ESOPHAGEAL MONITORING

Abstract

An esophageal monitoring device includes a camera and, optionally, one or more lights to enable visualization of an interior of a subject's esophagus. Visualization of the interior of the subject's esophagus before and after a left atrial ablation procedure may enable a healthcare provider to determine whether or not the left atrial ablation procedure has damaged the subject's esophagus before the subject experiences any symptoms of such damage. An esophageal monitoring device may also include sensors and/or markers that enable a determination of its location within a subject's esophagus. Such an esophageal monitoring device may be configured for three-dimensional mapping, and enable the generation of an accurate three-dimensional map of the physical relationship between a subject's esophagus and the left atrium of his or her heart. Methods of monitoring a subject's esophagus while a left atrial ablation procedure is being conducted on the subject's hear are also disclosed.

Claims

1. A method for evaluating a state of an esophagus before, during, and after an ablation procedure conducted on a left atrium of a heart, the method comprising: introducing an esophageal monitoring device into the esophagus; visualizing an inner surface of the esophagus while introducing the esophageal monitoring device into the esophagus; conducting the ablation procedure within the left atrium of the heart; monitoring a condition of a portion of the inner surface of the esophagus adjacent to the left atrium of the heart while conducting the ablation procedure; withdrawing the esophageal monitoring device from the esophagus after conducting the ablation procedure; and visualizing the inner surface of the esophagus, including the portion of the inner surface of the esophagus adjacent to the left atrium of the heart, while withdrawing the esophageal monitoring device from the esophagus.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein: introducing the esophageal monitoring device into the esophagus comprises: introducing a temperature probe carrying a plurality of temperature sensors in an area array into the esophagus; and positioning the temperature probe against the portion of the inner surface of the esophagus adjacent to the left atrium; and monitoring the condition of the portion of the inner surface of the esophagus adjacent to the left atrium of the heart while conducting the ablation procedure comprises: monitoring temperatures of the inner surface of the portion of the esophagus adjacent to the left atrium at a plurality of locations adjacent to which the plurality of temperature sensors are positioned.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein introducing the esophageal monitoring device into the esophagus further comprises: unfolding branches of the temperature probe when the branches of the temperature probe are located adjacent to the portion of the esophagus adjacent to the left atrium.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein: introducing the esophageal monitoring device into the esophagus comprises: introducing a pressure probe carrying a plurality of pressure sensors in an area array into the esophagus; and positioning the pressure probe against the portion of the inner surface of the esophagus adjacent to the left atrium; and monitoring the condition of the portion of the inner surface of the esophagus adjacent to the left atrium of the heart while conducting the ablation procedure comprises: monitoring pressure applied to the portion of the inner surface of the esophagus adjacent to the left atrium of the heart by the left atrium at the plurality of locations adjacent to which the plurality of temperature sensors are positioned.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein introducing the esophageal monitoring device into the esophagus further comprises: unfolding branches of the pressure probe when the branches of the pressure probe are located adjacent to the portion of the esophagus adjacent to the left atrium.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein visualizing the inner surface of the esophagus while introducing the esophageal monitoring device into the esophagus and/or visualizing the inner surface of the esophagus, including the portion of the inner surface of the esophagus adjacent to the left atrium of the heart, while withdrawing the esophageal monitoring device from the esophagus comprises visualizing the inner surface of the esophagus at fixed distance intervals.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein visualizing the inner surface of the esophagus while introducing the ablation esophageal monitoring device into the esophagus and/or visualizing the inner surface of the esophagus, including the portion of the inner surface of the esophagus adjacent to the left atrium of the heart, while withdrawing the esophageal monitoring device from the esophagus comprises visualizing the inner surface of the esophagus at intervals of about 5 mm.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein visualizing the inner surface of the esophagus while introducing the esophageal monitoring device into the esophagus and visualizing the inner surface of the esophagus, including the portion of the inner surface of the esophagus adjacent to the left atrium of the heart, while withdrawing the esophageal monitoring device from the esophagus comprise obtaining a plurality of still images of the inner surface of the esophagus.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein visualizing the inner surface of the esophagus comprises illuminating the inner surface of the esophagus with at least one wavelength of light that will reveal trauma to the inner surface of the esophagus earlier than white light will reveal the trauma.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: comparing a condition of the inner surface of the esophagus while introducing the esophageal monitoring device into the esophagus to a condition of the inner surface of the esophagus while withdrawing the esophageal monitoring device from the esophagus.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein comparing comprises determining an effect of the ablation procedure on the inner surface of the esophagus, including an inner surface of the portion of the esophagus located adjacent to the left atrium of the heart.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein comparing comprises determining an effect of introducing the esophageal monitoring device into the esophagus and/or removing the esophageal monitoring device from the esophagus on the inner surface of the esophagus.

