A series of illustrations was created for a medical device company investigating a novel ablation approach using a high-power, low-current radiofrequency ablation catheter (Sphere-9/Affera, Inc).
One key challenge in creating focal lesions is to do so with adequate coverage and depth, yet minimal-to-no injury to surrounding anatomy beyond the epicardium. In these selected illustrations (published in 2 research articles), several moments in cross-section were selected to compare the capabilities of a conventional ablation catheter and that of a novel expandable, lattice-structured catheter, in both thick and thin tissue applications.
Dynamic semi-realistic rendering is combined with clear color differences, measurements, and labeling to help the reader compare the researchers’ experimental findings regarding the dimensions of resistive and conductive heating—aspects that have different tissue injury profiles, and which create distinct, lasting lesion patterns.
Barkagan M, et al. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol. 2019.12(4):e007879.
Kitamura T, et al. J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol. 2019.30(9):1644-1651.
2020 Recipient of Award of Merit, Association of Medical Illustrators