Cardiac Activation Map Computation Using Directional Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for computing activation maps, such as cardiac mapping, fail to accurately account for near-field and far-field signal components and anatomical features, leading to inaccurate maps and sensitivity to noise.
Innovation Solution
A method that computes local and global activation times by analyzing relative timing among electrical signals at neighboring points on a cardiac surface, using a directional activation algorithm in conjunction with other methods like maximum negative slope, to generate a more accurate activation map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If maximum negative slope method is used to determine activation time, then the method is simple to implement, but the activation map becomes inaccurate and extremely sensitive to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the activation time determination process into multiple components: near-field component identification, far-field component analysis, and combined processing. By dividing the signal processing into these segments, the method achieves both accuracy and noise resistance while maintaining implementation feasibility through systematic decomposition of the complex determination process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the maximum negative slope method as a preliminary indicator to identify potential activation times, then refining these indications through additional signal component analysis. This intermediary use of the simple method bridges the gap between ease of implementation and measurement precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If maximum negative slope method is used to determine activation time, then the implementation is straightforward, but the method fails to account for near-field and far-field signal relationships
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal analysis into distinct near-field and far-field components, allowing each to be processed and understood separately before being integrated. This segmentation preserves the relationship information that would otherwise be lost by treating the signal as a single undifferentiated entity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the analysis by examining signal relationships across different time points and spatial locations. By considering the temporal evolution of near-field and far-field components separately, the method recovers relationship information that a single-point maximum slope measurement cannot capture.
3Productivity
If simple activation time calculation is used, then processing speed is fast, but the activation map is inaccurate and sensitive to noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by selectively applying the more computationally intensive near-field/far-field analysis only to signals where the maximum negative slope method identifies potential activation events. This partial application maintains processing speed while improving accuracy where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by using the fast maximum negative slope method to pre-identify candidate activation times, then applying the more accurate but slower near-field/far-field analysis only to these pre-selected candidates. This two-stage approach preserves processing speed while enhancing reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods can be used to determine activation information for points along a surface or selected region of interest. In one example, a computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing a method that includes computing a local activation vector based on relative timing among electrical signals corresponding to neighboring points of a plurality of points on a surface envelope. An activation time can be computed for each of the plurality of points as a function of corresponding local activation vectors.