Atrial Fibrillation Detection Algorithm Using Pulse Interval Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting atrial fibrillation using pulse beats are prone to high false positive rates due to premature beats, and existing devices are not specifically designed to differentiate atrial fibrillation from other rhythm abnormalities, making them unreliable for home monitoring and asymptomatic detection.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that analyze pulse beat intervals using algorithms to exclude premature beats, calculate an irregularity index, and eliminate intervals outside threshold values to accurately detect atrial fibrillation, featuring a sphygmomanometer or plethysmograph with a light source and detector to monitor and store irregular pulse patterns for user alert and medical consultation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulse beat intervals are analyzed to detect atrial fibrillation, then detection capability is improved, but false positive rate increases due to premature beats
Solution Approach 1:
The algorithm extracts and eliminates intervals that fall outside the threshold values (premature beats) from the pulse beat interval analysis, separating the harmful premature beats from the useful atrial fibrillation detection signal
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by establishing threshold values for interval elimination and using irregularity index calculations with specific criteria (e.g., requiring at least 50% of intervals to be irregular) to improve detection accuracy while reducing false positives
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing rhythm abnormality detection devices are used, then general monitoring capability is provided, but specificity for atrial fibrillation detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection process into specific steps: detecting pulse beats, calculating intervals, eliminating intervals outside thresholds, calculating irregularity indices, and applying specific criteria for atrial fibrillation detection, making the device specifically adapted for this condition
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus maintains versatility by being able to detect various pulse patterns and rhythm abnormalities while incorporating specific algorithms that provide high specificity for atrial fibrillation, allowing it to serve multiple purposes with specialized capability
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves high sensitivity and specificity in detecting atrial fibrillation, reducing false positives and providing a reliable, non-invasive home monitoring system suitable for all ages, including the visually and hearing impaired, with improved accuracy over existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Pulse beats may be monitored through changes in light transmitted through various body appendages, such as a finger. Light is transmitted by a light source through the finger, or other appendage of an individual, and is received by a detector, which measures the change in light transmitted through the appendage to detect a pulse beat.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus to determine possible atrial fibrillation or absence of atrial fibrillation that includes detecting pulse rhythms from a succession of time intervals each corresponding to a respective interval of time between successive pulse beats; analyzing the detected pulse rhythms to make a determination of possible atrial fibrillation; indicating the possible atrial fibrillation from the determination; or making a determination of the absence of atrial fibrillation.