Cardiac Resynchronization Electrode Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for optimizing left ventricular electrode selection in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) are limited, as they primarily rely on conduction velocities and activation times, lacking comprehensive criteria for maximizing cardiac resynchronization.

Innovation Solution

The development of criteria and methods to automatically select optimized electrode locations and parameters for CRT delivery, including the use of degree of resynchronization metrics to determine the optimal left ventricular electrode, atrioventricular delay, and inter-ventricular delay, utilizing a programmer to evaluate and adjust these parameters for maximal cardiac resynchronization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple electrodes are available for left ventricular pacing, then the complexity of electrode selection increases, but the precision of cardiac resynchronization optimization improves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode selection precisionVSAvoidelectrode selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts multiple parameters including A-V delay, V-V delay, and electrode selection based on measured degree of resynchronization. By changing these parameters systematically and evaluating their impact on resynchronization metrics, the system identifies optimal pacing configurations without requiring manual trial-and-error by clinicians.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures the degree of resynchronization as feedback to evaluate the effectiveness of different pacing configurations. This feedback loop allows automatic adjustment of electrode selection and pacing parameters, where the measured resynchronization degree informs subsequent optimization steps, eliminating the need for complex manual assessment protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If manual optimization methods are used for electrode selection, then the device complexity remains low, but the productivity of optimizing CRT parameters decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptimization speedVSAvoidautomation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-optimization by automatically selecting electrodes and adjusting pacing parameters based on real-time measurements of degree of resynchronization. The device autonomously evaluates different configurations and implements optimal settings without requiring external manual intervention, significantly accelerating the optimization process while managing complexity through automated algorithms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automated assessments of electrode effectiveness and resynchronization potential before final electrode selection and parameter optimization. By pre-evaluating candidate electrodes using degree of resynchronization metrics, the system narrows down options and streamlines the final optimization process, improving overall productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If comprehensive optimization criteria are implemented, then the reliability of CRT therapy improves, but the ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCRT therapy reliabilityVSAvoidparameter adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously measures degree of resynchronization and uses this feedback to automatically adjust pacing parameters and electrode selection. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures reliable optimization of CRT therapy while shielding the operator from complex manual adjustments, as the system autonomously interprets measurements and implements optimal settings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual mechanical adjustment of pacing parameters with automated electronic control based on measured resynchronization metrics. Instead of requiring operators to manually adjust multiple parameters based on experience and trial-and-error, the system uses automated algorithms to optimize electrode selection and pacing timing, improving reliability while maintaining ease of operation through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9700729B2Criteria for optimal electrical resynchronization during biventricular pacing
Publication Date: 2017.07.11 MEDTRONIC INC
  • US9700729B2 patent drawing
  • US9700729B2 patent drawing
  • US9700729B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Generally, the disclosure is directed one or more methods or systems of cardiac pacing employing a right ventricular electrode and a plurality of left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a first one of the left ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Computing a first degree of resynchronization based on a sum of differences of activation times and corresponding activation times. Pacing using the right ventricular electrode and a second one of the ventricular electrodes and measuring activation times at other ones of the left ventricular electrodes. Computing a second degree of resynchronization based on the sum of differences of activation times and corresponding activation times. Selecting one of the left ventricular electrodes for delivery of subsequent pacing pulses based on the computed degrees of resynchronization.