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Published on: September 8, 2011
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Novel method for electrode-tissue contact measurement with multi-electrode catheters
René van Es1, John Hauck2, Vincent J H M van Driel1
1Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht-Division of Heart and Lungs, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
Summary
A novel electrode-interface resistance (IR) method accurately measures electrode-tissue contact force (CF) during cardiac ablation. This IR method is superior to the electrical coupling index (ECI) as it is unaffected by remote tissue impedance.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Electrophysiology
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Measuring electrode-tissue contact force (CF) with multi-electrode catheters is challenging.
- Existing electrical methods, such as the electrical coupling index (ECI), can produce false positives in pulmonary veins.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a novel electrode-interface resistance (IR) method for measuring electrode-tissue contact.
- To compare the IR method with the ECI method and true CF measurements.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel IR method using local electrical fields between catheter electrodes and a skin patch.
- Conducted in vitro and in vivo (pig model) studies comparing IR and ECI with CF.
- Investigated the influence of high-impedance tissues on both methods.
Main Results:
- In vitro, IR was significantly less affected by remote high-impedance structures than ECI (3% vs. 32%).
- Both IR and ECI correlated strongly with CF (r² = 0.84).
- In vivo, IR was not affected by nearby pulmonary tissue, unlike ECI.
Conclusions:
- Electrode-tissue contact influences IR, which is insensitive to remote structures.
- The IR method facilitates reliable electrode-tissue contact measurements with multi-electrode ablation catheters.
