice formation and maintain fluid liquidity in the guide wire lumen
Implementation Method 2
heating elements within the mapping catheter that can be activated based on temperature sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for cryotreatment and mapping of target tissue. The cryotreatment system may include a cryotreatment catheter, a mapping catheter including one or more mapping electrodes, and one or more temperature sensors located on the mapping catheter and/or the cryotreatment catheter. The cryotreatment catheter distal tip may be short enough to allow at least one mapping electrode to be positioned proximate the cryoballoon, for example, within 6 mm or less from the cryoballoon. Energy, such as radiofrequency energy, may be delivered to one or more mapping electrodes when one or more temperature sensors indicate a temperature of approximately 0° C. or below at one or more mapping electrode in order to thaw or prevent the formation of ice on the mapping electrodes when positioned proximate a cryoballoon during a cryotreatment procedure in order to recapture cardiac signals.