3D Ablation Tag Mapping With Electrode Connector Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The visualization of ablation sessions using multi-electrode catheters, such as bipolar Pulsed-Field Ablation catheters, results in a cluttered display of ablation tags in a 3D space, making it difficult for physicians to understand the relationship between tags and correlate them to specific sessions, hindering holistic analysis of the ablation process.
Innovation Solution
A 3D graphical representation is generated that connects pairs of adjacent electrodes with distinct indications for delivered and undelivered ablation energy, using different distinguishing features like colors, shapes, or shades, and includes additional information like ablation count, session order, and timing, allowing clear visualization and organization of ablation sessions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a multi-electrode catheter is used for ablation, then the ablation coverage and treatment capability are improved, but the display becomes cluttered with a large number of ablation tags in close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ablation tags by connecting them into distinct groups or chains that represent individual ablation sessions. Each session's tags are visually linked together, separating them from tags of other sessions. This segmentation allows multiple sessions to be displayed simultaneously without creating a uniform clutter, as the connections provide visual organization and distinction between different treatment events.
2Measurement precision
If ablation tags are displayed in close proximity in 3D space, then the spatial accuracy is improved, but the ability to understand relationships between tags and correlate them to specific sessions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces connector lines or visual intermediaries that link ablation tags belonging to the same session. These connectors act as mediators that preserve the spatial accuracy of tag placement while simultaneously encoding session affiliation information. The connectors provide an additional visual layer that helps physicians trace which tags belong together, preventing loss of session correlation information even when tags are in close proximity.
3Quantity of substance
If all ablation tags are displayed simultaneously, then the complete ablation map is improved, but the holistic analysis capability deteriorates due to visual clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complete set of ablation tags into session-based groups with visual connectors. This segmentation enables physicians to analyze the complete ablation map while maintaining the ability to mentally process the information by session. The connectors create natural visual boundaries that facilitate holistic analysis, allowing physicians to understand the overall treatment while recognizing individual session contributions without being overwhelmed by uniform clutter.
Data Source
AI summary
A method may comprise receiving, by a processor from one or more sensors, a three-dimensional (3D) position of each of a plurality of electrodes of a catheter during an ablation session, generating, by the processor, a 3D graphical representation identifying a position of each of the plurality of electrodes with a first indication, and connecting, by the processor, pairs of adjacent first indications with a second indication in the constellation-like 3D graphical representation. The second indications may indicate locations between electrodes where energy was delivered. The method may comprise displaying, by the processor on a display device, the 3D graphical representation comprising the first indications and the second indications. The method may comprise identifying pairs of adjacent first indications, that are not connected by a second indication, with a third indication, which may indicate locations between electrodes where energy was not delivered.