Improved pressure-frequency sensing subxiphoid pericardial access system: performance characteristics during in vivo...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Devices
• Electrophysiology

Background:

• Subxiphoid access is crucial for epicardial electrophysiology.
• Current methods for guiding needle placement carry risks.
• Improved safety and real-time feedback are needed for pericardial access.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and test an improved subxiphoid access system.
• To incorporate a fiber-optic pressure sensor and a novel signal analysis algorithm.
• To enhance the safety and accuracy of pericardial access.

Main Methods:

• Developed an improved subxiphoid access system with a precision fiber-optic pressure sensor.
• Created a novel signal analysis algorithm to identify pressure-frequency signatures.
• Conducted in vivo studies on canine models, analyzing pressure-frequency measurements.

Main Results:

• The algorithm accurately differentiated needle locations (nonpericardial, pericardial, ventricular) with high statistical significance (p < 0.01).
• The novel algorithm outperformed standard fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis.
• Distinct signal changes were observed during pericardial membrane traversal, enabling near real-time location determination.

Conclusions:

• The improved subxiphoid access system demonstrates potential for safer pericardial access.
• The novel pressure-frequency analysis algorithm offers improved accuracy and real-time feedback.
• This technology may significantly advance epicardial electrophysiology procedures.