Thermoanatomical Mapping for Arrhythmia Source Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing and treating arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation, are limited in accuracy and effectiveness, as they rely primarily on electrical activity mapping, which is not perfect and does not fully identify the source of abnormal electrical currents in the heart.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing contact or non-contact temperature measurement devices, including thermocouples and infrared imaging, to create a thermoanatomical map of the heart, correlating temperature and electrical activity to identify regions of abnormal electrical currents and deliver ablation energy for treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical activity mapping is used to identify arrhythmia sources, then the current standard method can be applied, but the accuracy and effectiveness of identifying abnormal electrical current sources is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrical activity mapping with temperature field mapping into a unified diagnostic system. Temperature sensors are integrated with existing electrical mapping catheters, allowing simultaneous acquisition of both electrical and thermal data from the same anatomical locations, thereby improving identification accuracy of arrhythmia sources
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature serves as an intermediary parameter that provides additional information about tissue metabolism and activity. By measuring temperature as a mediator between electrical activity and tissue function, the system can distinguish between scar tissue and active rotor regions more effectively than electrical mapping alone
2Measurement precision
If temperature measurement devices are added to improve identification accuracy, then diagnostic precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is designed with multi-functionality, integrating both electrical recording electrodes and temperature sensors into a single device. This universal design allows the same catheter to perform both electrical mapping and thermal mapping functions, reducing the need for separate devices and procedures
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors are nested within or alongside the electrical mapping electrodes in the catheter structure. The thermal sensing elements are positioned concentrically or adjacently to the electrical contacts, allowing both measurement systems to occupy the same spatial envelope and be delivered through the same access sheath
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
This approach significantly improves the accuracy of identifying the source of arrhythmias and enhances the effectiveness of treatment by distinguishing between scar tissue and active rotor regions, potentially increasing the success rate of ablation procedures.
Implementation Method 1
measuring devices utilize contact or non-contact temperature measurement schemes
Implementation Method 2
temperature measurement devices, including thermocouples and infrared imaging
Implementation Method 3
contact between the thermocouples and the endocavitary surface is confirmed by utilizing piezoelectric technology
Implementation Method 4
the thermocouples are intimately coupled electrodes (next to or adjacent to and in contact with the tissue) that deliver and sense electrical current
Data Source
AI summary
Herein disclosed is a method of detecting and identifying the source of abnormal electrical currents in the heart to assist in ablating these currents, comprising the use of contact or non-contact temperature measurement devices. In an embodiment, source of abnormal electrical activity of the heart and its attached arteries and veins show different temperature patterns from normal segments. In an embodiment, the method further comprises analyzing the temperature of the chamber of interest, and determining regions of low or high temperature by extension metabolic activity. In an embodiment, the method comprises measuring myocardial temperature comprising placing an array of thermocouples imbedded on a basket in the cardiac chamber. In an embodiment, the thermocouples are placed in contact with the myocardial tissue.