pMUT Cardiac Mapping Catheter for Real-Time Imaging and Contact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac mapping technologies require separate mapping and imaging catheters, such as ICE, which are cumbersome and increase procedural complexity, and there is a need for improved integration of ultrasonic imaging with cardiac mapping to enhance accuracy and efficiency in treating atrial fibrillation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated cardiac mapping and Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (pMUT) ultrasonic imaging catheter system with a pMUT transducer array and flexible catheter shaft, allowing simultaneous transmission and reception of ultrasound beams for real-time imaging and mapping, and a collapsible basket-shaped distal end with electrodes for precise endocardial contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If separate mapping and ablation catheters are used, then device versatility is maintained, but procedure efficiency and accuracy deteriorate due to the need for multiple catheters and lack of integrated real-time imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mapping electrodes, ablation capability, and pMUT imaging transducers into a single integrated catheter. The distal end contains both mapping electrodes for electrical signal detection and pMUT elements for ultrasonic imaging, allowing simultaneous anatomical visualization and electrical mapping without requiring separate catheters
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated catheter performs multiple functions: electrical mapping through electrodes, real-time ultrasonic imaging through pMUT transducers, and ablation through integrated ablation capability. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized catheters while improving procedural efficiency
2Measurement precision
If separate ICE pMUT imaging catheter is used, then real-time anatomical imaging is achieved, but device complexity and procedural time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates pMUT imaging transducers directly into the mapping catheter structure. The pMUT elements are positioned at the distal end alongside mapping electrodes, enabling simultaneous acquisition of both electrical signals and ultrasonic images without requiring a separate imaging catheter
3Reliability
If multiple catheters are used for mapping and imaging, then functional specialization is maintained, but endocardial contact quality and imaging accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping electrodes and pMUT imaging transducers are integrated at the distal end of a single catheter, ensuring that both sensing elements are positioned at the same location against the endocardium. This co-location ensures optimal endocardial contact quality for both electrical mapping and ultrasonic imaging simultaneously
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
Facilitates accurate, real-time cardiac imaging and mapping, reducing procedural complexity and enhancing the efficacy of treatments like pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation by integrating imaging and mapping functions into a single catheter.
Implementation Method 1
An integrated cardiac mapping and piezoelectric micromachined ultrasonic transducer (pMUT) ultrasonic imaging catheter system
Implementation Method 2
direct each of the plurality of pMUT transducer array elements to transmit and receive ultrasound beams having a bandwidth including a predetermined fundamental mode vibration
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated cardiac mapping and Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (pMUT) ultrasonic imaging system, is disclosed. The system comprising a pMUT imaging and mapping catheter having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end, and a distal end. A micro-electromechanical (MEMS) based pMUT or other transducer disposed within the distal end of the pMUT imaging and mapping catheter. A pMUT mapping array disposed within the distal end of the pMUT imaging and mapping catheter, wherein the mapping array comprises an expandable basket, grid, hoop, or other configuration with an electronic sensor array arranged on electronic flex circuits.