Lesion Analysis Processor for RF Ablation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current RF ablation catheters lack effective methods for real-time monitoring of lesion formation in tissue, particularly in cardiac tissue, which can lead to uncertainties in lesion depth and transmurality during procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a lesion analysis processor that receives A-line scan echograms to determine lesion progress through changes in brightness, tissue elasticity, acoustic reflector movement, and resonant microbubble distribution, providing feedback on lesion formation using ultrasound transducers integrated within the catheter tip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RF ablation is performed without real-time lesion monitoring, then the ablation procedure can be performed quickly, but the lesion depth and transmurality cannot be accurately determined
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time feedback by continuously monitoring echograms during RF ablation and comparing them to reference echograms. The lesion analysis processor provides immediate feedback on lesion depth and formation progress, allowing operators to adjust ablation parameters dynamically without extending overall procedure time significantly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods (such as physical probes or post-procedure imaging) with ultrasound-based acoustic monitoring. The echogram analysis system uses acoustic wave reflection patterns to non-invasively measure lesion depth in real-time, substituting complex mechanical measurement systems with a more integrated acoustic field-based approach.
2Measurement precision
If multiple monitoring parameters are analyzed to improve lesion accuracy, then lesion formation can be precisely monitored, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The echogram-based monitoring system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures lesion depth, detects lesion formation progress, identifies steam pop events, and provides feedback on ablation effectiveness. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate monitoring devices into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified representations (copies) of complex tissue changes by analyzing echogram brightness patterns and acoustic reflector movements. Instead of directly measuring multiple physical parameters, the system uses echogram image analysis to infer lesion characteristics, reducing the complexity of direct multi-parameter measurement while maintaining monitoring accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If real-time echogram analysis is performed to monitor lesion depth, then accurate lesion control is achieved, but processing requirements and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the most critical features from echograms for analysis, such as brightness changes in specific regions and movements of acoustic reflectors. By focusing computational resources on these key indicators rather than processing entire echogram images in full detail, the system reduces computational load and energy consumption while maintaining accurate lesion depth determination.
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 real-time monitoring and feedback on lesion formation, allowing for precise control of ablation depth and preventing complications such as steam pops, thereby improving the accuracy and safety of RF ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic sensor (e.g., a pulse-echo transducer; a photoacoustic transducer) that can be used to monitor the formation of a lesion
Implementation Method 2
a pulse-echo transducer
Implementation Method 3
tissue elasticity as evidenced by changes in acoustic reflector movement between echograms
Implementation Method 4
tissue shrinkage as evidenced by acoustic reflector movement between echograms
Implementation Method 5
changes in resonant microbubble distribution from echogram to echogram
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods of monitoring lesion formation using one-dimensional echograms are disclosed. In certain aspects, lesion formation progress is monitored using the intensity of reflectors in successive echograms during ablation. In another aspect, lesion formation progress is monitored based upon actual or apparent movement of acoustic reflectors before and after ablation. In still another aspect, the presence or absence of resonant microbubbles known to populate forming lesions are used to provide feedback on lesion formation. A lesion analysis processor can be programmed to determine lesion formation progress using any of the foregoing approaches, either alone or in various combinations.