Data reuse for filling missing data points

Abstract

The invention is entitled "Data Reuse for Filling Missing Data Points". A medical display processing apparatus and a method of reusing data are disclosed, the method comprising acquiring electrical signals over time via electrodes, the electrical signals each being acquired via one of the electrodes and being indicative of electrical activity at a location in 3D space of a portion of a patient's anatomy. The electrical signal data corresponding to the electrical signals is filtered according to a first filter parameter setting and first mapping information is generated for display of a map of the portion of the patient's anatomy and the filtered electrical signal data. An indication of a region of the map of the portion of the patient's anatomy is received and second mapping information is generated for display of a portion of the electrical signal data previously filtered from the display at the region on the map.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present patent application relates to the field of medical diagnosis and treatment, particularly when it relates to atrial fibrillation. In particular, the present patent application relates to systems and methods for determining a region of interest to ablate for treating a cardiac arrhythmia, such as atrial fibrillation, and more particularly to systems and methods of determining a region of interest of atrial fibrillation to ablate using a map representing detected electrical activity of a heart and a map representing a spatiotemporal representation indicative of a condition of the electrical activity of the heart. BACKGROUND

[0002] Medical personnel, such as ear, nose, and throat (ENT) physicians and cardiologists, use medical tools to perform medical procedures within a patient anatomy. Medical tools, such as catheters, can be used to detect electrical activity in a patient anatomy (e.g., electrocardiogram (ECG) signals of a heart) for generating a map (e.g., a high resolution map) of the anatomy (e.g., a map of a heart).

[0003] For example, ECG signals of a heart are acquired (i.e., recorded for a period of time, such as 20-30 seconds) via a plurality of catheter electrodes placed at different regions of the heart. The acquired signals are monitored and used along with position information indicative of the position of the medical tools and electrodes in three-dimensional (3D) space to create a dynamic map of the heart. Based on a visual assessment of the map, a region of interest of the heart can be determined, which can include a region of the heart that is causing irregular heart rhythms to be targeted for ablation. SUMMARY

[0004] The present invention provides a method of reusing data that improves processing performance of a medical display processing system. The method includes acquiring electrical signals over time via a plurality of electrodes, each signal acquired via one of the plurality of electrodes and indicative of electrical activity at a location in three-dimensional (3D) space of a portion of a patient anatomy. The method further includes filtering electrical signal data corresponding to the electrical signals according to a first plurality of filter parameter settings, and generating first mapping information for displaying a map of the portion of the patient anatomy and the filtered electrical signal data. The method further includes receiving an indication of a region on the map of the portion of the patient anatomy, and generating second mapping information for displaying a portion of the previously filtered electrical signal data from the display at the region on the map.

[0005] The present invention provides an improved processing performance medical display processing apparatus comprising a memory configured to store electrical signal data and a processing apparatus. The processing apparatus is configured to receive electrical signal data corresponding to electrical signals acquired over time via a plurality of electrodes, each signal indicative of electrical activity at a location in 3D space of a portion of a patient's anatomy. The processing apparatus is further configured to filter the electrical signal data according to a first plurality of filter parameter settings and generate first mapping information for display of a map of the portion of the patient's anatomy and the filtered electrical signal data. The processing apparatus is further configured to receive an indication of a region on the map of the portion of the patient's anatomy and generate second mapping information for display of a portion of the electrical signal data previously filtered from the display at the region on the map.

[0006] The present invention provides an improved processing performance medical processing system comprising a plurality of electrodes, each electrode configured to acquire electrical signals over time, each signal indicative of electrical activity at a location in 3D space of a portion of a patient's anatomy. The system further comprises a display apparatus configured to display a map of the portion of the patient's anatomy and electrical signal data corresponding to the electrical signals; the system further comprises a processing apparatus configured to receive the electrical signal data and filter the electrical signal data according to a first plurality of filter parameter settings. The processing apparatus is further configured to generate first mapping information for display of the map of the portion of the patient's anatomy and the filtered electrical signal data on the display apparatus, receive an indication of a region on the map of the portion of the patient's anatomy and generate second mapping information for display of a portion of the electrical signal data previously filtered from the display apparatus at the region on the map. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] The following description given with reference to the accompanying drawings is illustrative of examples of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents. Various examples of the present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 FIGURE 1 is an illustration of an example medical system for navigating a tool in 3D space in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0009] Figure 2 FIGURE 2 is an illustration of components of an example electromagnetic navigation system for use with the embodiments described herein;

[0010] Figure 3 FIGURE 3 is a flow diagram illustrating an example method of reusing electrical signal data acquired for a medical processing and display system in accordance with the embodiments described herein;

