Ablation system with automated ablation energy element
Inventors
Melsky, Gerald • Estabrook, Brian
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11832878-B2
Publication Date
2023-12-05
Expiration Date
Abstract
The present disclosure relates to ablation instruments and methods of use thereof, in particular to ablation catheters and methods for an automated sweeping ablation element. The automated sweeping ablation element is configured to provide ablative energy to an initial ablation site and move a predetermined number of degrees to one or both sides of the site in an arcuate path using a sweeping motion while still providing the ablative energy. The sweeping movement of the ablation element can be automated via input parameters entered by a user via a graphical user interface or other device (controller).
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a method for forming an arcuate shaped lesion at a target tissue location using an ablation instrument that includes an energy emitter configured to move in a sweeping motion. The method includes inputting a preselected power level of the energy emitter and selecting a start point of the energy emitter to begin the sweeping motion, with energy delivery initiated under operation of a first motor.
The method terminates the energy delivery and the sweep once a desired end point is reached based on visual observation of an image of the arcuate shaped lesion formed in the target tissue. The image is obtained in real time with a visualization device, and the visualization device includes an endoscope for real-time observation.
The ablation instrument includes a manual override knob that allows manual control over rotational and axial movement of the energy emitter. The motor includes an override mode that maintains delivery of energy from the energy emitter and maintains the sweeping motion of the energy emitter even if the manual override knob is moved.
The system includes processor-based control that uses inputted arc degrees and can calculate an angular rate of sweep speed and a residence time of the energy emitter as it moves along an arcuate path to form a discrete lesion segment that is part of an arcuately shaped lesion. Real-time lesion quality assessment is supported using endoscope visualization of distal blood pool perturbation with baseline versus real-time images to provide visual warning signals, and the document also describes optional electrical sufficiency assessment to detect lesion gaps or breaks.
Claims Coverage
The partial set includes one independent method claim and dependent features. It defines sweeping arcuate lesion formation with motor-driven emitter motion, real-time visualization-based termination, and a manual override knob with a motor override mode that maintains energy delivery and sweeping.
Arc-shaped lesion forming with sweeping energy emitter
Inputting a preselected power level of the energy emitter; selecting a start point of the energy emitter; initiating energy delivery and commencing the sweeping motion of the energy emitter beginning at the start point and under operation of a first motor.
Real-time visual observation termination at desired end point
Terminating the energy delivery and sweep once a desired end point is reached based on visual observation of an image of the arcuate shaped lesion formed in the target tissue obtained in real time with a visualization device.
Manual override knob with motor override mode
Providing a manual override knob that allows manual control over rotational and axial movement of the energy emitter; wherein the motor has an override mode that maintains delivery of energy and maintains the sweeping motion even if the manual override knob is moved.
Endoscope visualization for real-time observation
Configuring the visualization device to include an endoscope for obtaining the real-time image of the arcuate shaped lesion.
Arc-degree based discrete lesion segment control
Inputting an arc degree of ablation energy emitted to form discrete lesion segments that together form the arcuate shaped lesion, and using a processor to calculate the angular rate of sweep speed based on the inputted arc degree.
Processor-calculated residence time along arcuate path
Using a processor to calculate the residence time of an energy emitter as the total time it travels along an arcuate path to create a discrete lesion segment that is part of an arcuately shaped lesion.
Across the independent claim and dependent features, the coverage centers on sweeping motion of an energy emitter to form an arcuate shaped lesion at a target tissue location, with energy delivery initiated from a selected start point, termination at a desired end point based on real-time visualization, and a manual override knob that does not stop energy delivery due to a motor override mode. Additional claim scope refines visualization using an endoscope and ties sweep control to processor-calculated angular rate and processor-calculated residence time for discrete lesion segment formation.
Stated Advantages
Enables terminating energy delivery and sweep once a desired end point is reached based on visual observation of an image obtained in real time with a visualization device.
Maintains energy delivery and maintains sweeping motion even if the manual override knob is moved due to a motor override mode.
Provides visualization using an endoscope for real-time observation of the arcuate shaped lesion.
Supports arc-degree based discrete lesion segment formation together forming the arcuate shaped lesion, using processor-calculated angular rate of sweep speed.
Supports processor-calculated residence time based on total time traveling along an arcuate path to create discrete lesion segments.
Documented Applications
Pulmonary vein isolation in the context of cardiac ablation for cardiac arrhythmia/atrial fibrillation, as described in the document summary.
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