Methods and devices for monitoring tissue ablation

摘要

A method, system, and device for detecting whether an expandable member completely occludes an anatomic passageway allows a user, such as a physician, clinician, or surgeon, to perform a medical procedure more efficiently and increases the procedure's chances of success. An incomplete occlusion can be immediately detected by monitoring the pressure difference across the expandable member. Through this method, a user can quickly diagnose the problem and reposition the expandable member in the anatomic passageway. In particular, in a cryoablation procedure, devices incorporating this method can help ensure a uniform and complete lesion in the pulmonary vein to electrically isolate the pulmonary vein from the atrium, thus preventing atrial fibrillation.

主权项

1. A method of performing an ablation procedure on a patient, comprising:
determining a pressure threshold range for the patient; inserting a cryoablation catheter having an expandable member at least partially within an anatomic structure, the expandable member having a proximal surface and a distal surface; expanding the expandable member and contacting the anatomic structure at a contact area; measuring a pressure difference between a first location proximal to the contact area and a second location distal to the contact area; adjusting a seal between the cryoablation catheter and the contact area till the measured pressure difference is within the predetermined threshold range indicating a complete occlusion of the anatomic structure:
continuously monitoring the pressure difference during the ablation procedure;readjusting the seal between the cryoablation catheter and the contact area to maintain the pressure difference in the threshold range; andproviding an aural indication when the pressure difference drops below the threshold range, wherein providing the aural indication includes setting a time offset between the pressure drop below the threshold range and the aural indication.