Novel Technique to Identify Ablation Targets in Atrial Fibrillation Patients With Fibrosis
JHU REF: C13278
Invention novelty:
A method to identify a set of potential atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation targets, in real time, by analyzing the personalized spatial distribution of atrial fibrosis.
Value Proposition:
Catheter-based ablation to terminate atrial fibrillation (AF) is effective in some cases but outcomes are poor in patients with persistent AF and structural remodeling of the atria, including extensive fibrosis, which perpetuates AF. Current ablation procedures relying on electro-anatomical mapping to determine the ablation targets in patients with persistent AF and fibrotic remodeling in the atria are ineffective, invasive, and time-consuming. This current technology is advantageous as it;
- Non-invasively pinpoint the personalized set of possible ablation targets.
- Create a novel paradigm for persistent AF ablation treatment planning.
- Target identification is conducted before the invasive part of the procedure.
- Will lead to shorter, simpler clinical procedures.
Technical Details:
Researchers at Johns Hopkins developed a novel approach to non-invasively predict the optimal ablation targets for PAF using simulations with personalized atrial models that incorporate patient specific atrial geometry and fibrosis patterns obtained from pre-procedure LGE-MRI scans. A retrospective human study was then used to validate this new strategy, paving the way towards a safer, more accurate approach to custom tailor PAF ablation procedures..
Looking for Partners: To develop and commercialize the technology as a software module within imaging equipment capable of detecting fibrosis (e.g., LGE-MRI) to compute optimal ablation targets in persistent AF patients based on analysis of fibrotic myocardium spatial pattern.
Stage of Development: Concept
Data Availability: Under CDA/NDA
Patent Status: pending
Publication(s)/Associated Cases: PMCID: PMC4333565: abstract
Categories: Software module
Keywords: Cystic fibrosis, atrial fibrillation (AF), Catheter-based ablation, LGE-MRI
