Implantable Electrode Locator for Precise Arrhythmia Focus Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current anatomically-based catheter ablation methods for atrial fibrillation are ineffective in accurately determining the precise location of arrhythmogenic foci, leading to recurrent conduction across ablation lesions and precipitation of atrial fibrillation events from sites other than the pulmonary vein, with pulmonary vein isolation failing to control recurrences in many patients.
Innovation Solution
A locator assembly is implanted in the patient to map and locate arrhythmogenic foci in or near the heart, capable of monitoring electrophysiological signals and wirelessly transmitting data to an external device for precise localization of arrhythmogenic sources during daily life, using expandable electrodes and telemetry capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If anatomically-based catheter ablation is performed at the pulmonary vein, then the procedure can be standardized and performed efficiently, but it fails to accurately identify the true arrhythmogenic foci leading to recurrent atrial fibrillation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/anatomical approach (catheter ablation based on pulmonary vein location) with an electrophysiological mapping approach using implanted locator assemblies that continuously monitor and identify the actual arrhythmogenic foci through electrical signal analysis, thereby achieving both efficiency and precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter for identifying arrhythmogenic foci from anatomical location (pulmonary vein) to electrophysiological characteristics (electrical activation patterns, voltage gradients, frequency analysis), enabling accurate localization regardless of anatomical position
2Ease of manufacture
If pulmonary vein isolation is performed to prevent atrial fibrillation recurrence, then the procedure can be completed in a standardized manner, but recurrent conduction across ablation lesions occurs and new arrhythmogenic sites develop
Solution Approach 1:
The implanted locator assembly continuously monitors the patient's own electrophysiological signals to automatically identify arrhythmogenic foci and guide ablation therapy, eliminating the need for surrogate markers like catecholamine-induced atrial fibrillation and enabling precise, patient-specific treatment that adapts to changing arrhythmia patterns
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If surrogate strategies like catecholamine-induced atrial fibrillation are used to map arrhythmogenic foci during ablation procedures, then real-time mapping can be attempted, but the approach is time-consuming, non-standardized, and ineffective as drug-induced atrial fibrillation does not represent spontaneous atrial fibrillation
Solution Approach 1:
The locator assembly is implanted beforehand to continuously monitor electrophysiological signals during the patient's daily life, capturing spontaneous arrhythmia episodes and their precise locations before ablation procedures, thereby eliminating the need for complex intra-procedural surrogate mapping strategies
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an implanted locator assembly as an intermediary device that continuously records and transmits electrophysiological data, serving as a bridge between the patient's spontaneous arrhythmia episodes and the clinician's ability to identify and treat arrhythmogenic foci with precision
Data Source
AI summary
A locator assembly (100) for determining a location of an arrhythmogenic foci (632) in or near a heart (101). The locator assembly (100) includes a device body (112) and a plurality of electrodes (102). The plurality of electrodes (102) receive electrical signals from the heart (101) to determine the location of the arrhythmogenic foci (632). The plurality of electrodes (102) can be coupled to the device body (112). At least two of the plurality of electrodes (102) can positioned circumferentially about the device body (112). The plurality of electrodes (102) can be positionable so that the plurality of electrodes (102) are in electrical communication with the heart (101).