Automated Activation Pathway Identification in Cardiac Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Physicians face difficulties in manually identifying multiple activation pathways on a cardiac electro-anatomical map, especially when electrical wavefronts propagate through cardiac tissue using existing methods, which can complicate the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmias.
Innovation Solution
A processor is used to automatically identify the fastest and slowest activation pathways by constructing a weighted graph based on local activation time points, with weights defined by implied velocity or its inverse, and minimizing the sum of edge weights to display these pathways on an electroanatomical map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual identification of activation pathways is used, then physicians can diagnose cardiac arrhythmias, but the process is time-consuming and difficult when multiple pathways exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of visually inspecting electroanatomical maps with an automated computational system. The processor automatically calculates local activation times, constructs weighted graphs, and identifies activation pathways algorithmically, eliminating the time-consuming manual analysis while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the electroanatomical mapping system to automatically identify activation pathways without requiring physician intervention for the analysis phase. The processor independently performs graph construction, weight calculation, and pathway extraction, providing results that assist rather than replace clinical decision-making.
2Measurement precision
If automated pathway identification is implemented, then time is reduced and accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex task of pathway identification into distinct computational modules: (1) calculating local activation times from electrograms, (2) constructing the weighted graph from mesh nodes, (3) assigning weights based on conduction velocity, and (4) extracting pathways using graph algorithms. This modular approach improves precision while managing system complexity through organized processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a weighted directed graph as an intermediary data structure that bridges the raw electroanatomical data and the final pathway identification. This intermediate representation simplifies the computational problem by transforming continuous cardiac activation data into a discrete graph structure that can be efficiently analyzed using standard algorithms.
3Loss of information
If multiple activation pathways are displayed, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the display complexity and difficulty of interpretation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color coding to differentiate between multiple activation pathways on the electroanatomical map. Different pathways are displayed with distinct colors or visual characteristics, allowing physicians to easily distinguish and interpret multiple simultaneous activation patterns without confusion, thereby maintaining information completeness while reducing display complexity.
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Described embodiments include a method that includes constructing a computerized electroanatomical model of a portion of a heart, the model including a mesh, which approximates the portion of the heart, and a plurality of points, at different respective locations on the mesh, having respective associated local activation times (LATs) that were ascertained from electrocardiographic signals acquired from the portion. The method further includes constructing a graph that interconnects the points and, based on the respective locations and LATs of the points, identifying, from a plurality of pathways, through the graph, from a first one of the points having a lowest one of the LATs to a second one of the points having a highest one of the LATs, both a shortest pathway and a longest pathway. The method further includes displaying the mesh, with the identified shortest pathway and longest pathway superimposed over the mesh. Other embodiments are also described.