ReaI-time positioning of the abIation catheter uItrasonic probe in the heart:a simuIation experiment / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Three-dimensional magnetic field positioning and three-dimensional electric field positioning are two main technologies used in heart ablation, but their required equipments are very expensive. OBJECTIVE: To develop a new method of ablation catheter positioning by combining ultrasonic probe with ablation catheter. METHODS: Three-dimensional data of human heart were obtained from the anatomical data set of the body, and then a three-dimensional vector model of the endocardial surface was established. The basic parameters and scanning strategy of ultrasonic probe were designed and calculated, to compile a corresponding simulation software. Based on the three-dimensional endocardial vector model, the detection data of the ultrasonic probe were obtained by simulation calculation and processed. Then, the target surface characteristics were reconstructed, matching with the surface features of the proposed vector model. The position of the probe was finally determined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The three-dimensional model of the endocardium was established based on the anatomical data set, and the ultrasonic surface detection data were obtained by the simulated ultrasonic irradiation. The reconstructed surface model with high accuracy exhibited a desired match with the target area in the three-dimensional model of endocardium. The error of the probe position and its theoretical position fulfilled the requirement of positioning accuracy. In conclusion, the use of ultrasonic imaging technology can accurately position the catheter probe in the heart during heart ablation, providing an accurate and reliable navigation for the implementation of heart ablation.