Expandable Imaging Hood Purging for Clear Tissue Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional medical devices for accessing and visualizing tissue within a body lumen, such as the heart, face challenges in providing effective visualization and treatment due to the presence of opaque fluids like blood, which obstructs clear imaging and can lead to incorrect placement of therapeutic instruments, especially in procedures like atrial fibrillation ablation.
Innovation Solution
A tissue imaging and manipulation apparatus with an expandable imaging hood that uses a transparent fluid to displace blood, featuring a diaphragm or unidirectional valves to control fluid flow, allowing for efficient purging and minimizing the amount of clearing fluid introduced into the body, while also enabling real-time visualization and therapeutic interventions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional catheter imaging systems are used to visualize tissue within the body lumen, then real-time visualization capability is provided, but the opaque fluids (blood) obstruct clear imaging and lead to incorrect placement of therapeutic instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the opaque blood from the imaging field by introducing a transparent purging fluid that displaces the blood away from the tissue surface being visualized, allowing clear optical imaging to proceed without the obstructing blood
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent purging fluid as an intermediary substance between the opaque blood and the optical imaging system. This mediator fluid allows light to pass through clearly while the blood is excluded from the imaging field, solving the visualization problem
2Loss of information
If purging fluid is introduced to displace blood and enable visualization, then clear imaging is achieved, but excessive fluid introduction into the body may cause harm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic control of fluid flow through adjustable flow rates and controllable delivery timing. The purging fluid is delivered at controlled rates and can be stopped or reduced when visualization is achieved, allowing the system to adapt fluid delivery to actual procedural needs and minimize total fluid introduction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of fluid delivery by adjusting flow rate, pressure, and duration based on procedural requirements. By dynamically modifying these delivery parameters, the system achieves effective purging while minimizing the total volume of fluid introduced into the patient's body
3Ease of operation
If conventional catheter techniques are used for atrial fibrillation ablation, then access to target tissue is provided, but correct placement and effective treatment are difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time optical feedback by continuously visualizing the tissue surface and catheter position during the procedure. This feedback allows the operator to see exactly where instruments are being placed and make immediate adjustments to ensure correct positioning and effective treatment delivery
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 clear visualization of tissue surfaces within the body lumen by efficiently displacing opaque fluids, reducing the risk of incorrect procedures and minimizing fluid intake, thereby enhancing the safety and effectiveness of treatments like atrial fibrillation ablation.
Implementation Method 1
efficiently displacing opaque fluids
Implementation Method 2
featuring a diaphragm or unidirectional valves to control fluid flow
Data Source
AI summary
A tissue visualization system comprises a flexible elongate shaft through which a lumen extends. The system also comprises a pliable visualization device coupled to a distal portion of the flexible elongate shaft. The pliable visualization device includes a chamber configured to receive a fluid. The system also comprises a piercing instrument configured to extend through the lumen and to penetrate a surface of the pliable visualization device.