Non-invasive Cardiac Localization Patch with Magnet Lattice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for locating arrhythmogenic foci in the heart lack accuracy due to low resolution and inability to accurately reconstruct electromagnetic field sources using collected data, leading to multiple valid mathematical solutions and ineffective clinical data.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive sensing patch with a sensor layer, fiducial layer, and electrode layer that adheres to the torso, using a lattice of magnets and fiducial markers to measure electric fields and provide data for a cardiac monitor to locate arrhythmia foci, combining anatomic imaging and body surface potential mapping with probabilistic evaluation techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external body surface potential mapping is used to locate arrhythmogenic foci, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to low resolution and inability to accurately reconstruct electromagnetic field sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into multiple specialized sensor layers (magnetic sensor layer, electric field sensor layer, ECG electrode layer) that can be separately optimized for their specific measurement functions. This segmentation allows each layer to focus on detecting specific electromagnetic field components with high precision while maintaining non-invasive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional 2D body surface mapping to 3D spatial localization by incorporating magnets that form a lattice structure and using multiple sensor types that detect different electromagnetic field dimensions. This dimensional enhancement enables accurate reconstruction of electromagnetic field sources in three-dimensional cardiac space.
2Loss of information
If mathematical reconstruction of electromagnetic field sources is performed using collected field data, then source localization is attempted, but reliability deteriorates due to multiple valid mathematical solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the measured electromagnetic field data from multiple sensor layers is continuously refined through iterative mathematical reconstruction algorithms. The system uses the lattice of magnets and fiducial markers as reference feedback points to constrain and validate the mathematical solutions, ensuring unique and reliable source localization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes multiple measurement parameters simultaneously by combining magnetic field measurements, electric field measurements, and ECG signals from different spatial locations and temporal phases. This multi-parameter approach provides sufficient constraints to eliminate mathematical ambiguities and achieve unique source reconstruction.
3Measurement precision
If invasive catheter-based systems are used to locate arrhythmogenic foci, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and invasiveness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnets and fiducial markers as intermediary reference elements that bridge the non-invasive external measurement system with the internal cardiac structures. These intermediaries provide known spatial references that enable accurate localization without requiring invasive catheter insertion, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity and invasiveness.
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
Enhances the accuracy of locating arrhythmogenic foci by imposing additional mathematical constraints, allowing for precise identification and potential reduction in invasive procedures, facilitating more effective atrial ablation treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of sensors, each adapted to measure a value of an electric field
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of magnets wherein each of the plurality of magnets is collocated with one of the plurality of sensors. The plurality of magnets may be configured to form a lattice of detection.
Implementation Method 3
The patch may have an electrode layer having at least one electrode and secured to the sensor layer and a cardiac monitor in electrical communication with the at least one electrode
Implementation Method 4
a patch having a sensor layer and adhesive disposed along an outer surface of the sensor layer
Data Source
AI summary
A patch includes a sensor layer and adhesive disposed along an outer surface of the sensor layer. The sensor layer has a plurality of sensors, each adapted to measure a value of an electric field, and a plurality of magnets wherein each of the plurality of magnets is collocated with one of the plurality of sensors. Electric field data from the plurality of sensors is provided to a cardiac monitor.