[0011] Figure 4An example of a displayed mapping of the heart, which includes electrical signal data points at different regions of the heart, the electrical signal data points having been filtered according to parameter settings;

[0012] Figure 5 for Figure 4 The example shown is a mapping of the heart, which includes new electrical signal data points displayed at the indicated area of ​​the heart, the new electrical signal data points having been filtered according to additional filter parameter settings;

[0013] Figure 6A For use in Figure 6C An example of the filter parameter settings shown for filtering the data displayed in the pulmonary vein region of the heart;

[0014] Figure 6B For use in Figure 6C An example of the filter parameter settings shown for filtering data displayed in the central region of the heart; and

[0015] Figure 6C An example of a displayed mapping of the heart is shown, the mapping including data based on... Figure 6A The filter parameters shown are set at the pulmonary vein area of ​​the heart, and the data displayed is based on... Figure 6B The filter parameter settings shown are displayed in the center area. Detailed Implementation

[0016] Routine medical procedures for identifying regions of interest (ROIs) to be targeted for ablation (e.g., regions of interest in the heart) are time-consuming (e.g., several hours) and rely on medical personnel with specific expertise and experience (often requiring many hours of training). To facilitate efficient and accurate identification of these ROIs by viewing a monitor, filters (e.g., hard filters) are typically used to remove a large number of data points from the mapping (e.g., data indicating catheter position, impedance, and tissue proximity indicators (TPIs) used to detect catheter proximity to tissue), so that the resulting mapping is not visually overwhelming for medical personnel (e.g., physicians).

[0017] In some cases, medical personnel may wish to review data initially filtered out by filters (e.g., electrical signal data). For example, gaps in electrical signal data, such as missing local activation time (LAT) values, may exist for specific regions on a mapping map to enable full cycle length (CL) mapping. However, identifying and retrieving data filtered out by hard filters is often difficult and time-consuming, thus adversely affecting medical procedures.

[0018] The features of the present disclosure effectively identify, retrieve, and reuse missing data for display on one or more identified zones of a map, resulting in a more accurate and comprehensive map.

[0019] Reference is now made to Figure 1 , showing an illustration of an example medical system 20 that can be used to generate and display information 52 (e.g., a chart, an anatomical model of a portion of a patient, and signal information). A tool (i.e., a medical tool) such as tool 22 can be any tool used for diagnostic or therapeutic treatment, such as for mapping electrical potentials in a heart 26 of a patient 28. Alternatively, the tool can be used with necessary modifications for other therapeutic and / or diagnostic purposes of different portions of anatomical structures (e.g., in the heart, lungs, or other body organs, such as the ear, nose, and throat (ENT)). The tool can include, for example, a probe, a catheter, a cutting tool, and an aspiration device.

[0020] An operator 30 can insert the tool 22 into a portion of a patient’s anatomical structure, such as a vascular system of the patient 28, via a handle 54, such that a tip 56 of the tool 22 enters a chamber of the heart 26. The console 24 can determine coordinates of the tool (e.g., coordinates of the tip 56) in 3D space inside the heart 26 using magnetic position sensing. To determine the position coordinates, a driver circuit 34 in the console 24 can drive a field generator 36 via a connector 44 to generate magnetic fields within the anatomical structure of the patient 28.

[0021] The field generator 36 includes one or more transmitter coils (not shown in Figure 1 ) placed at known locations outside the patient 28, which are configured to generate magnetic fields in a predetermined working volume containing a portion of interest of the patient’s anatomical structure. Each of the transmitter coils is driven by a different frequency to emit a constant magnetic field in 3D space. For example, in the example medical system 20 shown in Figure 1 , the one or more transmitter coils can be placed below the torso of the patient 28, and each transmitter coil is configured to generate a magnetic field in a predetermined working volume containing the heart 26 of the patient.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1 , a magnetic field position sensor 38 is disposed at the tip 56 of the tool 22. The magnetic field position sensor 38 is used to determine the position of the receiving coil in 3D space and generates an electrical signal based on the amplitude and phase of the magnetic field. Although the magnetic field position sensor 38 is disposed at the tip 56 of the tool 22, the tool can include one or more magnetic field position sensors each disposed at any portion of the tool.

[0023] The signal is transmitted via a wireless communication interface (e.g., Figure 3The illustrated interface 312) wirelessly communicates to the console 24, which can communicate with a corresponding input / output (I / O) interface 42 in the console 24. The wireless communication interface 312 and the I / O interface 42 can operate according to any suitable wireless communication standard known in the art, such as infrared (IR), radio frequency (RF), Bluetooth, one of the IEEE 802.11 family of standards (e.g., Wi-Fi), or HiperLAN standards. The body surface electrodes 46 can include one or more wireless sensor nodes integrated on a flexible substrate. The one or more wireless sensor nodes can include a wireless transmit / receive unit (WTRU) capable of implementing local digital signal processing, a radio link, and a miniaturized rechargeable battery, as described in greater detail below.

