Anatomical Map Annotation Visualization for Ablation Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for planning medical procedures, such as radiofrequency ablation of heart tissue, are time-consuming and prone to errors due to the need to review multiple 2D anatomical maps showing different properties, which can lead to inaccuracies in defining the ablation line.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for displaying annotations on a design line of an anatomical map, where a processor receives anatomical maps with various properties and a planned ablation line, and visualizes selected properties along the design line using suitable annotations, assisting physicians in planning ablation procedures more efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If multiple 2D anatomical maps are reviewed to plan ablation procedures, then comprehensive anatomical information is obtained, but the planning process becomes time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive anatomical informationVSAvoidplanning process time
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple 2D anatomical maps containing different properties (electrical, anatomical, functional) into a single integrated 3D anatomical model. This consolidation allows physicians to view comprehensive anatomical information from multiple modalities simultaneously on one display, eliminating the need to review multiple separate 2D maps and reducing planning time while preserving all essential information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from 2D map representation to 3D model visualization, adding a spatial dimension to the data presentation. This dimensional change allows multiple properties to be overlaid and correlated in three-dimensional space, providing comprehensive information in a more efficient format that reduces review time while maintaining data completeness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of information

If multiple 2D anatomical maps are reviewed to plan ablation procedures, then comprehensive anatomical information is obtained, but inaccuracies in defining the ablation line occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive anatomical informationVSAvoidablation line definition accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple 2D anatomical maps with different properties into a single integrated 3D anatomical model, allowing physicians to correlate electrical, anatomical, and functional information simultaneously. This integration improves ablation line definition accuracy by enabling precise spatial correlation of multiple data types in three-dimensional space, eliminating misalignment issues that occur when reviewing separate 2D maps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The 3D anatomical model serves as an intermediary that integrates and coordinates multiple 2D map data sources. This intermediary structure allows for accurate spatial registration and correlation of different property maps, enabling precise ablation line definition by providing a unified reference framework that eliminates the inaccuracies inherent in reviewing multiple separate 2D representations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If properties are visualized along the design line using annotations, then planning efficiency is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplanning efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the visualization of properties along the design line by placing discrete annotations at specific locations rather than displaying continuous data. This segmentation approach improves planning efficiency by highlighting key features and measurements at critical points along the ablation path, while keeping the system manageable by processing and displaying only essential segmented information rather than continuous complex datasets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and displays only the most relevant properties along the design line using selective annotations, rather than visualizing all available data. This extraction approach improves planning efficiency by presenting only the critical information needed for ablation line definition, while reducing system complexity by filtering and displaying a subset of essential properties rather than processing and visualizing the complete dataset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4018956B1Displaying annotations on design line formed on anatomical map
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD
  • EP4018956B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4018956B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4018956B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method, includes receiving an anatomical map of a patient organ, the anatomical map including properties obtained at respective locations on a first surface of the organ. A design line produced on a second surface of the anatomical map, is received. One or more of the properties that, when falling along the design line, will be visualized thereon, are selected, and the one or more properties falling along the design line, are visualized.