Cardiac Magnetic Field Mapping for Coronary Ischemia Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting coronary artery disease lack sensitivity and specificity, particularly in cases where traditional diagnostic tools like electrocardiograms may be normal despite the presence of ischemia.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing optically pumped magnetometers to sense magnetic fields associated with the heart, generating electromagnetic field maps, and analyzing dipole angles and dipole presence to determine the likelihood of coronary artery disease, with optional environmental shielding and gradiometer filtering to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional diagnostic tools like electrocardiograms are used, then the detection process is simple and non-invasive, but the sensitivity and specificity for detecting coronary artery disease are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electrocardiographic measurement methods with magnetocardiographic measurement using optically pumped magnetometers. This substitution enables detection of magnetic field signals generated by cardiac electrical activity, providing superior sensitivity and specificity for detecting coronary artery disease while maintaining non-invasive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical signals (ECG) to magnetic field signals (MCG). By measuring the magnetic field generated by cardiac electrical activity through the body's tissues, the system achieves enhanced diagnostic precision for detecting ischemia and coronary artery disease.
2Measurement precision
If optically pumped magnetometers are used to sense magnetic fields, then the sensitivity and specificity for detecting coronary artery disease improve, but the device complexity and environmental interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs magnetic shielding materials that redirect and contain environmental magnetic interference away from the sensor array. The shielding structure converts the harmful effect of environmental magnetic fields into a beneficial containment effect, protecting the sensitive optically pumped magnetometers from external interference while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic shielding as an intermediary element between the environmental magnetic fields and the sensor array. This shielding layer acts as a mediator that blocks external magnetic interference from reaching the sensitive detectors, enabling accurate measurement of the weak cardiac magnetic field signals.
3Measurement precision
If a shield is used to attenuate environmental magnetic fields, then the magnetic field sensing accuracy improves, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shielding structure into modular segments that can be strategically positioned around the sensor array. Rather than using a complete enclosure, the shielding is segmented into essential protective zones, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining effective magnetic field attenuation where most needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies magnetic shielding materials selectively in locations where environmental interference is most problematic, rather than uniformly throughout the entire device. This localized approach to shielding provides effective magnetic field attenuation at critical sensing areas while minimizing the overall size and complexity of the shielding structure.
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
Provides a non-invasive, accurate method for detecting coronary artery disease by analyzing electromagnetic field maps, identifying abnormal dipole angles and additional electromagnetic dipoles, improving diagnostic precision beyond traditional electrocardiogram limitations.
Implementation Method 1
an array of one or more optically pumped magnetometer(s) coupled to the distal end of the arm, the optically pumped magnetometer array configured to sense the magnetic field associated with the individual
Implementation Method 2
Dynamic magnetic fields are associated with certain mammalian tissue, for example, tissue with action-potential driven physiology. Changes in the structure or function of certain tissue can be reflected in a change of the magnetic field(s) associated with and/or generated by the tissue
Implementation Method 3
the device comprises a shield configured to attenuate a magnetic field or fields associated with an environment
Data Source
AI summary
In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method comprising: (a) identifying a first negative and positive electromagnetic dipoles in a first electromagnetic field map associated with a heart of the individual at a first time; (b) identifying a second negative and positive electromagnetic dipoles in a second electromagnetic field map associated with the heart of the individual at a second time; (c) determining a first angle based on the first negative and positive electromagnetic dipoles; (d) determining a second angle based on the second negative and positive electromagnetic dipoles; and (e) determining a presence, an absence, or a likelihood of coronary artery disease in the individual, based at least in part on (i) whether the first angle differs from the second angle by at least 100 degrees, or (ii) whether there is a presence of a third electromagnetic dipole in the first or the second electromagnetic field map.