Systems and methods for clustering wavefront signals in an electrophysiology map

Abstract

Systems and methods for clustering wavefront signals in an electrophysiology map of cardiac tissue are provided. The systems and methods include receiving an electrophysiology map of the cardiac tissue, displaying propagation of the wavefront signals as a plurality of velocity vectors, discretizing the received electrophysiology map into a plurality of segments, clustering the velocity vectors into at least one group within each segment based on predefined criteria, and generating a trend line representing each group of clustered velocity vectors within each segment in the electrophysiology map.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to systems, methods, apparatus, and procedures for clustering wavefront signals to simplify electrophysiological mapping. Background Technology

[0002] Visualization of cardiac structures is essential for observing and diagnosing cardiac health and for performing certain cardiac procedures. For example, as a prerequisite for performing cardiac procedures, electrophysiological studies are often performed to generate electrophysiological (EP) cardiac mapping, in which three-dimensional or 3D mapping data can be displayed on a monitor.

[0003] Various methods for reconstructing 3D EP mapping of the heart chambers or heart volume using known location coordinates of multiple locations on the surface of the heart chambers or heart volume are known in the art. An example of cardiac EP mapping requires determining the velocity and direction of electrical signals propagating through cardiac tissue. Abnormal propagation velocities or eddy current signal flows can be diagnosed as, for example, locally diseased cardiac tissue that can be treated with ablation.

[0004] Typically, the propagation velocity of cardiac signals is measured by sensing wavefront signals at multiple electrodes in contact with the inner surface of the heart chambers. An example of a known method for measuring the velocity propagation of cardiac signals utilizes measurements of the Local Activation Time (LAT) of cardiac tissue relative to the cardiac cycle at multiple sampling points on the inner surface of the heart chambers using a device such as a catheter that senses electrical activity at the point of contact between the catheter tip and the inner surface of the heart chambers. These LAT measurements can be displayed as a conduction velocity vector on an EP cardiac mapping and are indicated at the measurement points by, for example, arrows, where the direction of the arrow indicates the direction of wavefront propagation and the length of the arrow indicates the wavefront propagation velocity. These arrows provide a visual display of the propagation velocity, enabling physicians to identify the location of diseased cardiac tissue that should be treated.

[0005] Typically, the amount of graphical information in vector or arrow form is quite large and difficult to interpret, especially for inexperienced physicians. Being able to view EP cardiac mapping in a simplified manner, showing the direction and velocity of wavefront signal propagation, would be beneficial to physicians. This simplification reduces the amount of information presented by vectors in current EP mapping systems, making wavefront information easier to understand. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This article discloses systems, methods, devices, and procedures for clustering wavefront signals to simplify electrophysiological (EP) mapping.

[0007] According to one aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to a method for clustering wavefront signals in electrophysiological mapping of cardiac tissue. The method includes providing a processor configured to: receive an electrophysiological mapping of cardiac tissue; display the propagation of the wavefront signal as a plurality of velocity vectors; discretize the received electrophysiological mapping into a plurality of segments; cluster the velocity vectors into at least one group within each segment based on predefined criteria; and generate a trend line representing each group of clustered velocity vectors within each segment of the electrophysiological mapping.

[0008] According to another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to a system for clustering wavefront signals in electrophysiological mapping of cardiac tissue. The system includes a processor with memory configured to: receive an electrophysiological mapping of cardiac tissue; display the propagation of the wavefront signal as multiple velocity vectors; discretize the received electrophysiological mapping into multiple segments; cluster the velocity vectors into at least one group within each segment based on predefined criteria; and generate a trend line representing each group of clustered velocity vectors within each segment of the electrophysiological mapping.

[0009] According to another aspect, the subject matter disclosed herein relates to a computer-readable recording medium storing program instructions for clustering wavefront signals in an electrophysiological mapping of cardiac tissue. These program instructions cause a computer to perform the following steps: receiving an electrophysiological mapping of cardiac tissue; displaying the propagation of the wavefront signals as multiple velocity vectors; discretizing the received electrophysiological mapping into multiple segments; clustering the velocity vectors into at least one group within each segment based on predefined criteria; generating a trend line representing each group of clustered velocity vectors within each segment of the electrophysiological mapping; and displaying the trend line on a display of the electrophysiological mapping. Attached Figure Description

[0010] A more detailed understanding can be obtained through the following specific embodiments provided by way of example and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar reference numerals in the drawings indicate similar elements, and wherein:

[0011] Figure 1 An exemplary electrophysiological (EP) mapping system according to a disclosed embodiment of this application is shown, wherein one or more features of the disclosed subject matter may be implemented.