[0024] The I / O interface 42 can enable the console 24 to interact with the tool 22, the body surface electrodes 46, and a position sensor (not shown). Based on the electrical pulses received from the body surface electrodes 46 and electrical signals received from the tool 22 via the I / O interface 42 and other components of the medical system 20, the signal processor 40 can determine the position of the tool in 3D space and generate display information 52 that can be shown on the display 50.

[0025] The signal processor 40 is configured to process the signals to determine position coordinates of the tip 56 in 3D space, including both position coordinates and orientation coordinates. The position sensing methods described above are implemented in the CARTO® mapping system produced by Biosense Webster Inc. (Diamond Bar, Calif.) and are described in detail in the patents and patent applications cited herein.

[0026] The magnetic field position sensor 38 transmits signals indicative of position coordinates of the tool 22 in 3D space (e.g., position coordinates of the tip 56) to the console 24. The magnetic field position sensor 38 can include one or more miniature receiving coils (e.g., Figure 3 The illustrated receiving coil 304), and can include multiple miniature coils oriented along different axes. Alternatively, the magnetic field position sensor 38 can include another type of magnetic sensor or other type of position transducer, such as an impedance-based position sensor or an ultrasonic position sensor. Although Figure 1 A tool 22 with a single position sensor is illustrated, but embodiments can include tools with more than one position sensor. Magnetic position tracking techniques are described in, e.g., U.S. Patents 5,391,199; 5,443,489; 6,788,967; 6,690,963; 5,558,091; 6,172,499; 6,177,792, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0027] The tool 22 can also include the electrode 48 coupled to the tip 56 and configured to function as an impedance-based position transducer. Additionally or alternatively, the electrode 48 can be configured to measure some physiological property, such as a local surface potential at one or more locations (e.g., a local surface potential of cardiac tissue). The electrode 48 can be configured to apply RF energy to ablate endocardial tissue in the heart 26.

[0028] The signal processor 40 can be included in a general purpose computer having suitable front end and interface circuitry for receiving signals from the tool 22 and controlling other components of the console 24. The signal processor 40 can be programmed using software to perform the functions described herein. The software can be downloaded to the console 24 in electronic form, for example over a network, or it can be provided on non-transitory tangible media, such as optical, magnetic, or electronic memory media. Alternatively, some or all of the functionality of the signal processor 40 can be performed by dedicated or programmable digital hardware components.

[0029] In Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the console 24 is connected to the body surface electrodes 46 via cables 44, each of which is attached to the patient 28 using a patch adhered to the patient’s skin (e.g., indicated as a circle around the electrode 46 in Figure 1 In addition or instead of the patch, the body surface electrodes 46 can be positioned on the patient 28 using an article worn by the patient 28 that includes the body surface electrodes 46 therein, and can further include one or more orientation sensors (not shown) that indicate the location of the worn article. For example, the body surface electrodes 46 can be embedded in a vest configured to be worn by the patient 28. During operation, the body surface electrodes 46 assist in providing the location of the tool (e.g., catheter) in 3D space by detecting electrical impulses generated by the polarization and depolarization of cardiac tissue and transmitting information to the console 24 via the cables 44. The body surface electrodes 46 can be equipped with magnetic position tracking and can help identify and track the respiratory cycle of the patient 28.

[0030] Additionally or alternatively, the tool 22, body surface electrodes 46, and other sensors (not shown) can communicate with the console 24 and with each other via a wireless interface. For example, U.S. Patent 6,266,551, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein, describes, among other things, a wireless catheter that is not physically connected to a signal processing and / or computing device, and is incorporated by reference herein. Instead, a transmitter / receiver is attached to the proximal end of the catheter. The transmitter / receiver communicates with the signal processing and / or computing device using a wireless communication method (e.g., IR, RF, Bluetooth, or acoustic transmission means).

[0031] During a diagnostic procedure, the signal processor 40 can present display information 52 and can store data representative of the information 52 in a memory 58. The memory 58 can include any suitable volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as random access memory or a hard drive. The operator 30 can be able to manipulate the display information 52 using one or more input devices 59. Alternatively, the medical system 20 can include a second operator who manipulates the console 24 while the operator 30 manipulates the tool 22. It should be noted that, Figure 1 The configuration shown is merely an example. Any suitable configuration of the medical system 20 can be used and implemented.

