Electrocardiographic data analysis assistance apparatus

Abstract

The present invention facilitates the process of displaying, on a screen, a heartbeat waveform in a portion to be analyzed of electrocardiographic data. An electrocardiographic data input unit inputs electrocardiographic data continuously recorded over a long period of time. An arrhythmia evaluation unit divides the input electrocardiographic data into time segments of a predetermined length, and evaluates the presence or absence and, if present, the type and severity of arrhythmia in the electrocardiographic data for each time segment. An evaluation criteria display unit displays, on a screen, the evaluation criteria for arrhythmia in the electrocardiographic data for each time segment in a changeable manner. An evaluation result display unit displays, on the screen, evaluation results for arrhythmia in the electrocardiographic data for each time segment such that the results are arranged to cover the entire length of the input electrocardiographic data. An electrocardiographic data display unit displays, on the screen, a portion of the input electrocardiographic data for a time segment in which arrhythmia is present, a means for selecting a given portion of the electrocardiographic data for said time segment, and a mark indicating the position of the selected portion. A heartbeat waveform enlargement display unit enlarges and displays, on the screen, a heartbeat waveform in the selected portion of the electrocardiographic data for the displayed time segment.

Description

Electrocardiogram Data Analysis Assistance Device

[0001] This invention relates to a device that assists in the analysis of electrocardiogram data continuously recorded over a long period of time.

[0002] As a device that assists in the analysis of electrocardiogram data continuously recorded over a long period of time, for example, the Holter electrocardiograph described in Patent Document 1 and the ECG (electrocardiogram) analysis device described in Patent Document 2 are known. The Holter electrocardiograph described in Patent Document 1 continuously records electrocardiogram data on a magnetic tape for 24 hours for Holter electrocardiograms based on the Holter electrocardiogram standard, and at the same time records the content of events such as the actions and states of the subject (such as meals and bathing) during the continuous recording of the electrocardiogram data together with the time of the event on a memory card. When the electrocardiogram data recorded on the magnetic tape is reproduced, it is possible to read the events from the memory card and perform editing to associate them with the time of the electrocardiogram data, facilitating the analysis work of the electrocardiogram data.

[0003] In addition, the ECG analysis device described in Patent Document 2 inputs the 24-hour electrocardiogram data recorded and output by the Holter electrocardiograph based on the Holter electrocardiogram standard, classifies the normal heartbeat waveform and the abnormal heartbeat waveform due to ventricular premature contractions from the electrocardiogram data, selects the HRT (heart rate variability) data to be the subject of the HRT test, performs the HRT test from the HRT data, and performs frequency analysis of the electrocardiogram by FFT (fast Fourier transform) from the electrocardiogram data, determines the state of the subject's autonomic nerves by temporally associating with the HRT data, and displays the results on the screen to assist the doctor in the analysis work of the electrocardiogram data.

[0004] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 04-352940, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2016-106901

[0005] Incidentally, there is a view that 98% of arrhythmias can be detected by analyzing electrocardiogram data recorded continuously over a period of time, such as two weeks. However, neither the Holter electrocardiograph described in Patent Document 1 nor the ECG analysis device described in Patent Document 2 is sufficient for detailed analysis of electrocardiogram data recorded continuously over a long period of time, such as more than 24 hours. In such cases, it is time-consuming and laborious to find the heart rate waveform in the long-term electrocardiogram data that is intended for detailed analysis and display it on the screen, as the presence of arrhythmias is suspected.

[0006] Therefore, the purpose of this invention is to provide an electrocardiogram data analysis support device that facilitates the process of finding and displaying the heart rate waveform at a point in electrocardiogram data that has been continuously recorded over a long period of time, in cases where there is a concern about the occurrence of arrhythmia.

