Abstract:
Visualization of a probe when impedance-based measurement technology is being used is improved by stabilizing a displayed image of the probe or catheter. Using a model of reasonable probe shapes and a matching algorithm, an erroneous probe image is adjusted so that it assumes a realistic shape on a display. A range of positional variations is also incorporated in the model. When an apparent probe position exceeds a permissible range of motion, the probe image is constrained to a realistic position.
Abstract:
Monitoring intracardiac ablation progress in near real time is accomplished by evaluating capture of a pacing signal while ablation energy is concurrently directed to a target site. Sufficiency of ablation is indicated by failure of signal capture at a maximum predetermined pacing voltage. A common electrode in a cardiac catheter is simultaneously used to test pacing capture and to deliver ablation energy.
Abstract:
An image of an electro-anatomical map of a body structure having cyclical motion is overlaid on a 3D ultrasonic image of the structure. The electro-anatomical data and anatomic image data are synchronized by gating both electro-anatomical data acquisition and an anatomic image at a specific point in the motion cycle. Transfer of image data includes identification of a point in the motion cycle at which the 3-dimensional image was captured or is to be displayed.
Abstract:
A probe, including an ablation element which is configured to perform ablation of tissue. The probe also includes an ultrasonic transducer, located in proximity to the ablation element, which is configured to transmit acoustic radiation force impulses (ARFIs) to the tissue, and to measure a displacement of the tissue in response to the ARFIs so as to monitor the ablation of the tissue.
Abstract:
A system and method for imaging a target in a patient's body includes the steps of providing a pre-acquired image of the target and placing a catheter having a position sensor, an ultrasonic imaging sensor and at least one electrode, in the patient's body. Positional information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body is determined using the position sensor and electrical activity data-points of a surface of the target are acquired using the at least one electrode. An ultrasonic image of the target is obtained using the ultrasonic imaging sensor and positional information for the electrical activity data-points of the surface of the target is determined. An electrophysiological map of the target is generated based on the electrical activity data-points and the positional information for the electrical activity data-points. Positional information for any pixel of the ultrasonic image of the target is determined and the pre-acquired image and the electrophysiological map are registered with the ultrasonic image. The registered pre-acquired image, electrophysiological map and ultrasonic image are displayed on a display.
Abstract:
Electrical apparatus includes a probe, having a proximal end and a distal end. The probe includes a sensor, which outputs a sensor signal, and a first connector at the proximal end of the probe, electrically coupled at least to the sensor. A probe adapter includes a second connector, which is arranged to mate with the first connector, and a third connector, for coupling to a console. A shield includes a material of high magnetic permeability, which is configured to enclose an internal volume containing the first and second connectors when the probe is connected to the probe adapter
Abstract:
An apparatus for calibration of a probe that includes a magnetic position sensor and an acoustic imaging device has a rigid mechanical framework. One or more field generators, fixed to the framework, generate a magnetic field of known spatial characteristics. An acoustic target assembly includes a phantom coupled to a motion mechanism, which is arranged to move the phantom in a known orbit relative to the framework. A jig, fixed to the framework, holds the probe within the magnetic field of the one or more field generators, in an orientation suitable for the imaging device to image the phantom. A processor processes position and image signals from the probe in order to calibrate coordinates of the imaging device relative to the position sensor.
Abstract:
Electrical apparatus includes a tray, having a surface on which a tool containing a rechargeable power source can be placed, and a magnetic field generator, which is located below the surface of the tray and is operative to generate a time-varying magnetic field of sufficient power at the surface of the tray so as to inductively charge the power source in the tool.
Abstract:
Methods and systems treat abnormal cardiac electrical activity employing a probe having first and second ablation electrodes disposed on a distal portion of the probe and a sensing electrode disposed between the first and second ablation electrodes, bringing the probe into contact with cardiac tissue, and applying energy through the first and second ablation electrodes to ablate target tissue along an ablation path, monitoring cardiac electrical activity using the sensing electrode to detect the cardiac electrical activity. After making an observation that the cardiac electrical activity is no longer detectable by the sensing electrode, energy application is terminated.
Abstract:
A system and method for imaging a target in a patient's body uses a pre-acquired image of the target and a catheter having a position sensor and an ultrasonic imaging sensor. The catheter is placed in the patient's body and positional information of a portion of the catheter in the patient's body is determined using the position sensor. The catheter is used to generate an ultrasonic image of the target using the ultrasonic imaging sensor. An image processor is used for determining positional information for any pixel of the ultrasonic image of the target and registering the pre-acquired image with the ultrasonic image; and a display is used for displaying the registered pre-acquired image and ultrasonic image.