[0032] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing example components of a medical system 200 for use with the embodiments described herein. As Figure 2 shown, the system 200 includes a medical tool 202, a processing device 204, a display device 206, a memory 212. For purposes of explanation, the medical tool 202 will be described herein as a catheter 202. In some examples, the catheter 202 is also configured to ablate tissue at a location engaged by the catheter 202. As Figure 2 shown, the processing device 204, the display device 206, and the memory 212 are part of an example computing device 214. In some embodiments, the display device 206 can be independent of the computing device 214. The computing device 214 can also include an I / O interface, such as Figure 1 the I / O interface 42 shown.

[0033] As Figure 2 shown, the catheter 202 includes one or more sensors 216 including, for example, magnetic field position sensors (e.g., the sensors 38 in Figure 1 ) to provide position signals to indicate 3D position coordinates of the catheter 202. The sensors 216 also include, for example, position sensors, pressure or force sensors, temperature sensors, impedance sensors, or other sensors that provide signals indicative of parameter values (e.g., catheter position stability, impedance, and TPI) during a medical procedure. In some procedures, one or more additional sensors 210, independent of the catheter 202, are also used to provide position signals, as shown in the example system 200.

[0034] The catheter 202 also includes electrodes 208 to acquire electrical activity of a portion of a patient’s anatomy (e.g., a heart) and map the electrical activity of the heart. Any number of electrodes 208 can be used to continuously acquire electrical signals from different regions of the portion of the patient’s anatomy (e.g., the heart) over time. Each electrical signal acquired by a corresponding electrode is indicative of electrical activity of the heart at a location in 3D space.

[0035] Memory 212 includes, for example, volatile and non-volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM, or a cache. Memory 212 also includes, for example, storage devices such as fixed or removable storage devices (e.g., hard disk drives and solid state drives) and storage media such as optical media (e.g., compact discs and digital video discs), semiconductor memory, and / or other storage media.

[0036] Catheter 202 is configured to navigate within a patient’s anatomy during a medical procedure such that electrodes 208 become in contact with or in close proximity to the heart. The acquired electrical signals are monitored and used along with position information indicative of the position of catheter 202 and electrodes 208 in 3D space (e.g., acquired via sensors 216) to create a dynamic map of the heart. Catheter 202 can be in wired or wireless communication with processing device 204 to communicate information acquired by sensors 216 and electrical activity acquired by electrodes 208.

[0037] Display device 206 is configured to display one or more maps of the heart in 3D space that include data of acquired electrical signals (i.e., electrical signal data) corresponding to the portion of the patient’s anatomy (e.g., the heart). For example, display device 206 is configured to display a map that represents the spatiotemporal performance of the heart and electrical signal data at a region on the map of the heart. Display device 206 can be in wired or wireless communication with processing device 204. In some embodiments, display device can be independent of computing device 214. Display device 206 can include one or more displays each configured to display one or more maps.

[0038] Processing device 204 is configured to process acquired electrical signals (e.g., from electrodes 208) as electrical signal data and store electrical signal data acquired via electrodes 208 in memory 212. Processing device 204 is also configured to filter acquired electrical signal data according to one or more filter parameter settings, generate mapping information, and drive display device 206 to display a map using the mapping information.

[0039] Filter parameter settings include, for example, a LAT range of electrical signals, a cycle length range of electrical signals, a position stability range of a medical tool used to navigate within 3D space, a minimum force threshold of the medical tool, a maximum force threshold of the medical tool, a pacing density, an impedance value, and a TPI.

[0040] For example, during a medical procedure, the processing device 204 is configured to filter the electrical signal data (e.g., a hard filter) according to filter parameter settings determined prior to the medical procedure (e.g., first filter parameter settings) and generate first mapping information for display of a map of the portion of the patient anatomy (e.g., the heart) and the filtered electrical signal data. The display device 206 then displays the map of the heart and the filtered electrical signal data using the first mapping information.

[0041] The processing device 204 is further configured to receive an indication of a region of the portion of the patient anatomy on the displayed map (e.g., a region of the heart). For example, the processing device 204 receives an indication (e.g., a user input) of a location (e.g., an area) on the displayed map and identifies a region of the heart on the displayed map from the indicated location on the map.

[0042] The processing device 204 re-filters the filtered electrical signal data according to one or more additional filter parameter settings (e.g., second filter parameter settings) and generates second mapping information for display of a portion of the previously filtered electrical signal data from the display at the indicated region of the heart on the map. The processing device 204 re-filters the filtered electrical signal data by retrieving from memory stored electrical signal data missing from the indicated region of the heart on the map and re-utilizing the retrieved electrical signal data for display at the indicated region. For example, if the additional filter parameter settings include a changed LAT range having LAT values previously missing from the display. The processing device 204 generates the second mapping information for display of electrical signal data for each LAT within the changed LAT range at the indicated region of the heart on the map.

