Cardiac Mechanical Activation Display with Layered Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current electrophysiology systems face challenges in effectively displaying and diagnosing mechanical activation patterns of the heart, particularly in 3D models, due to obstructed views and animated graphics that obscure diagnostic map features, making it difficult for clinicians to identify patterns and perform treatments efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a data input, processor, and output that receives mechanical activation data from an electrophysiology apparatus, calculates parameters, generates anatomical representations, divides them into segments, and displays magnitudes of mechanical activation parameters relative to these segments, facilitating simultaneous evaluation and comparison, and is configured to enhance clinician diagnosis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a 3D model with animated graphics is used to display heart activity, then the dynamic representation of heart function is improved, but the diagnostic map features become obscured and difficult to identify

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedynamic representationVSAvoiddiagnostic map features
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The display is segmented into distinct visual layers: a background layer containing the diagnostic map with activation patterns, and a foreground layer containing the 3D anatomical model. This segmentation allows both the dynamic 3D representation and the diagnostic features to be simultaneously visible without mutual obstruction, as each layer can be independently controlled and optimized for its specific purpose.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of stationary object

If the entire 3D heart model is displayed to show global anatomy, then the overall structure is visible, but specific regional details and patterns become difficult to discern

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglobal view of heartVSAvoidregional detail visibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Transparency indicators serve as an intermediary mechanism that controls the visibility of the 3D model. By adjusting the transparency level, the system mediates between showing the global 3D structure and revealing the underlying diagnostic map features, allowing clinicians to selectively enhance or reduce the opacity of specific heart regions to optimize both global context and regional detail visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Loss of information

If traditional 2D displays are used, then all diagnostic features are visible, but the spatial relationships and three-dimensional anatomy are difficult to comprehend

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic feature visibilityVSAvoidspatial relationship representation
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from traditional 2D display to a composite 3D visualization by superimposing the diagnostic map onto a three-dimensional anatomical model. This dimensional enhancement preserves all diagnostic information while adding spatial context, allowing clinicians to comprehend both the diagnostic features and the three-dimensional anatomical relationships simultaneously through the integrated display format.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3113680B1System and method for displaying cardiac mechanical activation patterns
Publication Date: 2019.07.31 ST JUDE MEDICAL INT HLDG SARL
  • EP3113680B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3113680B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3113680B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system for displaying mechanical activation patterns of a heart comprises a data input, a processor, and an output. The data input is for receiving data from an electrophysiology apparatus. The processor is electrically connected to the data input, and is configured to calculate mechanical activation parameters from the data, generate an anatomical representation of the heart from the data, divide the anatomical representation into segments, and generate a depiction that displays magnitudes of the mechanical activation parameter relative to the segments such that performance of a plurality of segments can be simultaneously evaluated. The output is for transmitting the depiction to a display.