Camera-Based Catheter Epicardial Texture Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac mapping and ablation systems lack visualization of the details and texture of the epicardial surface, which is crucial for diagnosing and treating heart conditions such as ventricular tachycardia, as they do not provide sufficient information about coronary arteries, small vessels, adipose tissue, and scar areas on the epicardial surface.
Innovation Solution
A video-assisted 3D electrical mapping system integrates 2D epicardial images with a 3D map of the cardiac structure using an image sensor or camera-based catheter to collect and store images with corresponding location, orientation, and distance information, enabling the reconstruction of a 3D textural model of the epicardial surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional cardiac mapping system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the epicardial surface texture and detail visualization is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a camera module with the catheter tip to integrate image capture functionality directly into the mapping system. This merging allows simultaneous acquisition of electrical signals and visual texture information from the epicardial surface, resolving the contradiction by adding information capability while accepting increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processing system that acts as an intermediary between the captured images and the 3D reconstruction process. This intermediary processes raw images to extract texture information and integrates it with electrical mapping data, enabling detailed epicardial visualization without requiring direct modification of the core mapping system.
2Loss of information
If multiple photos are taken to capture epicardial details, then the textural information is sufficient, but the time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous image capture during catheter movement along the epicardial surface, rather than requiring discrete photo acquisition. This continuous imaging approach ensures complete textural coverage is obtained automatically during the mapping procedure, eliminating time loss associated with manual photo taking while maintaining comprehensive detail capture.
3Measurement precision
If a camera-based catheter is used to capture images, then the textural details are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the camera-based catheter to serve multiple functions: electrical signal acquisition, image capture, and spatial positioning. By making the catheter multi-functional, the system reduces the need for separate specialized devices, and the camera module can be integrated using standard miniaturization techniques, making manufacturing more feasible despite the added complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 2B
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AI summary
A three-dimensional (3D) electrical mapping system and method may be used to generate a 3D image of the epicardial surface of a heart by integrating one or more epicardial images with a 3D image of the cardiac structure that may be generated by real-time 3D location and mapping system for cardiac mapping and ablation. The visual textural representation of the epicardial surface of the heart may be reconstructed using, for example, an image sensor or camera-based catheter to collect images of the epicardial surface. For each image that is captured, the system and method may store the image data along with the corresponding catheter location, orientation and/or distance information relative to the cardiac structure. The location, orientation, and/or distance information may be used to reconstruct a 3D textural model of the epicardial surface of the cardiac structure.