Method and system for gap detection in ablation lines
US11484359B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 31, 2017 |
| Grant date | Nov 1, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2038 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61N1/371
- WIPO fieldMedical technology
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Described herein is a method and system for gap detection in ablation lines. Microelectrodes are implemented at a distal tip of a catheter to provide localized gap detection along an ablation line. A pacing protocol is used to sequence through each of the microelectrode pairs for a tissue location. If living tissue is present, the pacing signal travels through the living tissue to pulse the heart. An operator will see a capture signal and know that there is a gap in the ablation line. The ablation electrode is then used to ablate the tissue in the gap. Pacing and ablation are therefore performed at the same place without the need to switch between instruments and/or catheters. In an implementation, a force sensor can automate the pacing protocol by determining which microelectrode pair is contacting the tissue. Moreover, signaling between microelectrode pairs can determine contact between the catheter and the tissue.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.