Bi-Sided Catheter Mapping for Cardiac Tissue Depth Discrimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional techniques fail to discriminate between different depths of cardiac signals within cardiac tissue during electro-anatomical mapping, leading to inaccurate representation of electrical activity and scar tissue.
Innovation Solution
A multi-electrode catheter with electrodes on both sides, one in contact with cardiac tissue and the other in contact with blood or away from tissue, analyzes electrical signals based on distances between electrodes to generate multiple electro-anatomical maps depicting electrical activity or scar tissue at varying depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional single-layer electro-anatomical mapping is used, then the mapping process is simple and quick, but the accuracy and depth of tissue characterization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple electrode layers (first plurality and second plurality of electrodes) positioned at different depths, allowing separation and independent measurement of electrical signals from different tissue layers. This segmentation enables depth-resolved mapping while maintaining manageable complexity through modular electrode design.
Solution Approach 2:
The mapping system transitions from conventional 2D surface mapping to 3D volumetric mapping by adding the depth dimension. Multiple electrode layers capture signals at different depths, creating a three-dimensional electro-anatomical map that provides comprehensive tissue characterization without excessive complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multi-layer depth-resolved mapping is implemented, then the accuracy of scar tissue identification improves, but the signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates electrical signals from specific tissue layers by using selectively activated electrode layers. By taking out signals from individual layers and processing them separately, the system achieves accurate scar tissue identification while managing complexity through layered signal extraction and independent analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
Different electrode layers are optimized for detecting signals from different tissue depths with distinct electrical characteristics. The signal processing applies layer-specific analysis methods tailored to the local electrical properties of each tissue depth, improving scar detection accuracy while managing complexity through localized processing strategies.
3Measurement precision
If electrodes are placed on both sides of the catheter, then depth discrimination capability is achieved, but the catheter structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter employs asymmetric electrode placement with a first plurality of electrodes on one side and a second plurality on the opposite side, positioned at different depths relative to the catheter body. This asymmetric configuration enables depth discrimination by creating distinct measurement geometries while maintaining structural feasibility through balanced design considerations.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-electrode catheter structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both a structural support element and a multi-layer signal acquisition device. The same catheter body that provides mechanical support also houses the depth-resolved electrode arrays, eliminating the need for separate depth-discrimination devices and reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to electro-anatomical mappings of cardiac tissue at different depths using a multi-electrode catheter. A multi-electrode catheter within a heart of a patient has a first plurality of electrodes on a first side and a second plurality of electrodes on a second side, wherein the first side is proximate to cardiac tissue at a first location and the second side is facing away from the cardiac tissue. Electrical activity is received from at least one electrode on the first side and the at least one electrode on the second side, and a signal analysis is performed thereon based at least in part on distances between electrodes on different sides of the multi-electrode catheter. The process is repeated for further locations of cardiac tissue in the heart, and an electro-anatomical map of the heart depicting electrical activity or scar tissue is generated based on the signal analysis.