13. The method of claim 10, further comprising: addressing any damage to the esophagus.

14. A system for monitoring a condition of an esophagus during a left atrial ablation procedure, comprising: an esophageal monitoring device, including: a proximal element; an monitoring element at a distal end of the proximal element, the monitoring element comprising at least one elongated element carrying a plurality of sensors in an array across an area of the esophageal monitoring device; and a camera at a distal end of the monitoring element.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a plurality of temperature sensors.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of sensors further comprises a plurality of pressure sensors or force sensors.

17. The system of claim 14, wherein the monitoring element comprises a plurality of parallel branches, each branch of the plurality of branches of the monitoring element carrying a plurality of sensors, the plurality of branches of the monitoring element positioning the sensors in the array across the area of the monitoring element.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the plurality of branches of the monitoring element are capable of being folded upon one another to facilitate insertion of the monitoring element into the esophagus and removal of the monitoring element from the esophagus.

19. The system of claim 14, wherein the esophageal probe further includes: a light source for illuminating an interior of the esophagus.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the light source is capable of emitting at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that will reveal trauma to the inner surface of the esophagus earlier than white light will reveal the trauma.

21. The system of claim 14, further comprising: a position sensor capable of determining distance the esophageal monitoring device has been inserted into the esophagus.

22. The system of claim 21, wherein the esophageal monitoring device further includes: a plurality of position reference features positioned at fixed distances along a length of at least one of the proximal element of the esophageal monitoring device and an insertion component capable of use with the esophageal monitoring device.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the plurality of position reference features are positioned at 5 mm intervals along the length of the proximal element of the esophageal monitoring device or along the length of the insertion component.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein the position sensor is capable of: detecting a position reference feature on the proximal element or the insertion component as the position reference feature passes the position sensor; and causing the camera to obtain and/or mark an image upon detecting the position reference feature.

25. An esophageal monitoring device, comprising: an proximal element comprising an elongated element; a monitoring element at a distal end of the proximal element, the monitoring element including: a plurality of branches, the plurality of branches being parallel to one another and capable of being expanded to a width that exceeds a width of the proximal element; and a plurality of sensors carried by each branch of the plurality of branches.

26. The esophageal monitoring device of claim 25, wherein the proximal element and/or each branch of the plurality of branches of the monitoring element comprises a flexible circuit board.

27. The esophageal monitoring device of claim 25, wherein the plurality of branches of the monitoring element are capable of being folded upon each other and unfolded from one another to expand the width of the monitoring element.

28. The esophageal monitoring device of claim 25, further comprising: a camera adjacent to a distal end of a branch of the plurality of branches of the monitoring element.

29. The esophageal monitoring device of claim 28, further comprising: a light source adjacent to a distal end of the branch of the plurality of branches of the monitoring element.

30. The esophageal monitoring device of claim 29, wherein the light source is configured to emit at least one wavelength of electromagnetic radiation that will reveal trauma to the inner surface of the esophagus earlier than white light will reveal the trauma

31. The esophageal monitoring device of claim 25, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a plurality of temperature sensors.

32. The esophageal monitoring device of claim 25, wherein the plurality of sensors comprises a plurality of pressure sensors.

33. The esophageal monitoring device of claim 25, wherein the esophageal monitoring device further includes: a plurality of positional markers on each branch of the plurality of branches of the monitoring element.

34. The esophageal monitoring device of claim 25, wherein the proximal element includes: a plurality of position reference features positioned at fixed distances along a length of the proximal element or along a length of an insertion component capable of use with the esophageal monitoring device.

