Abstract: A method includes positioning an expandable balloon, coupled to a distal end of a catheter, at a target location within an organ of a patient, the expandable balloon including multiple electrodes and one or more sensors in proximity to each electrode, wherein the one or more sensors are configured each to measure a characteristic of blood. The expandable balloon is expanded at the target location. A fluid is flowed through an inner lumen of the catheter and into the blood in a vicinity of each electrode. A dependence of the characteristic of blood on time is measured, via the one or more sensors, in proximity to each electrode. Using a processor, it is determined whether or not each electrode is in physical contact with tissue, based on the measured dependence of the characteristic of blood. An indication of whether or not each electrode is in physical contact with tissue is outputted to a user.

Abstract: A method of occlusion detection is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of positioning a medical tool coupled to a distal portion of a distal end of a delivery catheter at a target cavity within a patient. The medical tool includes an expandable balloon, and at least one sensor. The expandable balloon is expanded when positioned at the target cavity. The expandable balloon includes a membrane formed of a plurality of irrigation pores. Fluid is introduced into the target cavity either by injection or through the pores, or both. Using a sensor, a characteristic of blood is detected with the target cavity. The characteristic of blood is processed to determine the presence or absence of an occlusion within the cavity.