Two-Dimensional Polar Mapping for Blood Vessel Ablation Lesion Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Verifying the continuity, size, and effectiveness of lesions formed during tissue ablation procedures in tubular organs, such as pulmonary veins, is difficult, which is crucial for preventing arrhythmias like atrial fibrillation.
Innovation Solution
A catheter system with expandable distal end assemblies, including an inflatable balloon with ablation electrodes and a lasso-shaped assembly with sensing electrodes, is used to sense EP signals and generate a 2D graphical presentation of lesion quality measures, such as size, shape, and continuity, to ensure effective blockage of EP waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional ablation verification methods are used, then the ablation procedure can be completed, but the verification of lesion continuity, size, and effectiveness is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a two-dimensional map copy of the three-dimensional ablation lesions within the blood vessel. Multiple electrodes positioned at different locations along the vessel generate electrical signals that are processed to produce a 2D graphical representation showing lesion continuity, size, and effectiveness. This copying approach allows rapid verification without time-consuming direct measurement, resolving the contradiction between verification accuracy and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical verification methods with electrical signal-based detection. Instead of physically measuring lesions with instruments, the system uses electrodes to detect electrical signals from the tissue and processes these signals into a visual map. This substitution enables faster, more precise lesion verification while reducing the time required for the procedure.
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are positioned along the blood vessel to measure lesion quality, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the catheter system with electrodes that serve multiple functions: they are positioned along the blood vessel to detect electrical signals, and the same electrodes are used to generate the two-dimensional map representation. This multi-functionality allows precise lesion quality measurement without requiring separate dedicated measurement devices, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Loss of information
If a three-dimensional representation of ablation lesions is used, then complete lesion information is captured, but visualization and interpretation become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms three-dimensional ablation lesion data into a two-dimensional map representation. The 2D map preserves critical lesion information such as continuity, size, and effectiveness by mapping electrode positions and signal characteristics onto a planar display. This dimensional transformation maintains essential lesion information while significantly improving visualization and interpretation ease for clinicians, resolving the contradiction between information completeness and operational ease.
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 system provides improved visualization of lesion quality, facilitating successful ablation procedures by ensuring complete lesion formation and reducing verification time.
Implementation Method 1
multiple signals from multiple respective electrodes arranged along an inner circumference of a blood vessel that has been ablated
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~3
AI summary
A system comprising a processor and a display. The processor is configured to (i) receive multiple signals from multiple respective electrodes arranged along an inner circumference of a blood vessel that has been ablated, (ii) produce, based on the multiple signals, one or more quality measures of the ablated blood vessel, and (iii) produce a graphical presentation indicative of the one or more quality measures in a two-dimensional (2D) polar coordinate system. The display is configured to display the graphical presentation to a user.