Method and device for visually assisting the electrophysiological use of a catheter in the heart

Abstract

The invention relates to a device and to a method for visual assistance during the electrophysiological use of a catheter in the heart, enabling electroanatomic 3D mapping data relating to an area of the heart to be treated to be visualised during the use of the catheter. Before the catheter is used, 3D image data of a body region containing the area to be treated is detected by means of a method for tomographic 3D imaging. The area to be treated or significant parts thereof are extracted from said 3D image data, in order to obtain selected 3D image data. The electroanatomic 3D mapping data and the selected 3D image data obtained are then classed in terms of position and dimension, and are adjacently visualised, for example, during the catheter ablation. The inventive method and associated device enable the orientation of the operator to be improved during the use of a catheter in the heart.

Description

technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and a device for providing visualization support for the application of an electrophysiological catheter in the heart, wherein electroanatomical 3D mapping data of the region to be treated of the heart provided during catheter application are visualized. Background technique

[0002] The treatment of cardiac rhythm disorders has changed significantly since the introduction of catheter ablation techniques utilizing high frequency electrical currents. In this technique, a cutting catheter is introduced through a vein or artery into a ventricle under X-ray control, and a high-frequency electric current is passed through to atrophy the tissue causing the heart rhythm disturbance. A prerequisite for successful catheterization is the precise location of the cause of the cardiac rhythm disturbance in the ventricle. This location finding is carried out by electrophysiological examination in which potentials are detect...

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