Integrated Imaging Ablation Catheter with OCT Probe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current PVI lesion formation during radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation is guided by indirect information, leading to non-transmural lesions and potential AF recurrence, highlighting the need for direct lesion transmurality feedback.

Innovation Solution

An integrated imaging-ablation catheter incorporating an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe and ablation electrode, with flexible tubing to prevent probe back-out and rotation distortion, providing real-time high-resolution imaging to guide lesion formation and improve transmurality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an optical imaging probe is integrated into the ablation catheter, then direct lesion transmurality feedback is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelesion transmurality measurementVSAvoidcatheter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the optical imaging probe and ablation electrode into a single integrated catheter assembly, allowing both diagnostic (imaging) and therapeutic (ablation) functions to be performed through one device. This merging enables direct correlation between imaging data and ablation lesions while simplifying the overall procedural workflow despite the increased internal complexity of the catheter structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical imaging probe is nested within the ablation catheter body, with the probe positioned concentrically inside the tubular catheter structure. This nesting arrangement allows the imaging probe to be housed within the existing catheter framework, minimizing external dimensional increases while enabling the additional imaging functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If flexible tubing is used to permit rotational movement of the probe, then probe rotation freedom is improved, but probe position stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe rotationVSAvoidprobe axial position

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The catheter structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: a flexible section containing the tubing that allows probe rotation, and a stable distal section where the ablation electrode and probe tip are positioned. This segmentation enables rotational freedom in the proximal flexible tubing while maintaining positional stability at the distal treatment site through structural support elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If direct lesion transmurality feedback is implemented, then PVI procedure efficacy is improved, but procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePVI procedure efficacyVSAvoidprocedure time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The optical imaging probe provides real-time feedback during the ablation procedure by continuously capturing images of the tissue adjacent to the ablation electrode. This feedback loop allows the operator to immediately assess lesion formation and transmurality, enabling dynamic adjustment of ablation parameters to achieve complete lesions more efficiently, ultimately reducing the need for repeat procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution enables direct lesion transmurality feedback, enhancing the efficacy of PVI procedures by providing accurate, real-time imaging and data to ensure complete lesion formation, thereby reducing AF recurrence.

Implementation Method 1

An integrated imaging-ablation catheter incorporating an optical coherence tomography (OCT) probe and ablation electrode

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical coherence tomography: Tomography

Implementation Method 2

PV isolation (PVI) using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become a common curative procedure to treat AF

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiofrequency ablation: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

The controller is configured to control the pulse generator to supply electrical energy to the electrode to implement ablation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20220192743A1Integrated imaging ablation catheter

Publication Date: 2022.06.23 CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIV

AI summary

A described example provides an ablation catheter including an elongate tubular body having spaced apart proximal and distal ends and a lumen extending through the elongate tubular body. An ablation electrode extends from the distal end of the elongate tubular body to terminate in a distal end thereof. An elongate optical imaging probe extends through the lumen of the elongate tubular body and terminates in a distal end that is spaced a distance from the distal end of the ablation electrode. A flexible tubing extends over a length of the probe and configured to permit at least rotational movement of the probe within the flexible tubing. A distal end portion of the flexible tubing can be held at an axial position relative to the elongate tubular body to fix the distance between the distal end of the probe and the distal end of the ablation electrode.