Case Western Reserve images heart tissue through Avo produced OCT catheters

Nearly 4 million people nationwide suffer from cardiac arrhythmias each year, according to the 2006 U.S. Cardiac Rhythm Management Market report by Frost and Sullivan. About 2.5 million of these cases cannot be treated or controlled through medication alone. Since pharmacological therapies have limited effectiveness, radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation has emerged as the prominent approach for treating a broad range of arrhythmias. However, during the procedure physicians have no direct visualization of intra-cardiac structures, nor do they have a means to measure successful lesions.

Recognizing this problem, researchers at Case Western Reserve University began a research program in 2008 to build an imaging catheter that would allow surgeons to monitor treatment and visualize intra-cardiac structures. The researchers selected Avo Photonics, Inc., of Horsham, PA, for a Phase 1 design contract. The contract was awarded in September 2008. Avo’s rapid design effort provided a pathway for a subsequent October 2008 award for the development of prototype opto-mechanical systems. At the contract conclusion, Avo delivered eight forward imaging catheters to the university.

The forward imaging catheters (FIC) built by Avo will be used as monitors during RF cardiac arrhythmia therapy. These OCT catheters will lead to imaging techniques that will improve the insertion and accuracy of RF catheters, thus leading to better patient results and an expansion of approved FDA procedures for cardiac arrhythmia therapy.

Case Western Reserve University’s lead investigator on the project is Dr. Andrew Rollins, associate professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering. Christine Fleming, a graduate research assistant under the advisement of Rollins, was instrumental in the design and development.

As a specialized opto-electronic engineering and manufacturing company, Avo provided critical resources and experience to the program. The Avo team was led by Program Manager Todd Rixman and Senior Optical Engineer Dr. David Demmer. “Our extensive experience in fiber optic and medical products blended to create reliable and elegant optical assemblies. We are pleased to be able to offer these service to Case Western Reserve”, stated Rixman.

In May of 2009, Case Western Reserve imaged heart tissue through the Avo produced catheters, thus confirming Avo’s design and manufacturing expertise. Both Dr. Rollins and Ms. Fleming expressed their gratitude to Avo Photonics. “Avo provided excellent resources as the development process proceeded” commented Dr. Rollins. “Avo’s attention to detail and resourcefulness allowed us to move quite rapidly from concept to design to prototyping. We are looking forward to continuing with the development efforts and providing the medical community with this and other enhanced tools” continued Dr. Rollins.

Comments

The opinions expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of News Medical.
Post a new comment
Post

While we only use edited and approved content for Azthena answers, it may on occasions provide incorrect responses. Please confirm any data provided with the related suppliers or authors. We do not provide medical advice, if you search for medical information you must always consult a medical professional before acting on any information provided.

Your questions, but not your email details will be shared with OpenAI and retained for 30 days in accordance with their privacy principles.

Please do not ask questions that use sensitive or confidential information.

Read the full Terms & Conditions.

You might also like...
Socioeconomic disadvantage predicts poorer outcomes for heart transplant patients