Contact sensor and sheath exit sensor

摘要

A system and method is provided that allows for determining the local impedance of one or more electrodes of an electrode catheter. Such local impedance may be utilized to identify the relative position of an electrode catheter to a sheath of a guiding introducer. In another arrangement, local impedance of a catheter electrode can be utilized to calibrate a catheter electrode to provide improved contact sensing.

主权项

1. A method for monitoring the position of an electrode relative to an introducer, comprising:
providing an electrical signal to an electrode attached to a body of a catheter at least partially disposed within an interior of an introducer; measuring an initial impedance response of the electrode to the electrical signal when the electrode is disposed within the interior of the introducer and a subsequent impedance response of the electrode to the electrical signal upon displacement of the catheter relative to the introducer, wherein said measuring is performed using an impedance measurement module; and processing the said initial impedance response and said subsequent impedance response to:
identify an impedance change between said initial impedance response and said subsequent impedance response;access predetermined threshold information stored in memory, said predetermined threshold information corresponding to a physical configuration of at least one of the catheter and the introducer;compare said impedance change to said predetermined impedance threshold information; andupon said change exceeding at least one predetermined impedance threshold level, generating an output indicative of a displacement of said electrode relative to an end of said introducer.