[0007] The electrocardiogram data analysis support device of this invention, which advantageously solves the above problems, is characterized by comprising: an electrocardiogram data input unit that inputs electrocardiogram data recorded continuously over a long period of time; an arrhythmia examination unit that divides the input electrocardiogram data into time segments of a predetermined length and examines the presence or absence of arrhythmias in the electrocardiogram data of each time segment, as well as the type and degree of arrhythmias if present; an examination criteria display unit that displays the examination criteria for the arrhythmias in the electrocardiogram data of each time segment on a screen in a changeable manner; an examination result display unit that displays the examination results for the arrhythmias in the electrocardiogram data of each time segment arranged on a screen for the entire length of the input electrocardiogram data; an electrocardiogram data display unit that displays on a screen the portion of the time segment in which the arrhythmia occurred in the input electrocardiogram data, and also displays on a screen a selection means for selecting an arbitrary portion of the electrocardiogram data in the displayed time segment and a mark indicating the position of the selected portion; and a heart rate waveform magnification display unit that magnifies and displays on a screen the heart rate waveform of the selected portion of the electrocardiogram data in the displayed time segment.

[0008] In the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of this invention, the electrocardiogram data input unit inputs electrocardiogram data recorded continuously for a long period of time, for example, 24 hours or more; the arrhythmia examination unit divides the input electrocardiogram data into time segments of a predetermined length and examines the presence or absence of arrhythmias in the electrocardiogram data of each time segment, as well as the type and degree of arrhythmias if present; the examination criteria display unit displays the examination criteria for the arrhythmias in the electrocardiogram data of each time segment on the screen in a changeable manner; the examination result display unit displays the examination results for arrhythmias in the electrocardiogram data of each time segment on the screen, arranged in the total length of the input electrocardiogram data, for example, in one column or in multiple columns for predetermined time segments; the electrocardiogram data display unit displays the portion of the time segment in which the arrhythmia occurred in the input electrocardiogram data on the screen, and also displays a selection means for selecting an arbitrary portion of the electrocardiogram data in the displayed time segment and a mark indicating the position of the selected portion on the screen; and the heart rate waveform magnification display unit magnifies and displays the heart rate waveform of the selected portion of the electrocardiogram data in the displayed time segment on the screen.

[0009] Therefore, with the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of this invention, if there is a point in the electrocardiogram data that has been continuously recorded for a long period of time, such as 24 hours or more, where the occurrence of arrhythmia is suspected, it is possible to easily find the heart rate waveform at that point and display it on the screen.

[0010] Furthermore, in the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of this invention, it is preferable that the types of arrhythmias in the arrhythmia examination unit include at least one of the following: bradycardia, tachycardia, premature contractions, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular fibrillation, sick sinus syndrome, complete atrioventricular block, bundle branch block, ST level elevation, and ST level, as this allows for the examination of major types of arrhythmias.

[0011] Furthermore, in the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of this invention, it is preferable that the presence or absence of arrhythmia in the arrhythmia examination unit be examined by comparing it with a threshold set within the normal range for each characteristic of the heart rate waveform or for each type of arrhythmia in the arrhythmia examination criteria, as this clarifies the examination criteria.

[0012] Furthermore, in the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of this invention, it is preferable that the selection means for selecting an arbitrary portion be a slider that can be moved along a guide, and that the movement operation moves the mark to an arbitrary portion of the electrocardiogram data of the displayed time segment, as this makes the operation of selecting an arbitrary portion easier.

[0013] Furthermore, in the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of this invention, it is preferable that the predetermined length of the time section in the arrhythmia examination unit be 5 minutes for selecting any portion therefrom. Also, it is preferable that the length of the arbitrary portion selected by the selection means in the electrocardiogram data display unit be 7.5 seconds, because the arbitrary portion that the heart rate waveform magnification display unit magnifies and displays on the screen contains multiple sufficiently large electrocardiogram waveforms, making it easy to compare the waveforms.

[0014] Furthermore, in the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of this invention, it is preferable that the test result display unit displays the test results of the arrhythmia on the screen, separated by color and / or pattern for each of the one or more types of arrhythmia, so that the type of arrhythmia that occurred can be easily identified.