[0043] Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example method 300 of re-utilizing electrical signal data acquired for a medical processing and display system.

[0044] In the example method 300, the electrical signals represent electrical activity of a heart. As shown at block 302, the method 300 includes acquiring the electrical signals. For example, during a medical procedure, the electrical signals are acquired via a plurality of electrodes of a catheter navigated within a patient anatomy over time until the electrodes become in contact with or in close proximity to the heart. Each electrical signal is acquired via one of the sensors, and each electrical signal is indicative of electrical activity at a location in 3D space of a portion of the heart.

[0045] As shown at block 304, the method 300 includes processing the acquired electrical signals and storing electrical signal data acquired via the electrodes over time. The electrical signals are processed (e.g., by the processing device 204) as electrical signal data. For example, the electrical signal data can include a LAT for each acquired electrical signal and an amplitude for each acquired electrical signal. The electrical signal data can be stored (e.g., in the memory 212) continuously over time during the medical procedure.

[0046] As shown at block 306, the method 300 includes filtering the electrical signal data according to a first plurality of filter parameter settings (e.g., filter parameter settings shown at Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown at block 306, the method 300 includes filtering the electrical signal data according to a first plurality of filter parameter settings (e.g., filter parameter settings shown at

[0047] As shown at block 308, the method 300 includes generating mapping information (e.g., first mapping information). The first mapping information is generated based on the first plurality of filter parameter settings for displaying a map of the portion of the heart and the filtered electrical signal data. As shown at block 310, the method 300 includes displaying a map of the heart and the filtered electrical signal data based on the first mapping information.

[0048] Figure 4 is an example of a map 400 of a heart 402 including electrical signal data points 404 displayed according to the first mapping information. The dashed line around the map 400 is used to illustrate a display screen or a portion of a display screen. The electrical signal data points 404 are displayed at different regions of the heart 402 based on the first plurality of parameter settings. Each data point 404 represents a LAT of electrical activity of the heart 402 acquired by one of the electrodes. As shown at Figure 4 A plurality of LAT ranges are displayed at the regions of the heart 402. Each LAT range is displayed on a region of the heart 402 via one of a plurality of different visual indicators. Examples of visual indicators include colors, shades, or any other type of visual indicator having distinguishing visual characteristics. Figure 4 A bar legend 408 is also included, where each visual indicator (e.g., color) on the legend 408 corresponds to one of a plurality of LAT ranges between a lower reference time of -135 ms and an upper reference time of +135 ms. Figure 4 The reference times shown are merely examples of reference times. The reference times are set such that the time difference between the lower reference time and the upper reference time (e.g., between -135 ms and +135 ms = 270 ms total) is approximately equal to the cycle length of the mapping chamber of the heart 402. Each LAT value (e.g., +70 ms) represents a time difference between the LAT and the zero reference point of the cycle. Indicators such as Figure 4Bar 410 can also be displayed to indicate areas where the LAT range is not shown on the mapping map 400.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, based on the first parameter setting, no data points are displayed in the area marked by circle 406. For example, corresponding to area 406 (marked by circle 406) Figure 4 The electrical signal data acquired in the circle marked as shown may be missing because the LAT of the electrical signal in zone 406 is within the LAT time period range (e.g., between 68ms and 70ms from the zero reference point), and the first multiple parameter settings filter out the LAT of the electrical signal that occurs during the LAT range between 68ms and 70ms.

[0050] As shown in box 312, method 300 includes receiving an indication of a region of the patient's anatomy on a mapping map. For example, after viewing a mapping map and electrical signal data of the heart on display device 206, a medical professional (e.g., a physician) can specify a region of the mapping map, such as... Figure 4 Zone 406 is shown. Figure 4 The configuration (e.g., size and shape) of region 406 shown is merely an example. Furthermore, Figure 4 The location of zone 406 shown is also an example. A zone can be indicated as any zone that has size and shape and is located at the heart of the mapping map. A zone can be, for example, via a line or shape on a display (e.g., a touchscreen display). Figure 4 The area is indicated by a circle (as shown). The size and shape of the area can also be predefined such that, in response to receiving an indication of a position on the display, the predefined size and shape of the area are identified at the indicated position.

