This technology applies near infrared spectroscopy to generate a three-dimensional map of the epicardium for accurate identification and localized tissue ablation.
Current methods to treat ventricular tachycardia (VT), the occurrence of irregular heartbeats in a human heart, rely on epicardial ablation. Epicardial ablation utilizes a catheter that is inserted outside the heart to identify and perform tissue ablation in the region responsible for the tachycardia. However, tissue structure varies among patients and differences between endo- and epicardial structures, including lipid distribution and vascularity, further complicate the procedure. Additionally, current radiofrequency ablation procedures are unable to distinguish between epicardial fat and lesions, leading to significant ambiguities in electrograms.
This technology uses near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to map the epicardial surface to help identify targets for ablation therapy. It can distinguish between scar and fat tissue, both of which are indistinguishable using current technologies, by performing three-dimensional NIRS mapping of the epicardium and extrapolating the local tissue’s lipid content using the adipose contrast index (ACI). This technology can also identify other types of tissues, including coronary arteries, which need to be avoided for successful ablation therapy. Therefore, this technology may be a promising complement to standard voltage mapping, may significantly improve treatment outcomes for VT, and could be used for guidance of other tissue ablation procedures.
This technology has been validated using tissue phantoms with known optical properties, as well as porcine and human myocardial tissues ex vivo, demonstrating contact verification and lesion transmurality vital for successful ablation therapy.
IR CU19293
Licensing Contact: Dovina Qu