[0015] Furthermore, in the temple data analysis auxiliary device of this invention, it is preferable that the test result display unit also displays the respiratory rate test results for each time segment along with the arrhythmia test results on the screen for reference, as this allows the user to understand the subject's physical condition at the time of arrhythmia occurrence.

[0016] This is a block diagram functionally illustrating the configuration of one embodiment of the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of this invention. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first display screen displayed by the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of the above embodiment. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second display screen displayed by the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of the above embodiment, switching from the first display screen. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third display screen displayed by the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of the above embodiment, switching from the first or second display screen. This is an explanatory diagram illustrating a normal heartbeat waveform for one beat.

[0017] Hereinafter, embodiments of the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment of the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of the present invention in functional blocks, Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a first display screen displayed by the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of the above embodiment, Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a second display screen displayed by the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of the above embodiment after switching from the first display screen, and Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a third display screen displayed by the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of the above embodiment after switching from the first or second display screen.

[0018] The electrocardiogram data analysis support device of this embodiment comprises an electrocardiogram data input unit 1, an arrhythmia examination unit 2, an examination criterion display unit 3, an examination result display unit 4, an electrocardiogram data display unit 5, and a heart rate waveform magnification display unit 6, as shown in the functional block diagram in Figure 1. Specifically, it is composed of a standard computer (not shown) that is given a predetermined program in advance and operates based on that program, performing data calculations and data input / output processing with an external storage device (not shown) or an electrocardiograph, and displaying the results of the processing on the screen of a display device (not shown).

[0019] Here, the electrocardiogram data input unit 1 inputs the electrocardiogram data of a subject recorded continuously for a long period of time, for example, 24 hours or more. The arrhythmia examination unit 2 divides the input electrocardiogram data into time sections A (see Figure 4) of a predetermined length, for example, 5 minutes each, and examines the presence or absence of arrhythmias in the electrocardiogram data of each time section, and the type of arrhythmia if present. The examination criteria display unit 3 displays the examination criteria for the arrhythmias in the electrocardiogram data of each time section in a changeable format, as shown on the right side of Figures 2 and 3. The examination result display unit 4 displays the examination results for the arrhythmias in the electrocardiogram data of each time section A in two areas, with 12 sections (60 minutes) per row, for the total length of the input electrocardiogram data (24 hours in this example), i.e., 12 rows (12 hours) × 2 areas. For reference, the average heart rate (HR) every 60 minutes is displayed on the right side of each area.

[0020] On the right side of Figure 2, the thresholds for arrhythmia testing are displayed with small sliders. These thresholds include the heart rate threshold for tachycardia, the heart rate threshold for bradycardia, the threshold for a single R wave (insertion), the threshold for a single R wave (replacement), the threshold for R-R interval variation, the threshold for R wave width, the threshold for P-Q interval, the threshold for the presence or absence of a P wave, the threshold for the coefficient of coherence and fibrillation, and the threshold for ST level. By moving these sliders left or right, the thresholds for determining the presence or absence of the corresponding type of arrhythmia can be arbitrarily changed. Incidentally, in a normal heartbeat waveform for one beat, as shown in Figure 5, for example, the P wave, Q wave, R wave, S wave, and T wave occur in sequence, with the R wave being the peak. Furthermore, on the right side of Figure 2, for reference in the analysis of arrhythmias, the threshold for determining whether the respiratory rate per minute is excessive may also be displayed with a small slider. By moving this slider left or right, the threshold for determining whether the respiratory rate is excessive can be arbitrarily changed. In addition, a threshold for determining whether the respiratory rate per minute is insufficient may be displayed on the screen along with a small slider, and by moving this slider left or right, the threshold for determining whether the respiratory rate is insufficient, and thus whether or not there is apnea, can be arbitrarily changed. The respiratory rate may be measured, for example, by detecting changes in impedance due to respiration between multiple electrodes attached to the skin of the subject's chest, or by other methods. The measurement and input of the respiratory rate may be performed by the electrocardiogram data input unit 1, the examination for respiratory excess or deficiency may be performed by the arrhythmia examination unit 2, the display of the examination criteria for respiratory excess or deficiency may be displayed by the examination criteria display unit 3, and the examination results for respiratory excess or deficiency may be displayed by the examination results display unit 4. At least one of the measurement and input of the respiratory rate and the examination for respiratory excess or deficiency may be performed by a device other than the device of this embodiment.

[0021] On the right side of Figure 3, thresholds for arrhythmia testing are displayed with small sliders. These thresholds include those for bradycardia, tachycardia, premature contractions, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular fibrillation, sick sinus syndrome, complete atrioventricular block, ST elevation, and ST level. By moving these sliders left or right, the thresholds for determining the presence or absence of each type of arrhythmia can be arbitrarily changed. The thresholds for each type of arrhythmia set in the screen displays of Figures 2 and 3 can be known values, such as those corresponding to the normal range of a normal heartbeat waveform. Other thresholds for arrhythmia testing may also be included, such as bundle branch block. Combinations of multiple types of arrhythmias may also be used. In addition, on the right side of Figure 3, for reference in arrhythmia analysis, a threshold for hyperventilation may be displayed with a small slider. By moving this slider left or right, the threshold for determining the presence or absence of hyperventilation can be arbitrarily changed. Similarly, for example, the threshold for respiratory apnea may be displayed on the screen along with a small slider, and by moving this slider left or right, the threshold for determining the presence or absence of apnea can be arbitrarily changed.

[0022] In the test results area on the left side of Figures 2 and 3, time segments and types of arrhythmias that fall outside the threshold on the abnormal side are indicated by different colors and / or patterns for each type of arrhythmia in the threshold settings on the right side of Figures 2 and 3. If there are multiple arrhythmias of the same type in one time segment, the colors and / or patterns for each type may be displayed together in that time segment. If respiratory rate testing is also performed for reference, time segments where the respiratory rate falls outside the threshold on the abnormal side are indicated by different colors and / or patterns in the threshold settings on the right side of Figures 2 and 3. If there is both arrhythmia and respiratory over- or under-exhaustion in one time segment, the colors and / or patterns for both arrhythmia and respiratory over- or under-exhaustion may be displayed together in that time segment. Time segments and types that fall within the normal threshold are indicated, for example, in light gray. Note that the left side of Figures 2 and 3 shows standard information such as the name of the patient from whom the electrocardiogram data to be displayed was acquired, and electrocardiogram information including total heart rate.

[0023] In the upper left of Figure 4, the results of the arrhythmia examination in the electrocardiogram data for each time segment A are displayed in small size on the screen, arranged in 12 segments (60 minutes) per row, for the total length of the input electrocardiogram data (24 hours), i.e., 12 rows (12 hours) x 2 areas. When a 5-minute time segment A indicating the presence of arrhythmia with color and / or pattern is selected in these areas in Figure 2, Figure 3, or Figure 4 using the mouse, the electrocardiogram data display unit 5 displays the 5-minute electrocardiogram data corresponding to the selected time segment A on the screen, as shown in the upper right of Figure 4. A slider S is also displayed at the bottom of Figure 4 as a selection means for further selecting any part from the 5-minute electrocardiogram data. When the slider S is moved left or right with the mouse, a frame-shaped mark B indicating the selected part of the 5-minute electrocardiogram data for a predetermined time, for example, 7.5 seconds (60 seconds / 8), is moved in accordance with the position of the slider S.

[0024] The heart rate waveform magnification display unit 6, as shown in the lower part of Figure 4, magnifies and displays the heart rate waveform of the selected portion indicated by the frame-shaped mark B on the screen, allowing the heart rate waveform in which arrhythmia was determined to be present during the examination by the arrhythmia examination unit 2 to be read in detail.

