Multidimensional Cardiac Activity Analysis Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current devices lack the capability to simultaneously perform vectorcardiography and three-dimensional cardiac impedance measurements, and none can assess the relationship between cardiac contraction time course and stimulation, requiring expensive equipment and trained personnel, while existing solutions focus on hemodynamic parameters rather than the dynamics of cardiac tissue motion.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for simultaneous three-dimensional ECG and impedance rheometry measurements using different frequencies on three orthogonal axes, combined with tissue motion sensors outside the body, allowing for non-invasive assessment of cardiac activity and differentiation of heart diseases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If expensive equipment such as echocardiography, magnetic resonance, or computer tomography is used to observe cardiac contraction time course, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecardiac contraction time course measurementVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines vectorcardiography and three-dimensional impedance rheometry measurements into a single integrated device, allowing simultaneous acquisition of multiple cardiac parameters without requiring separate expensive imaging equipment. This merging approach maintains measurement precision while reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs multiple functions including vectorcardiography, three-dimensional impedance rheometry, and tissue motion sensing within a single system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized devices, thereby reducing overall complexity and cost while maintaining comprehensive cardiac assessment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If separate devices are used for vectorcardiography and three-dimensional impedance rheometry, then measurement precision for each parameter is maintained, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveECG and impedance measurement accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates vectorcardiography and three-dimensional impedance rheometry measurement systems into a single device with unified control and processing. This integration allows both measurement types to be performed simultaneously through a single operational interface, maintaining precision while greatly simplifying operation compared to using separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If classical electrocardiography with resistance measurement only is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of cardiac activity changes is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement system simplicityVSAvoidcardiac activity detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends classical electrocardiography by measuring both real and imaginary parts of impedance across three orthogonal axes, rather than only resistance. This parameter expansion provides more comprehensive cardiac activity information, improving measurement precision while maintaining relative system simplicity through the use of standard electrode configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If frequency analysis methods are used for vibro-acoustic detection, then analysis capability is improved, but applicability is limited due to the nonlinear nature of cardiac dynamics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal analysis capabilityVSAvoidmethod applicability to nonlinear systems
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces frequency analysis methods with time-domain analysis of impedance and voltage changes. This substitution allows direct observation of cardiac dynamics without requiring linearity assumptions, making the method applicable to the inherently nonlinear cardiac system while maintaining strong signal analysis capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables advanced, non-invasive, and automated diagnostics of heart diseases by providing a multidimensional analysis of cardiac activity, differentiating heart motion modes and assessing energy generated by the heart, beyond hemodynamic parameters, with high efficiency in distinguishing healthy and diseased patients.

Implementation Method 1

The invention relates to a method for measuring multidimensional dynamics of cardiac activity comprising simultaneous measurement of three dimensional ECG and three dimensional impedance rheometry

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Impedance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

the impedance rheometry measurement comprises simultaneous generation of applied current of different frequencies for three orthogonal axes and an impedance measurement for the same or other three orthogonal axes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic Induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

US20110295127A discloses a device and method for vibro-acoustic detection of cardiac arrhythmia. Measurements of vibrations are performed and based on the frequency and amplitude changes it is possible to determine if and which disturbances occur

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic detection: Acoustics

Implementation Method 4

The dynamics of cardiac activity is nonlinear because of many independent systems of cardiac rhythm regulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4161377B1Method and device for multidimensional analysis of the dynamics of cardiac activity
Publication Date: 2024.08.21 EFM SP ZOO
  • EP4161377B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4161377B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4161377B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for measuring multidimensional dynamics of cardiac activity comprising simultaneous measurement of: three dimensional ECG, three dimensional impedance rheometry, tissue motion, wherein the tissue motion measurement is performed with a sensor placed outside the patient body selected from among sensors including: membrane, auscultation funnel, accelerometer, microphone, piezoelectric sensor, wherein the impedance rheometry measurement comprises simultaneous generation of applied current of different frequencies for three orthogonal axes and an impedance measurement for the same or other three orthogonal axes, and wherein the impedance rheometry measurement and the ECG measurement are carried out for the same three orthogonal axes. The invention further relates to a device for implementation of the method.