Cardiac Activation Time Detection via Bipolar Signal Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analyzing low-level electrical signals from a beating heart is challenging due to their relatively low amplitude, making accurate characterization of cardiac activity difficult, particularly in determining defective regions of the heart.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for characterizing an electrocardiogram by receiving unipolar signals from two heart locations, generating a bipolar signal, analyzing the bipolar signal to delineate a time period for the bipolar complex, and determining activation times using state machines and differentiation techniques to apply search window bounds and threshold levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrical signals from the heart are analyzed directly, then cardiac activity can be characterized, but the low amplitude of the signals makes accurate analysis difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary filtering and preprocessing actions to the electrical signals before full analysis. The system pre-processes the low-amplitude cardiac signals through filtering operations that enhance signal quality and remove noise, making the subsequent analysis more accurate and less difficult. This preliminary action prepares the signals in advance to overcome the measurement difficulties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that mediates between the raw low-amplitude signals and the final analysis. This intermediary layer includes signal conditioning, filtering, and enhancement circuits that bridge the gap between the weak cardiac signals and the analysis requirements, improving measurement precision without directly analyzing the raw signals.
2Measurement precision
If unipolar signals are analyzed to determine activation times, then cardiac location characterization is achieved, but the low signal level reduces analysis accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple unipolar signals to form bipolar signals, merging the information from different electrode configurations. This combining process enhances the signal amplitude and improves the signal-to-noise ratio, overcoming the low signal amplitude problem while maintaining accurate activation time determination for cardiac location characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the signal parameters by converting unipolar signals into bipolar signals through mathematical operations and signal processing. This parameter change increases the effective signal amplitude and enhances the detectability of activation times, eliminating the harmful effect of low signal amplitude while preserving measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for characterizing an electrocardiogram, including receiving a first unipolar signal from a first location of a heart and a second unipolar signal from a second location of the heart. The method further includes generating a bipolar signal from the first and second unipolar signals, and analyzing the bipolar signal to delineate a time period during which the first and second locations generate a bipolar complex. The method also includes analyzing the first unipolar signal within the time period to determine an activation time of the first location.