35. The esophageal monitoring device of claim 34, wherein adjacent position reference features of the plurality of position reference features are spaced 5 mm apart from one another along the length of the proximal element or along the length of the insertion component.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] In the drawings:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting the arrangement of the left atrium of the heart and the esophagus of a subject;

[0035] FIGS. 2 and 3 depict an embodiment of an esophageal monitoring system according to this disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 4 shows a distal portion of an embodiment of an insertion component of an esophageal monitoring system according to this disclosure, with a distal feature of an embodiment of an esophageal monitoring device protruding from a distal end of the insertion component;

[0037] FIG. 5 shows the esophageal monitoring device within a lumen of the insertion component;

[0038] FIG. 6 provides a top view of the distal portion of the embodiment of insertion component shown in FIG. 4, with a monitoring element of the esophageal monitoring device partially deployed from the insertion component;

[0039] FIG. 7 is a side view illustrating the monitoring element of the esophageal monitoring device fully deployed from the insertion component and occupying a substantially two-dimensional area;

[0040] FIG. 8 is a top view of the arrangement illustrated by FIG. 7;

[0041] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the arrangement illustrated by FIG. 7;

[0042] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of an esophageal monitoring system according to this disclosure, including a proximal portion of an esophageal monitoring device and an insertion component over a remainder of the esophageal monitoring device;

[0043] FIG. 11 shows a monitoring element of the esophageal monitoring device within a distal portion of the insertion component;

[0044] FIG. 12 is a side view of the esophageal monitoring system shown in FIG. 11, with the insertion component pulled proximally over an elongated element of the proximal portion of the esophageal monitoring device, adjacent to or against a handle of the proximal portion, and the monitoring element of the esophageal monitoring device in a deployed orientation;

[0045] FIG. 13 is a top view of the arrangement shown in FIG. 12;

[0046] FIG. 14 is an enlarged rear view of the embodiment of monitoring element shown in FIG. 13;

[0047] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a concave side of the embodiment of monitoring element shown in FIG. 13;

[0048] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a convex side of the embodiment of monitoring element shown in FIG. 13;

[0049] FIG. 17 is a graph showing the time in which temperature sensors of the embodiment of esophageal monitoring device shown in FIGS. 10-16 respond to changes in temperature, and providing a comparison of that time to the times in which temperature sensors of existing devices respond to changes in temperature;

[0050] FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of a camera of an esophageal monitoring device; and

[0051] FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate embodiments of position sensors and position monitoring features of an esophageal monitoring system, which are capable of monitoring the distance the esophageal monitoring device has been inserted into the esophagus and, thus, its position along the esophagus.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate an embodiment of a system 10 according to this disclosure, which system may also be referred to as an “esophageal monitoring system.” The system 10 is capable of monitoring a condition of a subject's esophagus while an ablation procedure is being performed on the posterior wall of the left atrium of the subject's heart (i.e., during a left atrial ablation procedure). As illustrated, the system 10 includes an insertion component 20, an esophageal monitoring device 30, a camera 40, a position reference element 50, and a monitor 60.

[0053] In FIG. 2, the esophageal monitoring device 30 (FIG. 2) is located within a lumen 21 (FIG. 5) of the insertion component 20, but the camera 40, which is located on a distal end 32 (FIG. 6) of the esophageal monitoring device 30, may be located at or just outside of (i.e., distal to) the distal end 22 of the insertion component 20.

[0054] In FIG. 3, a monitoring element 34 of the esophageal monitoring device 30 has been deployed from a distal end 22 of the insertion component 20, and branches 35a, 35b, 35c of the monitoring element 34 have expanded.

[0055] The monitor 60 of a system 10 according to this disclosure may include a display screen 62, a processing element 64, and one or more connectors 66 (e.g., communication ports, etc.).

[0056] A connector 66 of the monitor 60 may be configured to couple to, or mate with, a complementary connector of the esophageal monitoring device 30 (e.g., the connector 26′ shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, etc.). The connector 66 may comprise any suitable communication port (e.g., a USB (universal serial bus) port, a USB-C port, a proprietary communication port, etc.).

[0057] The processing element 64 of the monitor 60 may, under control of one or more programs or applications (or “apps”), communicate with various devices carried by the esophageal monitoring device 30, including the camera 40, and the position sensor 50 (e.g., receive signals and data embodied by the signals from devices carried by the esophageal monitoring device 30 and the position sensor 50, send instructions to devices carried by the esophageal monitoring device 30, etc.). In addition, the processing element 64 may process data conveyed as signals from devices carried by the esophageal monitoring device 30 and output such data to the display screen 62 of the monitor 60. The processing element 34 may comprise a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a dedicated microcontroller, or the like.

