Cardiac Electrical Activity Modeling via Segmented Cell Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for modeling cardiac electrical activity, such as analyzing ECG waveforms, face limitations including reliance on the QT interval which is not highly correlative with severe medical conditions, is dependent on heart rate, and difficult to measure, leading to exclusion of potentially safe drugs and lack of user-friendly systems for identifying waveform features associated with cardiac conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for modeling electrical activity of anatomical structures, including a database to store cell set data representing electrical activity of cells, a user interface to change model parameters, and a processor to determine electrical activity, allowing for user-friendly analysis and identification of waveform features associated with cardiac conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the QT interval is used to identify cardiac conditions, then cardiac conditions can be detected, but the measurement is difficult and the correlation with severe medical conditions is not highly reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cardiac electrical activity analysis by dividing the heart into multiple regions (endocardium, mid-myocardium, epicardium) and layers (subendocardial, subepicardial), allowing independent modeling and analysis of electrical properties in each segment. This segmentation enables more precise identification of regional abnormalities without relying on the single QT interval measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional QT interval measurement to multi-dimensional analysis by incorporating spatial information across different heart regions and layers. The system models electrical activity in three-dimensional space, adding depth and complexity to the analysis to improve both reliability and measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the QT interval is corrected for heart rate dependence, then analysis can be performed, but another level of error is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic modeling of ion channel behavior that automatically adapts to varying heart rates without requiring manual correction. The cell models incorporate time-dependent ion channel kinetics that naturally adjust to different cardiac cycle lengths, eliminating the need for QT interval correction and avoiding the associated errors.
3Reliability
If cell or tissue models are used to simulate electrical activity, then waveform features can be identified, but the models do not provide a user-friendly format for analyzing waveform features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary software layer that bridges the complex cell models and the user interface. This intermediary system automatically processes the detailed cell model outputs, generates user-friendly visualizations, and presents waveform features in an intuitive format, making the complex modeling accessible to users without requiring them to directly manipulate the underlying cell models.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional ten electrodes are used to detect electrical activity, then ECG data can be collected, but only one view of the electrical activity is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrical activity detection across multiple virtual electrode positions distributed throughout the heart volume. Instead of using a single conventional ECG setup, the system creates multiple virtual measurement points that provide comprehensive spatial coverage, effectively transforming the single-view limitation into a multi-view advantage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds spatial dimensionality to the electrical activity measurement by distributing electrodes in three-dimensional space throughout the heart volume rather than using a two-dimensional surface arrangement. This volumetric electrode distribution enables simultaneous observation of electrical activity from multiple angles and depths, providing a complete view of cardiac electrophysiology.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for modeling electrical activity of an anatomical structure. The system includes a database that is configured to store cell set data corresponding to a group of cells of the anatomical structure. The cell set data includes a cell model that represents electrical activity of the group of cells. The cell model has a model parameter that relates to ion channels in the cells. The electrical activity represented by the cell model is at least partially based upon the model parameter. The system also includes a user interface that is configured to accept user inputs to change the model parameter and thereby change the electrical activity represented by the cell model to form a reconfigured cell model. The system also includes a display that is configured to display the user inputs and a processor that is configured to determine the electrical activity of the anatomical structure using the reconfigured cell model.