[0025] Therefore, according to the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of this embodiment, for example, it can examine the presence or absence of multiple types of arrhythmias from continuous electrocardiogram data recorded over a long period of time, such as 24 hours or more, and if an arrhythmia is found, it displays the electrocardiogram data for that portion and an enlarged heart rate waveform from there on the screen. Thus, when there is a point in electrocardiogram data recorded continuously over a long period of time where the occurrence of an arrhythmia is suspected, it is possible to easily find the heart rate waveform at that point and display it on the screen.

[0026] Although the above description is based on the illustrated embodiments, this invention is not limited to the above embodiments and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the claims. For example, in Figures 2 to 4, electrocardiogram data from a 24-hour Holter monitor is input, but electrocardiogram data recorded for an even longer period, such as 72 hours or 2 weeks, may also be input and used. Furthermore, the predetermined length of time section A may be, for example, 10 minutes, and the predetermined time of mark B may be 10 seconds or 15 seconds, etc.

[0027] Thus, with the electrocardiogram data analysis support device of this invention, for example, if there is a point in electrocardiogram data that has been continuously recorded for a long period of time, such as 24 hours or more, where the occurrence of arrhythmia is suspected, it is possible to easily find the heart rate waveform at that point and display it on the screen.

[0028] 1. ECG data input unit 2. Arrhythmia testing unit 3. Test criteria display unit 4. Test result display unit 5. ECG data display unit 6. Heart rate waveform magnification display unit A. Time section B. Mark S. Slider

Claims

1. An electrocardiogram data analysis support device comprising: an electrocardiogram data input unit for inputting electrocardiogram data recorded continuously over a long period of time; an arrhythmia examination unit for dividing the input electrocardiogram data into time segments of a predetermined length and examining the presence or absence of arrhythmias in the electrocardiogram data of each time segment, and the type and degree of arrhythmias if present; an examination criteria display unit for displaying the examination criteria for the arrhythmias in the electrocardiogram data of each time segment in a changeable manner; an examination result display unit for displaying the examination results for the arrhythmias in the electrocardiogram data of each time segment in a line across the entire length of the input electrocardiogram data; an electrocardiogram data display unit for displaying the portion of the time segment in which the arrhythmia occurred in the input electrocardiogram data, and for displaying a selection means for selecting an arbitrary portion of the electrocardiogram data in the displayed time segment and a mark indicating the position of the selected portion; and a heart rate waveform magnification display unit for magnifying and displaying the heart rate waveform of the selected portion of the electrocardiogram data in the displayed time segment.

2. The electrocardiogram data analysis support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the types of arrhythmias in the arrhythmia testing unit include at least one of the following: bradycardia, tachycardia, premature contractions, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, ventricular fibrillation, sick sinus syndrome, complete atrioventricular block, bundle branch block, ST level elevation, and ST level.

3. The electrocardiogram data analysis support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the presence or absence of arrhythmia in the arrhythmia testing unit is examined by comparing it with a threshold set in the normal range for each characteristic of the heart rate waveform or for each type of arrhythmia in the arrhythmia testing criteria.

4. The electrocardiogram data analysis assistance device according to claim 1, characterized in that the selection means for selecting the arbitrary portion is a slider that can be moved along a guide, and by moving it, the mark is moved to any portion of the electrocardiogram data of the displayed time segment.

5. The electrocardiogram data analysis support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the predetermined length of the time section in the arrhythmia examination section is 5 minutes.

6. The electrocardiogram data analysis support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of any portion selected by the selection means in the electrocardiogram data display unit is 7.5 seconds.

7. The electrocardiogram data analysis support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the test result display unit displays the test results of the arrhythmia on the screen, separated by color and / or pattern for each of the one or more types of arrhythmia.

8. The electrocardiogram data analysis support device according to claim 1, characterized in that the test result display unit also displays the test results of respiratory rate in each time segment for reference, along with the test results of arrhythmia.

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