Piezoelectric Sensor Tissue Contact Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining tissue contact during medical procedures, such as cardiac mapping and ablation, are inadequate, often relying on operator experience and fluoroscopy, which can lead to inaccurate results and tissue damage due to insufficient or excessive contact.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating one or more piezoelectric sensors into flexible tip devices to measure contact stresses, generating electrical signals that indicate the level of tissue contact, allowing for real-time adjustment of pressure to achieve optimal contact for procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional fluoroscopy techniques are used to determine tissue contact, then the procedure can be performed with standard equipment, but the tissue contact assessment is inaccurate and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual fluoroscopy assessment with direct mechanical measurement using piezoelectric sensors that convert contact pressure into electrical signals, providing objective and precise measurement of tissue contact force
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces piezoelectric sensors as an intermediary between the catheter tip and tissue to indirectly measure contact forces through generated electrical signals, enabling accurate assessment without direct visual observation
2Ease of manufacture
If the physician relies on experience to determine tissue contact, then no additional equipment is needed, but the assessment quality deteriorates when the physician is inexperienced or does not use the catheter regularly
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter system performs self-assessment of tissue contact through integrated piezoelectric sensors that automatically measure and report contact forces, eliminating dependence on physician experience or manual evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback through electrical signals from piezoelectric sensors that continuously monitor tissue contact pressure, allowing the physician to adjust catheter positioning based on objective data rather than experience
3Stability of the object's composition
If the heart is beating during the procedure, then the physiological function is maintained, but it becomes difficult to assess and maintain sufficient tissue contact
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric sensors provide continuous real-time feedback on tissue contact pressure, allowing the physician to dynamically adjust catheter positioning to maintain stable contact despite heart motion during beating heart procedures
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 tissue contact accuracy and stability, particularly in challenging environments like a beating heart, ensuring effective lesion formation and reducing the risk of tissue damage by providing immediate feedback for precise positioning.
Implementation Method 1
Positioning a flexible tip device (e.g., a sensing electrode, thermal sensor, ablation electrode, etc.) against a tissue creates contact stresses, which may be measured by implementing one or more piezoelectric sensors operatively associated with the flexible tip device. The piezoelectric sensor(s) generates a voltage signal corresponding to the contact stresses.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for assessing tissue contact, e.g., for mapping, tissue ablation, or other procedures. An exemplary tissue contact sensing system comprises a flexible tip device. At least one piezoelectric sensor is housed within the flexible tip device. The at least one piezoelectric sensor is responsive to contact stress of the flexible tip device by generating electrical signals corresponding to the amount of contact stress. An output device is electrically connected to the at least one piezoelectric sensor. The output device receives the electrical signals for assessing tissue contact by the flexible tip device. Methods for assembling and using the flexible tip device are also disclosed.