[0012] Figure 2 A catheter in a patient's heart is shown according to a disclosed embodiment of this application.

[0013] Figure 3 A view of a 3D EP mapping map is shown, which illustrates the local activation time (LAT) associated with cardiac tissue, where conduction velocity vectors are superimposed as arrows.

[0014] Figure 4 An exemplary 3D EP mapping of cardiac tissue according to a disclosed embodiment of this application is shown, wherein multiple trend lines represent the propagation of wavefront signals.

[0015] Figure 5 An exemplary 3D EP mapping of cardiac tissue according to a disclosed embodiment of this application is shown, which illustrates a single trend line expressing the propagation of wavefront signals over the entire cycle length.

[0016] Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary embodiment of the process of generating a trend line representing wavefront propagation in an EP mapping of cardiac tissue using a clustering algorithm, according to a disclosed embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0017] This article discloses systems, methods, devices, and procedures for clustering wavefront signals to simplify electrophysiological (EP) mapping.

[0018] Treatment of cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias often requires detailed mapping of cardiac tissue, chambers, veins, arteries, and / or electrical pathways. For example, a prerequisite for successful catheter ablation is the accurate localization of the arrhythmia within the cardiac chambers. This localization can be accomplished via an electrophysiological study, during which a mapping catheter inserted into the cardiac chamber is used to detect electrical potentials. This electrophysiological study (often referred to as EP mapping) provides 3D mapping data that can be displayed on a monitor. In many cases, mapping and therapeutic functions (e.g., ablation) are provided by a single catheter or a group of catheters, allowing the mapping catheter to simultaneously function as a therapeutic (e.g., ablation) catheter.

[0019] Mapping of cardiac regions, such as the heart itself, tissues, veins, arteries, and / or electrical pathways, can lead to the identification of problem areas such as scar tissue, sources of arrhythmia (e.g., telopolarization), healthy areas, etc. The cardiac region can be mapped so that a visual rendering of the mapped cardiac region can be provided using a display, as further disclosed herein. Additionally, cardiac mapping can include mapping based on one or more modalities, such as, but not limited to, local activation time (LAT), electrical activity, topology, bipolar mapping, dominant frequency, or impedance. Data corresponding to multiple modalities can be captured using a catheter inserted into the patient's body, and data corresponding to multiple modalities can be provided simultaneously or at different times for rendering based on the corresponding settings and / or preferences of a healthcare professional.

[0020] In one implementation, EP cardiac mapping can be achieved by sensing the electrical properties of cardiac tissue (e.g., local activation time (LAT)) based on precise locations within the heart. The corresponding data can be acquired via one or more catheters advanced into the heart using catheters with electrical and position sensors at their distal ends. For example, location and electrical activity can be measured at hundreds or thousands of cardiac points or sites to generate a detailed, comprehensive mapping of cardiac chamber electrical activity. The generated detailed mapping can then serve as a basis for determining therapeutic actions, such as tissue ablation, to alter the propagation of cardiac electrical activity and restore normal heart rhythm.

[0021] In one implementation, a catheter containing an electrical sensor at or near its distal end can be advanced to a point in the heart, contacting the tissue with the sensor and acquiring data at that point to measure electrical activity at that point in the heart. Such catheters containing electrical and / or sensor components can also be used to determine the velocity and direction of cardiac wavefront signals at measurement points on the surface of the heart. When wavefront velocity and direction information is sampled at a sufficient number of points in the heart, an EP mapping depicting such motion characteristics can be constructed. According to other examples, body patches and / or surface electrodes can be positioned on or near the patient's body. A catheter with one or more electrodes can be positioned within the patient's body (e.g., within the patient's heart), and the location of the catheter can be determined by the system based on signals transmitted and received between one or more electrodes on the catheter and the body patch and / or surface electrodes. Additionally, the catheter electrodes can sense biometric data (e.g., LAT values) from within the patient's body (e.g., within the heart). Biometric data can be correlated with the determined location of the catheter, enabling the display of a rendering of the patient's body parts (e.g., the heart), and displaying biometric data overlaid on the shape of the body parts, as determined by the location of the catheter.

[0022] Figure 1This is an illustration of an exemplary EP mapping system 100 capable of realizing one or more features of the disclosed subject matter. The EP mapping system 100 may include one or more biometric devices 120, such as catheters 140 (shown in illustration 145). For example, but not limited to, biometric devices 120 may be configured to acquire biometric data, such as imaging signals, electrical signals, wavefront propagation information. Those skilled in the art will recognize that catheters 140 may be of any shape and may include one or more elements (e.g., electrodes or sensors) for implementing the embodiments disclosed herein. The EP mapping system 100 includes a probe 121 having one or more axes 122 navigable by a physician 130 to a body part of a patient 128 lying on a table 129, such as the heart 126. According to exemplary embodiments, multiple probes 121 may be provided; however, for brevity, a single probe 121 is described in this example, but it should be understood that probe 121 may represent multiple probes. Figure 1 As shown, a physician 130 can insert a probe 121 through a sheath 123 while manipulating a shaft 122 located at the distal end of the probe 121 using a manipulator near the proximal end of the interventional device and / or deflecting it from the sheath 123. As shown in illustration 225, a biometer 120 can be fitted at the distal end of the probe 121. The biometer 120 can be inserted through the sheath 123 to obtain biometric data of the heart 126. For example, illustration 145 shows a catheter 140 located within the chambers of the heart 126 in an enlarged view. As shown, the catheter 140 may include a distal end 146 having at least one measuring device 147 for measuring biometric characteristics or physiological information of the heart 126.

[0023] According to the embodiments disclosed herein, biometric messages may also include one or more of the following: LAT, electrical activity, topology, bipolar mapping, dominant frequency, impedance, etc. Local activation time can be a time point corresponding to a threshold activity of local activation, calculated based on a normalized initial starting point. Electrical activity can be any applicable electrical signal that can be measured based on one or more thresholds and sensed and / or amplified based on signal-to-noise ratio and / or other filters. Topology can correspond to the physical structure of a body part or a portion of a body part, and can correspond to variations in the physical structure relative to different parts of the body part or relative to different body parts. Dominant frequency can be a frequency or frequency range that is prevalent in a part of a body part and can differ in different parts of the same body part. For example, the dominant frequency of the pulmonary veins of the heart can differ from the dominant frequency of the right atrium of the same heart. Impedance can be a resistance measurement at a given region of a body part.

[0024] like Figure 1As shown, probe 121 can be connected to console 124. Console 124 may include processor 141 (such as a general-purpose computer) having suitable front-end and interface circuitry 138 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from biometric device 120, as well as for controlling other components of EP mapping system 100. In some embodiments, processor 141 may be further configured to receive biometric data, such as electrical activity, and determine whether a given tissue region is conductive. According to one embodiment, the processor may be located external to console 124 and may be located, for example, in a catheter, an external device, a mobile device, a remote location, a cloud-based device, or may be a stand-alone processor.

[0025] As noted above, processor 141 may include a general-purpose computer that can be software-programmed to perform the functions described herein. The software may be downloaded to the general-purpose computer electronically, for example, via a network, or alternatively or additionally set and / or stored on a non-transitory tangible medium, such as magnetic storage, optical storage, or electronic storage. Figure 1 The exemplary configuration shown can be modified to implement the embodiments disclosed herein. The embodiments disclosed herein can be applied similarly using other system components and setups. Additionally, the EP mapping system 100 may include additional components such as elements for sensing electrical activity, wired or wireless connectors, processing and display devices, etc.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the display 127 connected to the processor (e.g., processor 141) may be located in a remote location such as a separate hospital or within a separate healthcare provider network. Additionally, the EP mapping system 100 may be part of a surgical system configured to acquire anatomical and electrical measurements of a patient's organs (such as the heart) and perform cardiac ablation procedures. An example of such a surgical system is sold by Biosense Webster. system.

