Optically Guided Surgical Devices

Novel cardioscopy imaging device for intracardiac interventions that meets several needs left unmet by current models

Background

Cardioscopy, using light to image the inside of the blood-filled heart, requires an optically clear path between the imaging device and the tissue since visible light cannot penetrate through blood. This invention is for a novel cardioscope that meets several needs left unmet by current models of cardioscopes, notably through advancements and improvements of a cardioscope’s optical window and tip.

Technology Overview

This invention has a tip that can be angled to improve contact based on the relative angle of the heart tissue. It also allows for the selection of the tool channel locations and orientations in combination with the surface shape to facilitate the use of a particular tool or to enable the tool to reach a specific area for visualization or maneuvering. The device’s optical window can provide a second function of controlling the contact between a tool and the tissue, which allows for contact conditions to be precisely controlled to avoid tissue damage or tool damage. A challenge of intracardiac interventions is maintaining continuous contact over the cardiac cycle. In this invention, by pressing the optical window against the tissue, contact can be stabilized independently of tool-tissue contact force.

The inventors also propose, in contrast to all prior designs, injecting a bolus of saline from the optical window in order to map blood flow and detect leaks. Additionally, a saline injection port provides the capability to temporarily clear the blood in front of the optical window, providing a clear view of nearby tissue. This feature can aid in the visualization of uneven surfaces, trabeculated tissue, and could also facilitate safe navigation inside the heart by avoiding contact with sensitive structures.

Benefits

• The design is inexpensive to manufacture compared to current models of cardioscopy imaging devices.
• No fluid flush is required to clear the view.
• The tissue contact area of the cardioscope does not have to be perpendicular to the axis of the catheter at its tip.
• Closely controlled contact between the tissue and the tool.

Applications

• Intracardiac intervention.
• Cardioscopy improvements.
• More risk-averse cardio procedures.

Patents

• US Patent Number: 11,464,401
• Pending Patents