[0058] The display screen 62 of the monitor 60 may function under control of the processing element 64 to provide one or more users (e.g., one or more healthcare providers, etc.) with the data in a readily comprehendible form (e.g., as numbers, graphics, etc.). As an example, the display screen 62 may display temperature data in numeric format, as well as in colors to indicate whether or not the displayed temperature values are potentially damaging to a subject's esophagus. As another example, the display screen 62 may display a position of a monitoring element 34 of the esophageal monitoring device 30 within a subject's esophagus. The display screen 62 may, in some embodiments, provide a user of the system 10 with information about the pressure, or force, between the monitoring element 34 of the esophageal monitoring device 30 and the wall of the esophagus against which the monitoring element 34 is positioned, as well as an interpretation of the potential causes, the actual causes, the potential effects, and/or the actual effects of such pressure.

[0059] In addition, the monitor (e.g., a touch-sensitive display screen 62, etc.) may enable a user to provide inputs that control operation of the monitor 60 and/or the esophageal monitoring device 30.

[0060] The insertion component 20 of the system 10 may be capable of facilitating introduction of the esophageal monitoring device 30 into a subject's esophagus, deploying the monitoring element 34 of the esophageal monitoring device 34, retracting the monitoring element 34 of the esophageal monitoring device 34 (e.g., into the insertion component 20, etc.), and/or removing the esophageal monitoring device 30 from the subject's esophagus. The insertion component 20 may comprise a flexible catheter or another flexible tubular element. That includes a distal end 22 (e.g., the end that is to be introduced into the esophagus first), a proximal end 24 configured to remain outside of the subject's body, and a lumen 21 (FIG. 5) extending between the distal end 22 and the proximal end 24. Dimensions of the lumen 21 (e.g., its inner diameter) enable it to receive the esophageal monitoring device 30, including the monitoring element 34 of the esophageal monitoring device 30 when the monitoring element 34 is in a retracted arrangement.

[0061] An actuator 25 may be associated with a proximal end 24 of the insertion component 20 and/or a proximal end of the esophageal monitoring device 30 to enable a user (e.g., a healthcare provider, etc.) to control the relative positions of the insertion component 20 and the esophageal monitoring device 30. In some embodiments, the actuator 25 may enable a user to slide the insertion component 20 along a length of the esophageal monitoring device 30. In other embodiments the actuator may enable a user to slide the esophageal monitoring device 30 through the lumen 21 (FIG. 5) of the insertion component 20. As shown, the actuator 25 may comprise an enlarged feature, or a handle, that may be grasped and moved by the user.

[0062] FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate a distal portion of the insertion component 22, with FIG. 4 showing an exterior of the insertion component 20 and the camera 40 protruding from the distal end 22 of the insertion component 20, and FIG. 5 showing features of the esophageal monitoring device 30, including the monitoring element 34 thereof and a portion of a proximal element 33 thereof.

[0063] In the illustrated embodiment, position reference features 28 are positioned at fixed intervals along the length of the insertion component 20. The position reference features 28 may be detectable by the position sensor 50 as they pass by (or through) the position sensor 50. The position sensor 50 may send signals to the processing element 64 of the monitor 60, which may then determine a location of the insertion component 20 and/or a distal portion of the esophageal monitoring device 30 (e.g., its distal end, the monitoring element 34, etc.) relative to the position sensor 50 and the esophagus (e.g., a distance the insertion component and/or the esophageal monitoring device has/have been inserted into the esophagus, etc.).

[0064] FIGS. 6-9 show the monitoring element 34 of the esophageal monitoring device 30 deployed from the distal end 22 of the insertion component 20, with FIG. 6 providing a top view prior to unfolding of branches 35a, 35b, 35c, etc., of the monitoring element 34, FIG. 7 showing a side view of a branch 35a, and FIGS. 8 and 9 showing the branches 35a, 35b, 35c, etc., in a deployed, or an unfolded, arrangement. As illustrated by FIGS. 7 and 9, the deployed monitoring element 34 may be substantially two-dimensional.

