A novel MEMS-based 3D flexible force sensor successfully measures tri-axial catheter contact force in simulated ventricular environments, showing potential for improving RF ablation in atrial fibrillation.
Answers are grounded in this paper and cite their sources.
May enable tri-axial force sensing in RF ablation catheters; leaves open clinical translation and outcomes in AF.
Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a significant healthcare problem caused by the uneven and rapid discharge of electrical signals from pulmonary veins (PVs). The technique of radiofrequency (RF) ablation can block these abnormal electrical signals by ablating myocardial sleeves inside PVs. Catheter contact force measurement during RF ablation can reduce the rate of AFib recurrence, since it helps to determine effective contact of the catheter with the tissue, thereby resulting in effective power delivery for ablation. This paper presents the development of a three-dimensional (3D) force sensor to provide the real-time measurement of tri-axial catheter contact force. The 3D force sensor consists of a plastic cubic bead and five flexible force sensors. Each flexible force sensor was made of a PEDOT:PSS strain gauge and a PDMS bump on a flexible PDMS substrate. Calibration results show that the fabricated sensor has a linear response in the force range required for RF ablation. To evaluate its working performance, the fabricated sensor was pressed against gelatin tissue by a micromanipulator and also integrated on a catheter tip to test it within deionized water flow. Both experiments simulated the ventricular environment and proved the validity of applying the 3D force sensor in RF ablation.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Pandya et al. (2016) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 10 related papers. Consider them for comparative context: