Heart Wall Arrhythmia Source Depth Localization From Activation Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying the source location of arrhythmias in the heart are complex, cumbersome, and expensive, often leading to inaccurate treatment plans due to the inability to distinguish between endocardial and epicardial sources, which delays effective ablation procedures.
Innovation Solution
A source location refinement (SLR) system that refines the initial source location by calculating an activation depth within the heart wall using electrical potential directions, determining a normal vector and activation vector to accurately identify the refined source location, allowing for more informed treatment planning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If common mapping methods (basket catheter or body surface vest) are used to identify arrhythmia source locations, then source location identification can be achieved, but the procedures become complex, cumbersome, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential measurement function from complex mapping systems. Instead of using entire basket catheters or body surface vests with multiple electrodes, the invention uses a single electrode positioned at the catheter tip to measure electrical potential, isolating the critical measurement capability from unnecessary system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that processes simple electrical potential measurements and derives source location information through algorithms. This intermediary layer transforms basic electrical measurements into clinically useful arrhythmia source identification without requiring complex physical measurement systems.
2Measurement precision
If common mapping methods are used to identify arrhythmia sources, then source locations can be detected, but the procedures are expensive and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive catheter with a single electrode that can be manufactured at low cost. This disposable-like approach eliminates the need for expensive, complex mapping systems while maintaining diagnostic capability, making the procedure more accessible and easier to manufacture.
3Measurement precision
If body surface vest with electrodes is used to collect measurements, then arrhythmia source location can be identified, but the vest interferes with defibrillator pad placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the body surface vest entirely from the procedure, extracting only the essential electrical measurement function and performing it instead through a catheter-based electrode positioned directly in the heart chamber. This eliminates the physical interference with defibrillator pad placement while maintaining source location identification capability.
4Measurement precision
If endocardial mapping is performed first and shows low correlation, then epicardial access must be attempted, but this delays treatment and increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary depth assessment of the arrhythmia source using the single electrode measurement system before committing to a specific access approach. By calculating activation depth and determining whether the source is endocardial, epicardial, or mid-myocardial in advance, the system enables selection of the most appropriate access route upfront, avoiding unnecessary sequential procedures and reducing overall treatment time.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for localizing the source of an arrhythmia within a heart wall is disclosed. The method involves accessing an indication of the source location of the arrhythmia within the endocardium. A normal vector is generated that is normal to the endocardium at the source location in the direction of the epicardium layer. An activation vector indicating the direction of electrical force of the heart during an initial stage of depolarization is determined. The depth angle between the normal vector and the activation vector is determined, and the depth of the source location within the heart wall is indicated based on a depth angle.