Integrated Catheter for Cardiac Ablation Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac ablation techniques for atrial fibrillation lack optimal clarity and accuracy in visualizing endocardial structures and creating permanent lesions, often requiring multiple catheters and increasing the risk of complications due to improper navigation.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system that combines localization and ablation capabilities, using conductance data to create a profile of body lumens and calculate cross-sectional areas, allowing for precise identification and treatment of targeted tissue without the need for multiple devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheters are used for cardiac ablation procedures, then the capability to perform both localization and ablation is improved, but the device complexity and risk of complications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines localization electrodes and ablation electrodes into a single integrated catheter device. The catheter includes a localization electrode for measuring conductance to identify anatomical structures and an ablation electrode for delivering RF energy to create lesions, eliminating the need for separate catheters and reducing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a localization tool through conductance measurements and as an ablation tool through RF energy delivery. This universal design allows a single device to perform multiple functions that previously required separate specialized catheters
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheters are used for cardiac ablation, then functional capabilities are improved, but the risk of complications increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging localization and ablation functions into one catheter, the patent reduces the total number of devices entering the patient's body. This minimizes the risk of complications associated with multiple catheter insertions, manipulations, and navigations through delicate cardiac structures
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional ablation techniques are used, then the procedure can be performed with existing tools, but the accuracy in visualizing endocardial structures and creating permanent lesions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter incorporates conductance measurement capabilities that provide real-time feedback on anatomical structure identification. The localization electrode measures conductance to identify pulmonary vein ostia and other anatomical landmarks, providing feedback that guides the ablation process and ensures accurate lesion creation at the intended targets
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 and safety of cardiac ablation procedures by enabling real-time localization and ablation of specific anatomical structures, such as pulmonary vein-atrial junctions, reducing the risk of complications and improving treatment outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
measuring electrical conductance within a body lumen using a number of electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The device delivers either radiofrequency energy (RF ablation) or intense cold (cryoablation) to destroy the small section of tissue
Implementation Method 3
The device delivers either radiofrequency energy (RF ablation) or intense cold (cryoablation) to destroy the small section of tissue
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for the localization of body lumen junctions and other intraluminal structure are disclosed. Various embodiments permit clinicians to identify the locations of intraluminal structures and medical devices during non-surgical medical techniques, by determining the conductance and/or cross-sectional area at a plurality of locations within the body lumen.