Atrial Fibrillation Progression Detection via Electrogram and MRI Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
The progression of atrial fibrillation (AF) is not well understood, particularly the precise time sequence of molecular and structural changes associated with autonomic remodeling, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis, which limits effective treatment strategies.
Innovation Solution
A system combining atrial fibrillation electrogram characteristics with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) parametric mapping, specifically T1/T2 mapping, to detect and quantify oxidative stress and fibrosis, allowing real-time monitoring of AF progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional predictors and monitoring methods are used for atrial fibrillation progression, then treatment strategies can be implemented, but the precise time sequence of molecular and structural changes (oxidative stress, fibrosis, autonomic remodeling) cannot be accurately detected or understood
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple diagnostic modalities including electrogram analysis, MRI parametric mapping (T1/T2), and biomarker assessment into a unified system for detecting AF progression. This integration allows simultaneous monitoring of electrical, structural, and molecular changes, resolving the contradiction by making previously undetectable markers measurable through combined techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in MRI parametric mapping values (T1 and T2 relaxation times) as quantitative parameters to detect oxidative stress and fibrosis. By monitoring parameter changes over time, the system can precisely track the temporal sequence of molecular and structural changes that were previously difficult to measure
2Loss of time
If patients wait longer to implement rhythm treatment strategy, then more time is available for treatment planning, but the difficulty to regain sinus rhythm increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables preliminary detection of AF progression through continuous monitoring of electrogram characteristics and MRI parametric changes. By identifying early signs of oxidative stress, fibrosis, and autonomic remodeling before they reach critical thresholds, the system allows treatment to be initiated at the optimal time, preventing the worsening of prognosis that occurs with delayed intervention
3Adaptability or versatility
If detailed monitoring of multiple AF characteristics (oxidative stress, fibrosis, autonomic remodeling) is implemented, then personalized treatment can be achieved, but the system complexity and data analysis requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional monitoring system that uses the same core technology platform (electrogram analysis combined with MRI parametric mapping) to detect multiple different aspects of AF progression including oxidative stress, fibrosis, and autonomic remodeling. This universal approach allows personalized treatment adaptation without requiring separate specialized systems for each marker
Data Source
AI summary
A system to identify and predict atrial fibrillation includes a memory configured to store one or more electrograms and one or more nerve recordings of a patient. The system also includes a processor operatively coupled to the memory and configured to identify one or more atrial fibrillation characteristics based on the one or more electrograms and the one or more nerve recordings, where the one or more atrial fibrillation characteristics include oxidative stress and fibrosis. The processor is also configured to identify a progression state of the atrial fibrillation based on the one or more atrial fibrillation characteristics.