Intra-cardiac Mapping Catheter Using Blood Flow Convection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for percutaneous cardiac mapping and ablation, such as those for treating atrial fibrillation, face challenges in accurately navigating and ablating the heart chambers due to difficulties in accessing and mapping the left atrium, particularly due to scar tissue and the inability of existing tools to fit through a reasonable catheter diameter, and the risk of fatal errors.
Innovation Solution
An intra-cardiac mapping system using a catheter-deployed expandable net or scanning catheter that senses blood flow through its convective cooling effect to locate openings and valves, allowing for precise mapping and ablation procedures, including the use of flow sensors, steerable linear arrays, and expandable sensing meshes to perform RF, microwave, cryogenic, or laser ablations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical mapping methods are used to map the atrium, then mapping information can be obtained, but intimate electrical contact is required which is not always possible due to scar tissue and deposits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces blood flow as an intermediary medium to transfer thermal information from the atrial wall to the sensor. Instead of requiring direct electrical contact with the tissue, the heated sensor detects blood flow patterns that reveal the location of openings and valves, eliminating the need for intimate contact while maintaining mapping accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrical contact-based mapping system with a thermal/convection-based system. The sensor uses convective cooling effect of blood flow to detect anatomical features, substituting the mechanical/electrical contact requirement with a fluid-dynamic interaction that works through blood as a heat transfer medium
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic transducer arrays are used for mapping, then mapping capability is provided, but the arrays typically will not fit through a catheter of reasonable size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mapping function into discrete sensor elements distributed along the catheter shaft rather than using a single large ultrasonic array. Multiple small temperature sensors positioned at different locations along the catheter can collectively provide comprehensive mapping information while maintaining a thin catheter profile
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point ultrasonic measurement to a distributed linear array of temperature sensors along the catheter length. This one-dimensional distribution of sensors provides comprehensive spatial mapping capability without requiring the bulk of a three-dimensional ultrasonic array, enabling passage through standard catheters
3Ease of operation
If percutaneous mapping procedures are performed, then minimally invasive access is achieved, but navigation errors can cause fatal damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback through temperature sensing that continuously monitors blood flow patterns during catheter navigation. The convective cooling effect provides immediate information about the catheter's position relative to openings and valves, allowing operators to adjust navigation in real-time and avoid fatal errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary mapping of the atrial anatomy before ablation procedures by detecting the thermal signature of openings and valves. This advance mapping establishes a safe navigation framework and identifies critical structures beforehand, preventing navigation errors during the subsequent ablation phase
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 safe and accurate execution of Maze procedures by precisely locating pulmonary veins and mitral valves, reducing the risk of fatal damage and improving the accuracy of ablation patterns, while allowing for minimally invasive procedures with reduced contact requirements and improved sensitivity to scar tissue.
Implementation Method 1
The openings, ports and valves may be located based on the convective cooling effect of the blood flow
Implementation Method 2
sensing blood flow... blood flow being sensed by its convective cooling effect on a heated sensor
Implementation Method 3
blood flow being sensed by the resistance change of a heated resistive wire
Implementation Method 4
heated resistive wire
Data Source
AI summary
An intra-cardiac mapping system is based on locating the ports through which blood flows in or out of the heart chambers. For many procedures, such as ablation to cure atrial fibrillation, locating the pulmonary veins and the mitral valve accurately allows to perform a Maze procedure. The location of the ports and valves is based on using the convective cooling effect of the blood flow. The mapping can be performed by a catheter-deployed expandable net or a scanning catheter. The same net or catheter can also perform the ablation procedure.