[0051] As shown in boxes 314 and 316, method 300 includes generating additional mapping information (e.g., second mapping information) and displaying a cardiac mapping and filtered electrical signal data based on the second mapping information. The second mapping information is generated based on one or more additional filter parameter settings (e.g., second filter parameter settings) to display a portion of the previously filtered data at regions on the mapping. The additional filter parameter settings also include, for example, the LAT range of the electrical signal, the range of the electrical signal cycle length, the range of positional stability for a medical tool used for navigation in 3D space, the minimum force threshold of the medical tool, the maximum force threshold of the medical tool, pacing density, impedance value, and TPI.

[0052] Figure 5 for Figure 4The example of the displayed map 500 of the heart 402 shown includes new electrical signal data points 502 displayed at the indicated region 406 of the heart 402 that have been filtered according to the additional filter parameter settings (e.g., the second filter parameter settings). The dashed line around the map 500 is used to illustrate a display screen or portion of a display screen. In response to receiving the indication of the region 406 Figure 4 The indication of the region 406 on the map 400 shown identifies (e.g., by the processing device 204) the region 406 and re-filters the electrical signal data according to the second filter parameter settings by re-using the stored electrical signal data previously filtered according to the first plurality of filter parameter settings.

[0053] In addition to the indicated region 406, the physician can indicate a change in one or more filter parameters, such as a new LAT range, to provide missing electrical signal data from the indicated region. For example, in response to receiving the indication of the region 406, a plurality of variable filter parameter settings can be displayed. Figure 6A and Figure 6B An example of the displayed variable filter parameter settings is shown. In viewing the variable filter parameter settings, the medical personnel, such as a physician, can change one or more of the parameter settings. For example, the physician can change the LAT range of the acquired electrical signals. In response to receiving an indication (e.g., user input) of the changed LAT range, additional second map information is generated to display each electrical signal data point acquired in the indicated region 406 within the defined LAT range. For example, as shown in Figure 5 Based on the second map information, new electrical signal data points 502 are displayed in the map 500 by retrieving the stored missing data points, as shown.

[0054] Alternatively, in response to receiving the indication of the region 406, one or more filter parameters can be changed without receiving user input (e.g., by the physician) indicating the change in filter parameters. For example, in response to receiving the indication of the region 406, the LAT range can be changed (e.g., increased from the LAT range set by the first parameter settings) to a second predetermined LAT range and the second map information is generated resulting in the display of the electrical signal data points acquired in the indicated region 406.

[0055] The physician can also change the filter parameter settings for one or more filter parameters after viewing the displayed map and re-filter the displayed map according to the second filter parameter settings (i.e., the re-filtered map 500). For example, after viewing the re-filtered displayed map 500, the physician can also change additional parameter settings for one or more regions of the map.

[0056] Different filter parameter settings can also be defined (e.g., by a physician) for a region of a portion of patient anatomy (e.g., a heart). Filter parameter settings can be specified for regions of a map according to characteristics of the regions.

[0057] Figure 6A to Figure 6C An example of filter parameter settings displayed for filtering data displayed at different anatomical regions according to different filter parameter settings. Figure 6A An example of filter parameter settings displayed for filtering data displayed at different anatomical regions according to different filter parameter settings. Figure 6C An example of filter parameter settings displayed for filtering data displayed in the pulmonary vein region 602 of the heart 402 shown. Figure 6A The filter parameter settings shown include a first setting (e.g., 3 mm) for the position stability parameter 610. Figure 6B An example of filter parameter settings displayed for filtering data displayed at different anatomical regions according to different filter parameter settings. Figure 6C An example of filter parameter settings displayed for filtering data displayed in the central region 604 of the heart 402 shown. Figure 6B The filter parameter settings shown include a second setting (e.g., 1 mm) for the position stability parameter 610. Figure 6C An example of a displayed map 600 of a heart 402 is shown that includes different regions according to different filter parameter settings. Figure 6A The filter parameter settings shown at the pulmonary vein region 602 of the heart 402, and according to the filter parameter settings shown at the central region 604. Figure 6B The filter parameter settings shown at the central region 604.

[0058] Figure 6A The dashed lines around the filter parameter settings in and around the map 600 in are used to illustrate a display screen or portion of a display screen. Figure 6B The dashed lines around the filter parameter settings in and around the map 600 in are used to illustrate a display screen or portion of a display screen. Figure 6C The dashed lines on the heart 402 in are used to indicate the spacing between the central region 604 and the two pulmonary vein regions 602 on either side of the central region 604. Figure 6C The sizes and locations of the regions 602 and 604 shown are merely examples. Figure 6C The number of regions shown is also merely an example. Examples can include any number of regions displayed according to different parameter filter settings. Figure 6C Referring generally to

[0059] Referring generally to Figure 6A to Figure 6CFor example, as shown in FIG. 6, a physician can encounter a region of the pulmonary vein region 602 of the heart 402 in which it is difficult to maintain stability of the position of the catheter. In this case, the physician can choose not to define a position stability filter setting for the pulmonary vein region 602, enabling the physician to acquire data points in the region 602 with little or no dependence on catheter position stability. The position stability filter setting (e.g., value) is, for example, a distance (in mm) that causes the electrical signal data acquired by the catheter (e.g., by the electrodes of the catheter) at a current position (e.g., current position in 3D space) to be filtered out from the display when the distance from the position of the catheter during a previous heartbeat and the distance from the current position of the catheter changes equal to or greater than the set position stability distance.

