Cardiac Propagation Viewer for 3D Depolarization and LAT Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack effective methods to visualize and analyze the propagation of electrical signals across anatomical structures like the heart, particularly in relation to ECG/CGM waveforms, which is crucial for assessing cardiac health and synchronicity.
Innovation Solution
A propagation viewer system that utilizes electrodes to measure cardiac signals, computes Local Activation Time (LAT) and DV/DTMIN, and generates graphical user interfaces to display electrical activation times and cardiac tissue health metrics, enabling visualization of wavefront depolarization across the heart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional ECG/CGM waveform display methods are used, then the signal data can be recorded, but the propagation and synchronicity of electrical signals across anatomical structures cannot be visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the anatomical structure (heart model) that replicates the physical heart's geometry and electrode positions. This virtual model allows visualization of electrical signal propagation without requiring direct modification of the physical heart or complex invasive measurement systems. The virtual model serves as a digital twin that preserves all necessary anatomical information while enabling advanced visualization capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms traditional 2D ECG/CGM waveform data into a 3D visualization space by mapping electrical activation times onto a three-dimensional anatomical model. This dimensional transformation allows observers to view signal propagation from multiple angles and understand spatial-temporal relationships that are impossible to perceive in conventional 2D waveforms alone.
2Measurement precision
If detailed electrical activation data is collected across multiple electrodes, then comprehensive cardiac analysis is possible, but the complexity of processing and displaying this data increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex dataset into manageable components by associating each electrode's measurements with its specific position on the anatomical model. The electrical activation data is segmented by location, allowing the system to process and display information from multiple electrodes independently yet coherently. This segmentation transforms a overwhelming bulk of data into organized, location-specific measurements that are easier to process and interpret.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational layer that processes raw electrical signals from electrodes and translates them into meaningful activation times and visual representations. This intermediary processing stage converts complex voltage-time data into simplified activation timestamps that can be mapped onto the anatomical model, reducing the complexity of subsequent visualization tasks while preserving measurement precision.
3Reliability
If real-time visualization of wavefront depolarization is implemented, then cardiac health assessment is enhanced, but the computational requirements and system resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of electrical activation times during the data acquisition phase, computing these values as electrical signals are being recorded from electrodes. By calculating activation times in advance rather than in real-time during visualization, the system prepares processed data for display, reducing the computational burden during the actual visualization phase while maintaining real-time assessment capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention disclose a method and system for visualizing the depolarization of a heart as a wave across the surface of the heart while at the same time showing the underlying electrograms associated with the depolarization. Controls are provided to: start and pause the propagation (depolarization) animation, fast forward or rewind, reduce the speed from 1× to slower speeds, and select a subset of the signal for viewing.