[0027] The EP mapping system 100 can also, and optionally, use ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or other medical imaging techniques known in the art to obtain biometric data, such as anatomical measurements of the patient's heart. The EP mapping system 100 can use catheter 140, surface electrodes 143, or other sensors that measure the electrical properties of the heart to obtain electrical measurements. Figure 1As shown, biometric data, including anatomical and electrophysiological measurements, can subsequently be stored in memory 142 of the EP mapping system 100. The biometric data can be transferred from memory 142 to processor 141. Alternatively or otherwise, biometric data can be transferred to a server 160, which may be local or remote, using network 162. Server 160 may include additional processing devices for viewing, analyzing, and processing the biometric data.

[0028] Network 162 can be any network or system known in the art, such as an intranet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), direct connection or a series of connections, cellular telephone network, or any other network or medium capable of facilitating communication between EP beacon system 100 and server 160. Network 162 can be wired, wireless, or a combination thereof. Wired connections can be implemented using Ethernet, Universal Serial Bus (USB), RJ-11, or any other wired connection known in the art. Wireless connections can be implemented using Wi-Fi, WiMAX and Bluetooth, infrared, cellular networks, satellite, or any other wireless connection method known in the art. Additionally, several networks can operate independently or communicate with each other to facilitate communication within network 162.

[0029] In some cases, server 160 can be implemented as a physical server. In other cases, server 162 can be implemented as a public cloud computing provider (e.g., Amazon Web Services). () virtual server.

[0030] Processor 141 may include real-time noise reduction circuitry typically configured as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), followed by an analog-to-digital (A / D) ECG (electrocardiogram) or EMG (electromyography) signal conversion integrated circuit. Processor 141 may pass signals from the A / D or EMG circuitry to another processor and / or may be programmed to perform one or more functions disclosed herein.

[0031] The console 124 may also include an input / output (I / O) communication interface that enables the console to transmit signals from the biometer 120 and / or transmit signals to the biometer.

[0032] During or after the procedure, processor 141 may facilitate the presentation of a body part rendering 135 to physician 130 on display 127 and store data representing the body part rendering 135 in memory 142. Memory 142 may include any suitable volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as random access memory or hard disk drive. In some embodiments, healthcare professional 130 may be able to manipulate the body part rendering 135 using one or more input devices, such as a touchpad, mouse, keyboard, gesture recognition device, etc. For example, the input device may be used to change the position of catheter 140 so that the rendering 135 is updated. In an alternative embodiment, display 127 may include a touchscreen that can be configured to accept input from healthcare professional 130 in addition to presenting the body part rendering 135.

[0033] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of a catheter 140 positioned within the heart 126 of a patient 128, according to an embodiment of this application, is shown. The catheter 140 is inserted into the heart 126, and the distal end 146 is brought into contact with multiple locations, such as location 220 on the inner surface 272 of the heart 126. At each of these multiple locations, the coordinates of the distal end 146 are determined by a measuring device 147. The determined coordinates, along with optionally physiological information, form local data points.

[0034] In one embodiment, an example of a physiological parameter of the heart 126 measured using the measuring device 147 of catheter 140 is the Local Activation Time (LAT) of the cardiac tissue. This time is determined by referencing the time of a characteristic (specifically, voltage) of the signal measured by the functional measuring device 147 at each sampling point (e.g., the time when the signal first exceeds a certain threshold during the cardiac cycle) to the time of a baseline characteristic of the ECG signal during the cardiac cycle (e.g., measured using an ECG monitor). The propagation velocity of the LAT signal, i.e., the conduction velocity of the cardiac tissue, is obtained by assigning a velocity vector to each sampling point based on the measured LAT signal value using methods known to those skilled in the art, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 6,301,496, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The conduction velocity vector can be superimposed as arrows on a 3D model of the heart or a segment of the heart in an EP mapping system (such as System 100). In one embodiment, the direction of the arrow indicates the direction of propagation of the wavefront signal, and the length of the arrow indicates the propagation velocity of the wavefront. These arrows provide a visual display of the conduction velocity of the cardiac tissue, enabling physicians to assess and determine methods for treating diseased cardiac tissue.

[0035] In conventional 3D EP mapping systems, conduction velocity vectors superimposed as arrows on a 3D model of the heart or a segment of the heart can be difficult to interpret because they typically present hundreds or thousands of velocity vectors. Figure 3 This is an exemplary implementation of a 3D EP mapping, illustrating the Local Activation Time (LAT) associated with cardiac tissue. Cardiac tissue can be, for example, but not limited to, heart chambers, such as the atrial chamber or the left or right atrium. LAT indicates the flow of electrical activity through the heart wall. Specifically, Figure 3 The transmission velocity vector, superimposed as an arrow, is shown. (Example) Figure 3 As shown, the number of conduction velocity vectors is large, redundant, and difficult to understand, especially for inexperienced physicians.

[0036] In one embodiment, the subject matter of this application relates to simplifying 3D EP cardiac mapping by reducing the amount of information presented. More specifically, the subject matter of this application relates to utilizing clustering algorithms to generate trend lines rather than individual velocity vectors to display wavefront propagation in cardiac tissue. The output of the clustering algorithm conveys similar information to conventional LAT mapping, but the clustering algorithm has reduced graphical information by clustering multiple conduction velocity vectors into one or a few trend lines. For example, as Figure 4 As shown, and as discussed in more detail in this article, multiple trend lines (410, 415, 420, 430, 435, 440, 450) can be superimposed on the EP calibration chart 400, or as... Figure 5 As shown, and as discussed in more detail in this paper, a single trend line 510 can be superimposed on the EP mapping 500 to show the propagation of the wavefront signal.

[0037] Figure 6 An exemplary implementation of a process 600 for generating a trend line representing wavefront propagation in an EP mapping of cardiac tissue using the clustering algorithm of this application.

[0038] At step 610, with EP calibration system 100 ( Figure 1 The associated processing device (such as processor 141 and memory 142) preferably receives and stores EP mapping maps of the heart chambers or regions of interest in the heart. The processing device may be located at the same location as the EP mapping system, or it may be located remotely from the EP mapping system or stored in the cloud. In one embodiment, the EP mapping map is a 3D EP mapping map showing the LAT associated with cardiac tissue, such as, but not limited to, [other types of mapping maps]. Figure 3 The EP mapping diagram 300 shown illustrates a large number of conduction velocity vectors.

[0039] At step 620, the processing device preferably discretizes the EP mapping map into isochronous segments. For example, Figure 3The diagram illustrates isochronous segments 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350 generated by discretized coloring of an EP mapping map. In one embodiment, the interpolated coloring is used as a representation of the Local Activation Time (LAT) at each point on the mapping map, where each color is labeled as a number, such as, but not limited to, numbers representing time or time quantities. The isochronous segments 310, 320, 330, 340, and 350 are generated by segmenting the coloring or time points on the EP mapping map into several time intervals, where each common time interval refers to an isochronous period.

[0040] In one implementation, it can be achieved through the current method described above. The system employs a "coherent" algorithm to determine the coloring vector and velocity vector. This system can be modified by those skilled in the art to implement the principles described herein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the subject matter of this application, other systems, methods, and algorithms can be used to compute the LAT (wave time) and direction (velocity vector) of each point in an EP mapping, such as those disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Patents 10,282,888 and 10,674,929, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. For example, coloring can be interpolated at a given time point on an EP mapping using the Laplacian operator, and the velocity vector can be derived by computing discrete gradients over a time function.

[0041] Although Figure 3 Five (5) isotime zones are shown, but those skilled in the art will recognize that any number of isotime zones can be generated without departing from the subject matter of this application. Although the term “coloring” is used herein with reference to the EP mapping, those skilled in the art will recognize that within the scope of this application, “coloring” can include variations based on color, brightness, or grayscale ranges that indicate different times associated with each isotime zone.

[0042] At step 630, the processing device preferably applies the clustering algorithm according to this application to cluster or group conduction velocity vectors from multiple points within the same time zone. For example, but not limited to, the clustering algorithm may group conduction velocity vectors based on predefined criteria, such as location within a predefined proximity, common direction, or common propagation velocity. In one embodiment, the predefined criteria may be set by a user, such as a physician, or may be determined as a result of a machine learning algorithm employed by the processing device.

[0043] At step 640, the processing device preferably generates at least one trend line representing the grouped conduction velocity vector in each isochronous segment of the EP mapping. Figure 4An exemplary embodiment of a 3D EP mapping map 400 of the heart structure is shown, illustrating trend lines 410, 415, 420, 430, 435, 440, and 450 representing grouped velocity vectors. For example:

[0044] - Trend lines 410 and 415 represent the grouped velocity vectors in isochronous segment 310;

[0045] - Trend line 420 represents the grouped velocity vectors in isochronous segment 320;

[0046] - Trend lines 430 and 435 represent the grouped velocity vectors in isochronous segment 330;

[0047] - Trend line 440 represents the grouped velocity vectors within isotime zone 340; and

[0048] - Trend line 450 represents the grouped velocity vector in the isochronous segment 350.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, for example, trend lines 410, 415, 420, 430, 435, 440, and 450 can be visually indicated by arrows. However, those skilled in the art will readily understand that trend lines are not limited to arrows, and other graphical indicators (such as lines, dots, x's, colored patterns, etc.) can be used to visually indicate trend lines.

[0050] The number of trend lines generated in each isochronous time interval can be based on predetermined criteria. For example, although in Figure 4 Two trend lines, 410 and 415, were generated in the isochronous 310, but the clustering algorithm can be programmed to generate a single trend line or two or more trend lines in each isochronous based on predefined criteria.

[0051] Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment of a 3D EP mapping map 500 of the heart structure is shown, illustrating a single trend line 510 representing grouped velocity vectors in isochronous segments, generated by the clustering algorithm described herein. Figure 5 As shown, a single trend line 510 may have a circular pattern representing the propagation of the wavefront signal over the entire cardiac cycle length.

[0052] At step 650, the trend line generated in the EP mapping plot can be displayed on a monitor such as monitor 127. Figure 1 Alternatively, the trend line generated in the EP mapping can be displayed on a remote display, such as a display associated with server 160. In one embodiment, the trend line is displayed without showing the conduction velocity vector, such as... Figure 4As shown. Alternatively, trend lines can be superimposed on the transmission velocity vector and visually distinguished, such as by different shades of gray, colors, or patterns.

[0053] Compared to the display in conventional EP mapping, the method disclosed herein for clustering wavefront information to present the subject matter in EP mapping provides a simplified visualization of the propagation of electromagnetic wavefront signals through cardiac structures. This is achieved by reducing the clutter caused by the hundreds or thousands of velocity vectors presented in conventional EP mapping and providing a concise visualization of a limited number of trend lines representing groupings of conduction velocity vectors. The trend line information conveys similar information to that of conventional conduction velocity vectors but is presented graphically, making it easy to understand, especially for novice physicians.

[0054] The isotime generation method described in this paper reduces the complexity of determining wavefront signal propagation. As described, a trend line representing wavefront propagation is generated in each isotime zone. Therefore, the more isotime zones in a given space, the more accurate the trend lines generated in the EP mapping will be.

[0055] While the foregoing description generally relates to enabling a processing device to analyze local activation times in cardiac tissue, it should be understood that the subject matter of this application is not limited thereto and can be applied to other physiological parameters associated with other body organs. For example, the processing device may be configured to operate using voltage across the organ rather than time, and to cluster voltages. As another example, heat flow exists during organ ablation, and the heat flow through the organ itself can manifest as temperature changes in the organ. The processing device may be configured to analyze and cluster measured temperatures of the organ. Those skilled in the art will be able to identify other physiological parameters to which the processing device within the scope of this application is applicable.

[0056] It should be understood that many variations are possible based on the disclosure herein. Although features and elements have been described above in specific combinations, each feature or element may be used alone without other features and elements, or in various combinations with or without other features and elements. Similarly, although process steps have been described above in a specific order, these steps may be performed in other desired orders.

[0057] The methods, processes, and / or flowcharts provided herein can be implemented in computer programs, software, or firmware incorporated into a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for execution by a general-purpose computer or processor. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage media include ROM, random access memory (RAM), registers, cache memory, semiconductor memory devices, magnetic media such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical media, and optical media such as CD-ROMs, as well as digital versatile optical discs (DVDs).