[0060] For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a physician can encounter a region of the pulmonary vein region 602 of the heart 402 in which it is difficult to maintain stability of the position of the catheter. In this case, the physician can choose not to define a position stability filter setting for the pulmonary vein region 602, enabling the physician to acquire data points in the region 602 with little or no dependence on catheter position stability. The position stability filter setting (e.g., value) is, for example, a distance (in mm) that causes the electrical signal data acquired by the catheter (e.g., by the electrodes of the catheter) at a current position (e.g., current position in 3D space) to be filtered out from the display when the distance from the position of the catheter during a previous heartbeat and the distance from the current position of the catheter changes equal to or greater than the set position stability distance. Figure 6A For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a physician can encounter a region of the pulmonary vein region 602 of the heart 402 in which it is difficult to maintain stability of the position of the catheter. In this case, the physician can choose not to define a position stability filter setting for the pulmonary vein region 602, enabling the physician to acquire data points in the region 602 with little or no dependence on catheter position stability. The position stability filter setting (e.g., value) is, for example, a distance (in mm) that causes the electrical signal data acquired by the catheter (e.g., by the electrodes of the catheter) at a current position (e.g., current position in 3D space) to be filtered out from the display when the distance from the position of the catheter during a previous heartbeat and the distance from the current position of the catheter changes equal to or greater than the set position stability distance. Figure 6B For example, as shown in FIG. 6, a physician can encounter a region of the pulmonary vein region 602 of the heart 402 in which it is difficult to maintain stability of the position of the catheter. In this case, the physician can choose not to define a position stability filter setting for the pulmonary vein region 602, enabling the physician to acquire data points in the region 602 with little or no dependence on catheter position stability. The position stability filter setting (e.g., value) is, for example, a distance (in mm) that causes the electrical signal data acquired by the catheter (e.g., by the electrodes of the catheter) at a current position (e.g., current position in 3D space) to be filtered out from the display when the distance from the position of the catheter during a previous heartbeat and the distance from the current position of the catheter changes equal to or greater than the set position stability distance.

[0061] The methods provided can be implemented in general computer, processor or processor cores. By way of example, suitable processors include: a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGAs) circuits, any other type of integrated circuit (IC), and / or a state machine. Such processors can be made of a hardware description language (HDL) instructions and other intermediate data including netlists that are the result of a compilation process that uses HDL instructions to generate a netlist (which can be stored on a computer readable medium) for implementation. The results of the compilation can be a mask work that is then used in a semiconductor fabrication process to manufacture a processor that implements the features of the present disclosure.

[0062] The methods or flow charts provided herein can be implemented in a computer program, software, or firmware incorporated in a non-transitory computer- readable medium for execution by a general purpose computer or a processor. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), register, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, and optical media such as CD-ROM disks, and digital versatile disks (DVDs).

[0063] It should be understood that many variations are possible based on the disclosure provided herein. While features and elements are described above in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements or in various combinations with or without other features and elements.

Claims

1. A method of reusing data that improves processing performance of a medical display processing system, the method comprising: acquiring electrical signals over time via a plurality of electrodes, each signal acquired via one of the plurality of electrodes and indicative of electrical activity at a location in three-dimensional (3D) space of a portion of patient anatomy; filtering electrical signal data corresponding to the electrical signals according to a first plurality of filter parameter settings; generating first mapping information for display of a map of the portion of patient anatomy and filtered electrical signal data; receiving an indication of a region of the map of the portion of patient anatomy; and generating second mapping information for display of a portion of the electrical signal data previously filtered from display at the region on the map.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the portion of patient anatomy is a heart and the electrical signals are electrocardiogram (ECG) signals.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the filter parameter settings include at least one of a local activation time (LAT) range of the electrical signals, an electrical signal period length range, a position stability range for a medical tool navigating within the 3D space, a minimum force threshold for the medical tool, a maximum force threshold for the medical tool, a pacing density, an impedance, and a tissue proximity indication (TPI).