[0065] The branches 35a, 35b, 35c, etc., of the monitoring element 34 of the esophageal monitoring device 30 may be continuous with the proximal element 33 of the esophageal monitoring device 30. In some embodiments, the proximal element 33 and the monitoring element 34 may comprise a flexible printed circuit board, or “flex PCB” or “flex circuit” that carries conductive traces, or “wires,” as well as electrical contacts. The branches 35a, 35b, 35c, etc., of the monitoring element 34 may also include a structural support element 35.sub.S (FIG. 7) which may enable the branches 35a, 35b, 35c, etc., to maintain or substantially maintain their relative positions when the monitoring element 34 and its branches 35a, 35b, 35c, etc., are in their deployed arrangement. The structural support element 35.sub.S may be carried by (e.g., laminated or otherwise secured to, formed within, etc.) the substrate of each branch 35a, 35b, 35c, etc. (e.g., the flex circuit, etc.). In a specific embodiment, the structural support element 35.sub.S may comprise a pre-shaped elongated element formed from a shape memory alloy, such as nitinol (or NiTiNOL—nickel-titanium Naval Ordnance Laboratory), which may assume its intended shape as the structure support element 35.sub.S is deployed from the lumen 21 (FIG. 5) of the insertion component 20 and exposed to the temperature within the esophagus (e.g., body temperature, etc.). In a more specific embodiment, the structural support element may comprise a 0.008 inch diameter nitinol wire.

[0066] FIGS. 8 and 9 also illustrate an arrangement of sensors 38 and 39 carried by the branches 35a, 35b, 35c of the monitoring element 34 and arranged across an area occupied by the monitoring element 34. Sensors 38 may comprise temperature sensors of a known type (e.g., thermistors, etc.). Sensors 39 may comprise pressure sensors or force sensors of a known type. In some embodiments, the monitoring element 34 may carry sensors 39 that serve as positional markers (e.g., impedance electrodes, etc.), which may be used to anatomically map (e.g., three-dimensionally map, etc.) the location of the monitoring element within the esophagus and relative to the left atrium of the subject's heart (e.g., by impedance-based mapping, etc.) and, when used in conjunction with measurements of the pressure or force exerted on pressure sensors or force sensors of the monitoring element, may be used to map the physical relationship between the left atrium and the esophagus, as well as any changes to that physical relationship (e.g., force of the left atrium against the pericardium and the esophagus, etc.).

[0067] Turning now to FIGS. 10-16, another embodiment of a system 10′ for monitoring a condition of a subject's esophagus during a left atrial ablation procedure is depicted. The system 10′ may include all of the components of system 10 (FIGS. 2-9) (i.e., an insertion component 20′, a handle 25′ at a proximal end 24 of the insertion component 20′, an esophageal monitoring device 30′ within a lumen (not shown) of the insertion component 20′, a camera 40′ at or near a distal end of the esophageal monitoring device 30′, an optional light source, a position sensor 50 (FIGS. 2 and 3), and a monitor 60 (FIGS. 2 and 3), with the configuration of the esophageal monitoring device 30′ being the primary difference between system 10′ and system 10 (FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0068] In particular, as depicted by FIGS. 12, 15, and 16, the monitoring element 34′ of the esophageal monitoring device 30′ may occupy a three-dimensional space rather than having a substantially two-dimensional arrangement. More specifically, the branches 35a′, 35b′, 35c′, etc., of the monitoring element 34′ are bent or curved. As depicted by FIG. 15, a structure support element 35.sub.S carried by the substrate (e.g., a flex circuit, etc.) of each branch 35a′, 35b′, 35c′, etc., (e.g., an elongated element formed from a shape memory alloy, such as nitinol, a nitinol wire (e.g., a 0.008 inch diameter nitinol wire, etc.), a thin nitinol band, etc.) may define the shape of each branch 35a′, 35b′, 35c′, etc., (e.g., as it is exposed to an increased temperature (e.g., body temperature, etc.) within the esophagus, etc.) and the relative positions of the branches 35a′, 35b′, 35c′, etc., when they are deployed from the lumen 21 of the insertion component 20′. The branches 35a′, 35b′, 35c′, etc., may be bent or curved and arranged in a manner that facilitates their placement against an interior surface of a subject's esophagus. FIG. 16 illustrates a convex side 37.sub.R′ of the monitoring element 34, which is configured to be positioned against the interior surface of the esophagus, while FIG. 15 illustrates a concave side 37.sub.F′ of the monitoring element 34′, which is configured to face into a lumen of the esophagus when the monitoring element 34′ is positioned against the interior surface of the esophagus. In some embodiments, as the monitoring element 34′ is deployed in a subject's esophagus and placed against an interior surface of the esophagus, the branches 35a′, 35b′, 35c′, etc., may flatten out, enabling the monitoring element 34′ to be placed against the interior surface of the esophagus without deforming or moving the esophagus.

