System and method for targeting heart rhythm disorders using shaped ablation
Inventors
Narayan, Sanjiv M. • Briggs, Carey Robert
Assignees
US Department of Veterans Affairs • Topera Inc • University of California San Diego UCSD
Publication Number
US-10485438-B2
Publication Date
2019-11-26
Expiration Date
2032-05-02
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A system and method to target a biological rhythm disorder include processing cardiac signals via a computing device to determine a shape in a region of tissue defined by a source associated with the biological rhythm disorder that migrates spatially on or within the shape, and identifying at least one portion of the tissue proximate to the shape to enable selective modification of the at least one portion of tissue in order to terminate or alter the biological rhythm disorder.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a system and method for diagnosing, identifying, locating and treating biological rhythm disorders, such as heart rhythm disorders, by processing cardiac signals to determine a shape in a region of tissue defined by a source associated with the rhythm disorder that migrates spatially on or within the shape. By identifying at least one portion of tissue proximate to this shape, the system enables selective modification of the tissue to terminate or alter the rhythm disorder, using methods such as shaped ablation. This approach uniquely addresses complex rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular fibrillation (VF), by focusing on sources that migrate within constrained regions, a property not previously determined or targeted.
The problem solved by this invention arises from the limitations of existing ablation therapies for heart rhythm disorders, particularly the complex and variable activation patterns seen in AF, VF, or polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT). Prior methods rely on point ablations or empiric lines, often without understanding the critical differences in complex disorders where activation varies beat-to-beat. Existing tools fail to directly identify and locate the cause of complex heart rhythm disorders, resulting in suboptimal success rates and collateral damage to healthy tissue. Furthermore, previous patents and devices either map surrogates or anatomical regions without defining the actual source or shape of the rhythmic disorder, hindering precise and effective ablation.
The invention addresses these issues by employing computing devices and sensor systems to analyze biological signals, determine the spatially migrating sources of rhythm disorders, and define the precise size and shape of the affected tissue region. It enables tailored therapy to those specific regions, reducing damage to surrounding normal tissue and improving clinical outcomes. The system supports minimally invasive or surgical techniques for detection, diagnosis, and treatment, and extends applicability beyond the heart to other organs exhibiting biological rhythm disorders. It incorporates multi-resolution sensing catheters, advanced signal processing including phase mapping and activation trail reconstruction, and database-assisted pattern recognition to facilitate accurate localization of migrating rotors and focal beats.
Claims Coverage
The patent discloses two independent claims—one directed to a method and one to a system for targeting biological rhythm disorders. These claims include features central to the invention's approach to identifying migrating sources and defining shapes for tailored therapeutic intervention.
Determining a shape defined by migration of a source of a biological rhythm disorder
Processing biological signals to identify a shape in a tissue region associated with a source that migrates spatially on or within the shape related to the rhythm disorder.
Identifying tissue portions proximate to the migration shape for selective modification
Using the computing device to pinpoint at least one portion of tissue near the determined shape that can be selectively modified to terminate or alter the biological rhythm disorder.
Generating clinical representations to guide treatment
Creating visual or clinical data representations of the identified tissue portions to aid in guidance of therapy such as shaped ablation.
Refining the migration shape based on organ dimensions and tissue types
Adjusting the defined shape by considering factors such as width, height, depth, and tissue characteristics to better localize and target therapy.
Tracking spatial points over multiple activations to define migration paths
Identifying spatial points associated with the source at different time points, connecting them to form paths, and defining the encompassing shape.
Including a catheter with spatially adjustable sensors for therapy delivery
In the system claim, a catheter having sensors that can be repositioned to match the computed shape or identified tissue portion to deliver targeted modification.
The independent claims collectively cover methods and systems that employ advanced signal processing to define spatially migrating sources and their associated shapes within tissue, identify proximate tissue portions for targeted intervention, and provide clinical tools and devices—including adjustable sensor catheters—to enable precise modification to terminate or alter biological rhythm disorders.
Stated Advantages
Enables precise identification and localization of sources for complex rhythm disorders that migrate spatially within constrained regions, which was previously unknown and unaddressed.
Reduces collateral damage to healthy tissue by tailoring ablation therapy to the size and shape of migrating sources.
Improves treatment efficacy and safety for difficult heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation by targeting actual causes rather than empiric anatomical sites.
Supports minimally invasive procedures with real-time and offline analysis capabilities, enhancing clinical workflow.
Incorporates multi-resolution adaptive sensing systems to efficiently detect and treat localized sources.
Provides a database and expert system framework for improved diagnosis and therapy planning based on accumulated patient data.
Documented Applications
Localization and treatment of complex heart rhythm disorders including atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT).
Detection and treatment of simple heart rhythm disorders such as atrial tachycardia, multi-focal atrial tachycardias, sinus node reentry, premature atrial and ventricular complexes.
Diagnosis and intervention for biological rhythm disorders in other organs and systems, including brain and central nervous system disorders such as epilepsy, peripheral nervous system conditions, skeletal muscle injuries, gastrointestinal spasm, and genitourinary system disorders.
Surgical and minimally invasive procedures utilizing shaped ablation or other therapies targeting migrating sources of rhythm disorders.
Non-medical applications including locating sources of seismic events or energy sources in conjunction with radar or sonar technologies.
Interested in licensing this patent?