Atrial Fibrillation Mapping Using LAT Windows and Wave Coherence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mapping electrical potentials in the heart during atrial fibrillation are inadequate, leading to measurement errors due to complex activation patterns and multiple lines of block, which hinder accurate electroanatomic mapping and treatment of arrhythmias.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining local activation time (LAT) ranges using the full negative slope of unipolar electrograms, adjusting activation times within defined intervals, and maximizing coherence of electrical propagation waves through fuzzy membership functions and mesh interpolation, allowing for precise mapping and ablation of abnormal heart tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mapping methods using single fiducial points are used, then the mapping process is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to complex activation patterns and multiple lines of block in atrial fibrillation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrogram signal by identifying multiple fiducial points (peak, valley, and intermediate points) within the negative slope region, rather than using a single fiducial point. This segmentation of the measurement approach allows for more precise determination of local activation time by capturing the temporal extent of activation across multiple reference points, thereby improving measurement precision in the complex electrical environment of atrial fibrillation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional single-point timing to a temporal window approach by defining LATmin and LATmax based on multiple fiducial points. This dimensional expansion from a single time point to a time range provides more comprehensive characterization of activation timing, improving measurement precision while maintaining computational feasibility through systematic algorithms
2Manufacturing precision
If single fiducial point timing is used, then processing is straightforward, but spatial resolution deteriorates in mapping electrical propagation waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the activation timing information by establishing multiple fiducial points (peak, valley, and intermediate amplitude points) along the negative slope of the electrogram. This segmentation provides multiple temporal references that, when mapped across the electroanatomic surface, enhance spatial resolution by capturing the spatial-temporal progression of activation waves more accurately than single-point methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification and classification of multiple fiducial points and their relationships before final map generation. By pre-establishing the temporal window (LATmin to LATmax) and identifying characteristic points in advance, the system prepares refined timing data that improves spatial resolution during subsequent map rendering and analysis phases
3Reliability
If full negative slope timing window is used, then coherence of electrical propagation waves improves, but computational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the negative slope into multiple identifiable fiducial points with defined temporal relationships. This segmentation of the timing window into discrete reference points (peak, valley, intermediate points) allows for systematic computational processing of LATmin and LATmax values, improving wave coherence through multiple references while managing computational complexity through structured algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by iteratively refining the identification of fiducial points and adjusting the temporal window based on signal characteristics. The system uses feedback from signal morphology analysis to optimize fiducial point selection and validate the coherence of propagation waves, thereby improving reliability while controlling computational complexity through adaptive processing
4Reliability
If conventional activation time mapping is used, then treatment planning is simplified, but identification and treatment of atrial fibrillation becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments activation time determination into multiple fiducial point measurements, creating a more nuanced temporal profile of electrical activation. This segmented approach provides richer data for identifying abnormal activation patterns and guiding ablation therapy, thereby improving treatment effectiveness while managing complexity through systematic processing of multiple reference points
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary detailed characterization of activation timing through multiple fiducial points before treatment planning. By pre-establishing accurate LATmin and LATmax values and identifying abnormal activation patterns in advance, the system prepares comprehensive data that enhances treatment planning effectiveness while reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making during procedures
Data Source
AI summary
Electroanatomic mapping is carried out by inserting a multi-electrode probe into a heart of a living subject, recording electrograms from the electrodes concurrently at respective locations in the heart, delimiting respective activation time intervals in the electrograms, generating a map of electrical propagation waves from the activation time intervals, maximizing coherence of the waves by adjusting local activation times within the activation time intervals of the electrograms, and reporting the adjusted local activation times.