Multi-Electrode RF Ablation Power Selection for Uniform Lesions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac ablation technologies face challenges in controlling the shape, depth, and uniformity of lesions, as well as efficiently managing electrical energy distribution among electrodes during ablation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) is used to display and control a graphical representation of a cardiac ablation catheter, allowing for the designation of electrodes as source or sink electrodes, assigning electrical units, and estimating energy distribution based on distances between electrodes, with automatic adjustments to ensure that energy thresholds are not exceeded.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electrodes are used in RF ablation, then the ablation capability and versatility are improved, but the complexity of controlling energy distribution among electrodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically calculates and assigns electrical units to sink electrodes based on the assigned units of source electrodes and predetermined distance thresholds. The controller autonomously manages energy distribution without requiring manual adjustment for each electrode, allowing the system to serve itself in optimizing energy allocation across multiple electrodes
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses predetermined distance thresholds as parameters to automatically determine energy distribution. By changing the control parameter from manual power adjustment to automated distance-based unit assignment, the system simplifies control while maintaining versatility in ablation capability
2Measurement precision
If manual control of electrical units is used for each electrode, then control precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller automatically performs the calculation and assignment of electrical units to sink electrodes based on source electrode assignments and predetermined distances. This self-service mechanism maintains precise control while eliminating the need for manual adjustment, thereby improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through the graphical user interface by displaying the estimated electrical units for each sink electrode based on source electrode assignments. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain precision while guiding the operator through the control process automatically
3Device complexity
If energy distribution is not automatically estimated, then the simplicity of the system is maintained, but the manufacturing precision of lesion formation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and displaying estimated electrical units for sink electrodes before the ablation procedure begins. This preliminary estimation based on predetermined distances ensures precise lesion formation while maintaining relative system simplicity through automated calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical user interface provides feedback by displaying the estimated electrical units for each sink electrode before ablation initiation. This feedback mechanism ensures manufacturing precision in lesion formation while keeping the system simple through automated, transparent calculations that can be reviewed by the operator
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
The GUI enables precise control over lesion formation, ensuring uniform energy distribution and preventing excessive energy delivery, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and safety of cardiac ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
assigning an electrical unit to each of the designated source electrodes and estimating an amount of electrical units associated with each of the designated sink electrodes based at least in part on the assigned electrical unit of the designated source electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device for generating and using a graphical user interface (GUI) is disclosed. The computing device includes one or more controllers configured to generate a graphical representation of a plurality of electrodes of an ablation catheter for displaying via the GUI; designate, via the GUI, at least some of the plurality of electrodes to be active electrodes; automatically designate the active electrodes as a source electrode or a sink electrode; assign an amount of energy to each of the designated source electrodes; and estimate an amount of energy associated with each of the designated sink electrodes based at least in part on the assigned energy of the designated source electrodes.