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MEMS-Based Flexible Force Sensor for Tri-Axial Catheter Contact Force Measurement
Hardik J Pandya1, Jun Sheng2, Jaydev P Desai2
1Department of Medicine in the Brigham and Womens Hospital - Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems : a Joint IEEE and ASME Publication on Microstructures, Microactuators, Microsensors, and Microsystems
|February 14, 2017
Summary
This study developed a novel 3D force sensor for radiofrequency (RF) ablation during atrial fibrillation (AFib) treatment. The sensor accurately measures catheter contact force, potentially improving ablation effectiveness and reducing AFib recurrence.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
- Electrophysiology
Background:
- Atrial fibrillation (AFib) is a common arrhythmia originating from pulmonary veins (PVs).
- Radiofrequency (RF) ablation is used to treat AFib by ablating tissue within PVs.
- Accurate catheter contact force measurement is crucial for effective RF ablation and reducing AFib recurrence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a novel three-dimensional (3D) force sensor for real-time tri-axial catheter contact force measurement.
- To enhance the efficacy of RF ablation procedures for treating AFib.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 3D force sensor using a plastic cubic bead and five flexible force sensors.
- Each flexible sensor incorporates a PEDOT:PSS strain gauge and a PDMS bump on a PDMS substrate.
- Calibration and performance evaluation using a micromanipulator on gelatin tissue and integration onto a catheter tip in deionized water flow.
Main Results:
- The fabricated 3D force sensor demonstrated a linear response within the required force range for RF ablation.
- Experimental testing in simulated ventricular environments confirmed the sensor's validity for RF ablation applications.
Conclusions:
- The developed 3D force sensor provides real-time tri-axial contact force measurement.
- This technology has the potential to improve the precision and effectiveness of RF ablation for AFib treatment.
