System and method for visual confirmation of pulmonary vein isolation during abalation procedures
Inventors
Sagon, Stephen • Melsky, Gerald
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10154888-B2
Publication Date
2018-12-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to ablation instruments and methods of use thereof, in particular to ablation catheters and methods for providing visual confirmation of pulmonary isolation during an ablation procedure and preferably, in real-time.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a tissue ablation system for visual confirmation of pulmonary vein isolation during an ablation procedure. The system uses an imaging device and a computer analysis module to assess visual changes in a distal pool of blood within the pulmonary vein. By comparing baseline and subsequent images and analyzing blood-pool perturbation, the system determines whether the degree of electrical isolation meets a threshold value.
The described approach also compares a target optimal image with a real-time image, overlays the images to highlight areas of perturbation, or assesses changes in movement of the distal blood-pool border. The supplied partial content does not include the background section, so the specific problem identified there is not explicitly described in patent. The description states that the approach supports real-time identification and correction of incomplete lesions.
Claims Coverage
The three independent claims cover three inventive features: an image-based ablation system, an image-overlay method for confirming electrical isolation, and a system that assesses blood-pool border movement.
Image-based assessment of pulmonary vein isolation
Claim 1 recites a tissue ablation instrument with an inflatable balloon and movable directed energy emitter, an imaging device, and a computer analysis module. The module compares a baseline image with subsequent images and analyzes visible fluid characteristics indicative of blood motion to calculate lesion completion and determine whether the degree of electrical isolation meets a threshold value.
Comparison and overlay of blood-pool images
Claim 12 recites analyzing a visual change in the distal pool of blood by comparing a target optimal image after ablation with a real-time image during ablation. The images are overlaid to highlight areas of perturbation in the real-time image.
Assessment of distal blood-pool border movement
Claim 14 recites a tissue ablation system that determines whether electrical isolation meets a threshold by detecting significant change in movement of the distal blood-pool border. The system evaluates border excursion and indicates achievement of a predetermined reduction in excursion or a point associated with elimination of electrical activity.
The independent claims cover image-based assessment of pulmonary vein isolation, real-time and target-image comparison by overlay, and assessment of distal blood-pool border movement as an indicator of isolation.
Stated Advantages
Supports real-time identification and correction of incomplete lesions during pulmonary vein ablation.
Documented Applications
Visual confirmation of pulmonary vein isolation during an ablation procedure.
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