Spectral Sensing Ablation Lesion Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ablation procedures for myocardial tissue lack effective methods to assess lesion size and depth in real-time, leading to potential superficial lesions from inadequate energy application or excessive tissue damage from excessive energy application.
Innovation Solution
An invasive probe that directs light at multiple wavelengths towards the ablation site, measures scattered light intensities before and during the procedure, and computes changes in these intensities to estimate lesion depth using a processor, allowing for precise control of ablation energy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If real-time monitoring of ablation lesion formation is implemented, then ablation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical measurement methods with optical measurement. Optical fibers are used to illuminate tissue and detect light scattering changes, substituting complex mechanical measurement systems with simpler optical components that provide real-time ablation monitoring through non-contact light-based sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary substance to monitor ablation. Optical fibers serve as mediators that transmit light to and from the tissue, enabling indirect measurement of ablation progression through changes in light scattering properties without requiring direct physical contact or complex sensors at the ablation site
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical fibers are used for light delivery and collection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical fiber array multi-functional by using it for both light delivery and light collection. The same optical fibers that transmit ablation light also collect scattered light for measurement, eliminating the need for separate dedicated sensor fibers and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the light delivery and light collection functions into a single integrated optical fiber array. By combining these two functions that were previously separate into one unified component, the system achieves precise measurements without the added complexity of separate fiber bundles for illumination and sensing
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 accurate assessment of lesion depth and size, allowing for optimal energy application, reducing the risk of superficial lesions or excessive tissue damage by correlating changes in scattered light intensities with lesion progression.
Implementation Method 1
direct light at a plurality of different wavelengths toward a treatment site within the body and to receive the light scattered from the site
Implementation Method 2
make, at a first stage in ablation of tissue at the treatment site, first measurements of scattered light intensities from the site at the plurality of different wavelengths
Data Source
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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.