[0069] As shown in FIGS. 14 and 16, sensors 38′, 39′ may be carried by the concave side of each branch 35a′, 35b′, 35c′, etc., of the monitoring element 34′ (i.e., the side that will be placed against an interior surface of the subject's esophagus).

[0070] Due to the low thermal mass of flexible printed circuit boards, their use as the substrate for a monitoring element 34′, or for each branch 35a′, 35b′, 35c′, etc., of the monitoring element 34′, dramatically increases the thermal response time of each temperature sensor (e.g., each sensor 38′). The temperature sensors (e.g., sensors 38′) of the monitoring element 34′ of the esophageal monitoring device 30′ respond to temperature changes within 0.1 second (i.e., one-tenth of a second or less). By way of comparison, the temperature sensors of the CIRCA S-CATH™ esophageal temperature monitor available from CIRCA Scientific, LLC, of Englewood, Calif., respond to temperature changes in about two (2) seconds while it takes about eight (8) seconds for the temperature sensors of a general purpose esophageal probe to respond to temperature changes. These response times are illustrated by the graph of FIG. 17, in which twelve (12) response times were measured and averaged for temperature sensors of the monitoring element 34′ of the esophageal monitoring device 30′ (the left-most curve) and compared with average response times for temperature sensors of the CIRCA S-CATH™ esophageal temperature monitor (the center curve), and the Level 1® 9 F general purpose esophageal/rectal temperature probe available from Smiths Medical of Dublin, Ohio (the right-most curve). In those response time analyses, temperature sensors that had been heated to a temperature of 36° C. (e.g., in a warm water bath, etc.) were immersed in a warmer, 40° C. water bath, and the amount of time it took each sensor to respond to a 2° C. rise in temperature (from 36° C. to 38° C.) was measured.

[0071] By providing quick response times to changes in temperature, an esophageal monitoring device (e.g., esophageal monitoring device 30′, etc.) according to this disclosure may enable a healthcare provider to react more quickly to the exposure of the esophagus to potentially damaging temperatures. Improvement of the healthcare provider's reaction times may decrease the likelihood of damage to the esophagus during a left atrial ablation procedure.

[0072] FIG. 18 provides a close-up view of a camera 40, which is located at a distal end 36b of a branch 35b of the monitoring element 34 of the esophageal monitoring device 30 (or at a distal end of a branch 35b′ of the monitoring element 34′ of the esophageal monitoring device 30′). As illustrated, the camera 40 may include a lens 42 with a dome shape, a hemispherical shape, or any other shape that will enable the camera 40 to capture images around an entirety of the inner surface of the esophagus. A light source (e.g., a source of visible light, a source of infrared radiation, a source of ultraviolet radiation, etc.) may be associated with the camera 40 to enable or enhance visualization of the interior surface of the esophagus.

[0073] With reference to FIG. 19, an embodiment of use of the position sensor 50 and the position reference features 28 on the insertion element 20 is depicted. In particular, FIG. 19 depicts the use of the position sensor 50 and the position reference features 28 while inserting the insertion component 20 and, thus, the esophageal monitoring device 30 (FIGS. 2 and 5-8) into a subject's esophagus. The position sensor 50 may be placed at a fixed location, such as the nares or mouth of the subject. As the insertion component 20 is introduced into the esophagus, it passes by or passes through the position sensor 50. The position sensor 50 may detect each position reference feature 28 on the insertion component 20 that passes thereby or therethrough.

[0074] FIG. 20 illustrates use of the position sensor 50 and the position reference features 28 as the insertion component 20 and, thus, the esophageal monitoring device 30 are withdrawn from a subject's esophagus. Again, as each position reference feature 28 on the insertion component 20 passes by or through the position sensor 50, the position sensor 50 detects that position reference feature.

