Spectral Sensing of Ablation Lesions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation procedures for myocardial tissue lack effective methods to assess the size and depth of lesions in real-time, leading to potential under-treatment or excessive tissue damage due to uncertainty about when to stop the ablation process.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using an invasive probe to measure scattered light intensities at different wavelengths before and during ablation, computing ratios of these measurements to estimate lesion size and depth, allowing for precise control of the ablation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time monitoring of ablation lesion formation is implemented using multiple parameters, then the precision of ablation assessment is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into multiple independent sensing elements (temperature sensors, optical fibers, impedance electrodes) that each measure specific parameters independently. This allows comprehensive monitoring while keeping each sensor component relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter integrates multiple sensing functions (temperature measurement, optical detection, electrical impedance sensing) into a single multi-functional device. This universal approach enables comprehensive ablation monitoring without requiring multiple separate devices, balancing precision with manageable complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical fibers are used to measure scattered light at different wavelengths, then the measurement precision of lesion depth is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical measurement system is segmented into multiple discrete optical fibers, each dedicated to measuring scattered light at a specific wavelength. This segmentation enables precise multi-wavelength measurement while maintaining simple individual fiber components that can be manufactured and calibrated independently.
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 assessment of lesion progress and depth, allowing for more accurate and controlled ablation procedures, reducing the risk of superficial lesions or excessive tissue damage.
Implementation Method 1
measure scattered light intensities at different wavelengths before and during ablation
Data Source
AI summary
A method for tissue assessment includes ablating tissue at a site within a body of a living subject using an invasive probe applied to the site. At a first stage in ablation of the tissue, first measurements are made of scattered light intensities from the site at a plurality of different wavelengths. At a second stage in the ablation of the tissue, subsequent to the first stage, second measurements are made of the scattered light intensities from the site at the plurality of different wavelengths. Progress of the ablation is assessed by computing different, respective measures of change in the scattered light intensities at the different wavelengths occurring between the first and second measurements, and comparing the respective measures.