Radiometric Tissue Contact Detection for Ablation Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue ablation procedures lack effective methods for determining the quality of contact between energy delivery members and tissue prior to and during energy delivery, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage to unintended tissues.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a radiometer to assess tissue contact quality by analyzing the variability of output signals, with a processor determining contact levels through moving averages and variability indices, and providing visual or auditory feedback to ensure accurate and efficient energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If tissue ablation procedures are performed based on tactile feedback and visual inspection alone, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but the accuracy of tissue contact detection is insufficient leading to potential damage to unintended tissues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces radiometer technology as an intermediary measurement tool that detects thermal radiation from tissue to determine contact quality. The radiometer serves as a mediator between the energy delivery member and the tissue, providing objective thermal contact assessment without requiring complex mechanical sensors or direct tissue interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical tactile feedback methods with radiometric detection. Instead of relying on clinician tactile sensation or complex mechanical force sensors, the system uses radiometer-based thermal radiation detection to assess tissue contact, substituting mechanical assessment with thermal field measurement.
2Productivity
If traditional ablation procedures are used without contact monitoring, then the procedure is faster to set up, but procedure time increases due to lack of real-time feedback requiring repeated adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback by continuously monitoring thermal radiation from the tissue-contact interface using the radiometer. The system provides immediate feedback on contact quality during the ablation procedure, allowing clinicians to adjust positioning in real-time based on objective thermal measurements rather than waiting for post-procedure assessment or experiencing complications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables preliminary contact assessment before initiating full-energy ablation. The radiometer can detect thermal radiation and determine contact quality in advance, allowing clinicians to optimize positioning and ensure proper contact before delivering therapeutic energy, thereby preventing unnecessary procedure extensions due to poor initial contact.
3Measurement precision
If visual inspection alone is used to assess tissue contact, then the system remains simple, but the precision of contact quality assessment is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes visual inspection with radiometric detection of thermal radiation. Instead of relying on clinicians to visually assess contact based on catheter positioning or tissue appearance, the system uses the radiometer to detect thermal radiation signatures that objectively indicate contact quality, replacing subjective visual assessment with quantitative thermal measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The radiometer acts as an intermediary measurement device that translates thermal radiation into contact quality information. This intermediary tool bridges the gap between simple visual inspection and complex mechanical sensing, providing objective thermal-based contact assessment through radiation detection without requiring direct mechanical interaction with the tissue.
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 of tissue contact detection, reduces procedure time, and minimizes damage to unintended tissues by providing user-friendly visual feedback and integrating contact monitoring with temperature monitoring, thus improving the success and efficiency of tissue ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
Medical microwave radiometry utilizes temperature dependent microwave radiation from tissue to non-invasively monitor thermal ablation procedures
Implementation Method 2
The radiation is received by an antenna and the antenna receiving pattern determines the volume of tissue that is being characterized by the radiometer
Data Source
AI summary
Radiometric systems may comprise a radiometer, an antenna and a processor communicatively coupled together. The processor may provide a contact-focused output based on filtering or other processing of a raw radiometric output signal. The contact-focused output may facilitate determination of whether contact has been achieved and/or assessment of contact. A miniaturized reflectometer may be configured to determine an amount of reflected power from the antenna. The processor may be configured to determine a reflection coefficient of the reflected power determined by the reflectometer and to identify tissue type based on the reflection coefficient. Systems and methods for facilitating deeper temperature measurements of a radiometer are described.