[0075] In use, the insertion component 20 may initially reside over the monitoring element 34 of the esophageal monitoring device 30, as shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5. With the insertion component 20 and the esophageal monitoring device 30 in this arrangement, they may be introduced into a subject's esophagus (e.g., through the subject's nose, through the subject's mouth, etc.). The position of the insertion component 20 and/or the esophageal monitoring device 30 may be monitored (e.g., by the position sensor 50, etc.; see, e.g., FIG. 19) as they are introduced into the esophagus. In addition, the interior surfaces of the esophagus may be visualized (e.g., with the camera 40, etc., with or without illumination) while the insertion component 20 and the esophageal monitoring device 30 are introduced into the esophagus.

[0076] Once the distal end 22 of the insertion component 20 has reached a desired location within the esophagus, the monitoring element 34 of the esophageal monitoring device 34 may be deployed from the lumen 21 of the insertion component 20, as depicted by FIGS. 3 and 6-9. In embodiments of the system 10 where the insertion component 30 can be pulled proximally to deploy the monitoring element 34 of the esophageal monitoring device 30, deployment of the monitoring element 34 may occur once the distal end 22 of the insertion component 20 has been advanced to a location beneath a portion of the esophagus located in proximity to the left atrium of the subject's heart. In embodiments where the esophageal monitoring device 30 can be pushed distally out of the distal end 22 of the insertion component 20, deployment of the monitoring element 34 may occur once the distal end 22 of the insertion component 20 has been advanced to a location just above a portion of the esophagus located in proximity to the left atrium of the subject's heart.

[0077] Once deployed, the monitoring element 34 may be placed against an interior surface of the esophagus, at a location where the esophagus is located closest to the left atrium of the subject's heart. The monitoring element 34 or, more specifically, sensors carried by the monitoring element 34 (e.g., temperature sensors 38, force sensors 39, etc.) may be used to monitor the surface of the esophagus against which the monitoring element 34 has been placed. Such monitoring may occur during a left atrial ablation procedure and, optionally, before the left atrial ablation procedure (e.g., to provide baseline temperature readings, baseline pressure readings, etc.).

[0078] In addition, positional markers (e.g., impedance electrodes, etc.) may be used to three-dimensionally map the location of the monitoring element within the esophagus and relative to the left atrium of the subject's heart. When used in conjunction with measurements of the pressure or force exerted on pressure sensors or force sensors 39 of the monitoring element 34, may be used to map the physical relationship between the left atrium and the esophagus, as well as any changes to that physical relationship (e.g., force of the left atrium against the pericardium and the esophagus, etc.).

[0079] Once the left atrial ablation procedure is complete, the monitoring element 34 may be retracted back into the lumen 21 of the insertion component 20, and the insertion component 20 and the esophageal monitoring device 30 may be removed from the subject's esophagus. The position of the insertion component 20 and/or the esophageal monitoring device 30 may be monitored (e.g., by the position sensor 50, etc.; see, e.g., FIG. 20) as they are removed from the esophagus. In addition, the interior surfaces of the esophagus may be visualized (e.g., with the camera 40, etc., with or without illumination) while the insertion component 20 and the esophageal monitoring device 30 are removed from the esophagus.

[0080] In embodiments where the interior surfaces of the esophagus have been visualized, a healthcare provider may analyze the interior surfaces to determine whether or not the left atrial ablation procedure has damaged the esophagus. Corrective measures (e.g., surgical treatment, medical treatment, etc.) may then be initiated immediately or within a short period of time (e.g., one day, two days, etc.) of the left atrial ablation procedure.

[0081] While the foregoing disclosure relates to esophageal monitoring devices, systems, and methods that are useful during left atrial ablation procedures, the teachings provided herein may also be applicable to devices, systems, and methods for monitoring tissue temperatures during other procedures where adjacent tissues are heated or cooled.

[0082] Although the foregoing description contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limiting the scopes of the inventions recited by any of the appended claims, but merely as providing information pertinent to some specific embodiments that may fall within the scopes of the appended claims. Features from different embodiments may be employed in combination. In addition, other embodiments may also lie within the scopes of the appended claims. All additions to, deletions from and modifications of the disclosed subject matter that fall within the scopes of the claims are to be embraced by the claims.