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising storing the electrical signal data corresponding to the acquired electrical signals, wherein generating the second mapping information further comprises retrieving the portion of the stored electrical signal data corresponding to the acquired electrical signals.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising: refiltering the filtered electrical signal data according to a second plurality of filter parameter settings; and generating the second mapping information for display of the refiltered electrical signal data at the region indicated on the map.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: receiving an indication to change at least one filter parameter setting of the second plurality of filter parameter settings; refiltering the electrical signal data a second time according to the at least one changed filter parameter setting; and generating third mapping information for display of the electrical signal data refiltered a second time at the region indicated on the map.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving an indication of another region of the map of the portion of patient anatomy different from the region, wherein the second mapping information is generated for further display of the portion of the electrical signal data previously filtered from display at the other region on the map according to the first plurality of filter parameter settings.

8. A medical display processing device that improves processing performance, the processing device comprising: a memory configured to store electrical signal data; and a processing device configured to: receiving electrical signal data corresponding to electrical signals acquired over time via a plurality of electrodes, each signal indicative of electrical activity at a location in three-dimensional (3D) space of a portion of a patient's anatomy; filtering the electrical signal data according to a first plurality of filter parameter settings; generating first mapping information for display of a map of the portion of the patient's anatomy and filtered electrical signal data; receiving an indication of a region of the map of the portion of the patient's anatomy; and generating second mapping information for display of a portion of the electrical signal data previously filtered from display at the region on the map.

9. The processing device of claim 8, wherein the portion of the patient's anatomy is a heart and the electrical signals are electrocardiogram (ECG) signals.

10. The processing device of claim 8, wherein the filter parameter settings include at least one of a local activation time (LAT) range of the electrical signals, an electrical signal period length range, a position stability range for a medical tool navigating within the 3D space, a minimum force threshold for the medical tool, a maximum force threshold for the medical tool, a pacing density, an impedance, and a tissue proximity indication (TPI).

11. The processing device of claim 8, wherein the processing device is further configured to store the electrical signal data corresponding to the acquired electrical signals in the memory, the second mapping information is generated by retrieving the portion of the stored electrical signal data corresponding to the acquired electrical signals.

12. The processing device of claim 8, wherein the processing device is further configured to: refilter the filtered electrical signal data according to a second plurality of filter parameter settings; and generate the second mapping information for display of the refiltered electrical signal data at the indicated region on the map.

13. The processing device of claim 12, wherein the processing device is further configured to: receive an indication to change at least one of the second plurality of filter parameter settings; refilter the electrical signal data a second time according to the at least one changed filter parameter setting; and generate third mapping information for display of the electrical signal data refiltered a second time at the indicated region on the map.

14. The processing device of claim 8, wherein the processing device is further configured to: receive an indication of another region of the map of the portion of the patient's anatomy different from the region, wherein the second mapping information is generated for further display of the portion of the electrical signal data previously filtered from display at the other region on the map according to the first plurality of filter parameter settings.

15. A medical processing system to improve processing performance, the system comprising: a plurality of electrodes, each electrode configured to acquire electrical signals over time, each signal indicative of electrical activity at a location in three-dimensional (3D) space of a portion of a patient's anatomy; a display device configured to display a map of the portion of patient anatomy and electrical signal data corresponding to the electrical signals; and a processing device configured to: receive the electrical signal data; filter the electrical signal data according to a first plurality of filter parameter settings; generate first mapping information for display on the display device of the map of the portion of patient anatomy and filtered electrical signal data; receive an indication of a region on the map of the portion of patient anatomy; and generate second mapping information for display on the display device of a portion of the electrical signal data previously filtered from the display device at the region on the map.

16. The system of claim 15, further comprising a medical tool configured to navigate within the patient anatomy and comprising the plurality of electrodes.

17. The system of claim 15, wherein the portion of patient anatomy is a heart and the electrical signals are electrocardiogram (ECG) signals.

18. The system of claim 15, wherein the processing device is further configured to: refilter the filtered electrical signal data according to a second plurality of filter parameter settings; and generate the second mapping information for display of the refiltered electrical signal data at the region indicated on the map.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the processing device is further configured to: receive an indication to change at least one of the second plurality of filter parameter settings; refilter the electrical signal data a second time according to the at least one changed filter parameter setting; and generate third mapping information for display of the electrical signal data refiltered a second time at the region indicated on the map.

20. The system of claim 15, wherein the processing device is further configured to: receive an indication of another region on the map of the portion of patient anatomy different from the region, wherein the second mapping information is generated for further display of the portion of the electrical signal data previously filtered from the display at the other region on the map according to the first plurality of filter parameter settings. ​

Images