title: Near-infrared spectroscopy integrated catheter for characterization of myocardial tissues: preliminary demonstrations to radiofrequency ablation therapy for atrial fibrillation.
abstract: Effects of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) treatment of atrial fibrillation can be limited by the ability to characterize the tissue in contact. Parameters obtained by conventional catheters, such as impedance and temperature can be insufficient in providing physiological information pertaining to effective treatment. In this report, we present a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-integrated catheter capable of extracting tissue optical properties. Validation experiments were first performed in tissue phantoms with known optical properties. We then apply the technique for characterization of myocardial tissues in swine and human hearts, ex vivo. Additionally, we demonstrate the recovery of critical parameters relevant to RFA therapy including contact verification, and lesion transmurality. These findings support the application of NIRS for improved guidance in RFA therapeutic interventions.
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, 500 W 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
authors.forename: Rajinder P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Singh-Moon
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, Columbia University Medical Center, 630 W 168th Street, New York, NY 10032, USA.
authors.forename: Charles C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Marboe
authors.affiliation: Department of Electrical Engineering, Columbia University, 500 W 120th Street, New York, NY 10027, USA.
authors.forename: Christine P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Hendon
keywords: (170.1610) Clinical applications; (170.6510) Spectroscopy, tissue diagnostics