[0058] Certain terms used in this description are for convenience only and are not restrictive. Unless otherwise specified, the terms “a” and “one” as used in the claims and corresponding parts of the specification are defined as including one or more of the referenced items. These terms include the terms specifically mentioned above, their derivatives, and terms with similar meanings. The phrase “at least one” followed by a list of two or more items, such as “A, B, or C”, means any single one of A, B, or C, and any combination thereof.

[0059] Further exemplary embodiments of this document may be constituted by supplementing the embodiment with one or more elements from any one or more other embodiments of this document, and / or replacing one or more elements in one embodiment with one or more elements from one or more other embodiments of this document.

[0060] Therefore, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but the invention is intended to cover all modifications that conform to the spirit and scope of the invention, as shown in the appended claims, the detailed description above and / or the drawings.

Claims

1. A method for clustering wavefront signals in electrophysiological mapping of cardiac tissue, comprising: A processor is provided, the processor being configured to receive electrophysiological mapping of the cardiac tissue; The propagation of the wavefront signal is displayed as multiple velocity vectors; The received electrophysiological mapping is discretized into multiple isochronous segments; Based on predefined criteria, the velocity vectors are clustered into at least one group within each isochronous segment; and Generate a trend line, which represents the velocity vector of each cluster within each isochronous segment of the electrophysiological mapping; Specifically, the isotime zones are generated by dividing multiple time points on the electrophysiological mapping into several time periods, where each common time period refers to an isotime zone.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the cardiac tissue is an atrial cavity.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the received electrophysiological mapping is a 3D mapping of local activation time associated with the cardiac tissue.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the electrophysiological mapping is discretized based on the direction of the velocity vector.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein clustering further comprises applying a clustering algorithm to group the velocity vectors.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the predefined criteria for clustering the velocity vectors include at least one of predefined proximity, common direction, or common propagation speed.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the trend line as an arrow on a 3D electrophysiological mapping on a display.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the processor is a component of an electrophysiological mapping system.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the electrophysiological mapping is generated by an electrophysiological mapping system.

10. A system for clustering wavefront signals in electrophysiological mapping of cardiac tissue, comprising: A processor, including memory, is configured to: Receive the electrophysiological mapping of the cardiac tissue, the electrophysiological mapping displaying the propagation of the wavefront signal as multiple velocity vectors; The received electrophysiological mapping is discretized into multiple isochronous segments; Based on predefined criteria, the velocity vectors are clustered into at least one group within each isochronous segment; and Generate a trend line, which represents the velocity vector of each cluster within each isochronous segment of the electrophysiological mapping; Specifically, the isotime zones are generated by dividing multiple time points on the electrophysiological mapping into several time periods, where each common time period refers to an isotime zone.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the cardiac tissue is an atrial cavity.

12. The system of claim 10, wherein the received electrophysiological mapping is a 3D mapping of local activation time associated with the cardiac tissue.

13. The system of claim 10, wherein the electrophysiological mapping is discretized based on the direction of the velocity vector.

14. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to apply a clustering algorithm to cluster the velocity vectors.

15. The system of claim 10, wherein the predefined criteria for clustering the velocity vectors include at least one of predefined proximity, common direction, or common propagation speed.

16. The system of claim 10, wherein The electrophysiological mapping is a 3D electrophysiological mapping; and The processor is further configured to display the trend line as an arrow on the 3D electrophysiological mapping on a display.

17. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is a component of an electrophysiological mapping system.

18. A non-transitory computer-readable recording medium storing program instructions for clustering wavefront signals in electrophysiological mappings of cardiac tissue by causing a computer to perform the following steps: Receive the electrophysiological mapping of the heart tissue The propagation of the wavefront signal is displayed as multiple velocity vectors; The received electrophysiological mapping is discretized into multiple isochronous segments; The velocity vectors are clustered into at least one group within each isochronous segment based on predefined criteria. Generate a trend line, which represents the velocity vector of each cluster within each isochronous segment of the electrophysiological mapping; as well as The trend line is displayed on the electrophysiological mapping on the monitor; Specifically, the isotime zones are generated by dividing multiple time points on the electrophysiological mapping into several time periods, where each common time period refers to an isotime zone.

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