Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Imaging Toolbox
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) methods face high non-response rates due to factors like mechanical dyssynchrony, electrical dyssynchrony, scar burden, and LV pacing lead location, which existing imaging techniques fail to comprehensively address in a non-invasive manner.
Innovation Solution
A method and system combining electrical and mechanical imaging using body surface potential mapping and computed tomography to collect and process data, generating electrical and mechanical metrics for spatial and temporal registration, guiding CRT device placement with multimodal imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If comprehensive imaging strategy is implemented to characterize electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony, scar burden, and venous anatomy, then CRT optimization and patient response improvement are achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging modalities (electrical imaging via body surface potential mapping and mechanical imaging via computed tomography) into a unified imaging toolbox that integrates electrical, mechanical, anatomical, and functional data. This merging approach allows comprehensive characterization of dyssynchrony, scar burden, and venous anatomy through a single integrated system, improving CRT optimization while managing complexity through unified data processing and visualization.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-invasive imaging techniques are used to assess heart function, then patient safety is improved, but measurement precision and resolution are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses body surface potential mapping as an intermediary technique to non-invasively assess electrical heart function. By placing electrodes on the body surface rather than inserting them into the heart, the system eliminates invasive risks while capturing electrical activity patterns. The mechanical imaging module similarly uses non-invasive CT scanning to assess structural and functional mechanical properties, maintaining measurement precision through advanced imaging algorithms and spatial-temporal registration techniques.
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
This approach provides a comprehensive, non-invasive strategy for optimizing CRT by integrating electrical and mechanical data, improving patient response and lead placement accuracy, thereby enhancing CRT therapy effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
collecting the electrical image data using body surface potential mapping
Implementation Method 2
collecting the mechanical image data using computed tomography scanning
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a method for combining assessment of different factors of dyssynchrony into a comprehensive, non-invasive toolbox for treating patients with a CRT therapy device. The toolbox provides high spatial resolution, enabling assessment of regional function, as well as enabling derivation of global metrics to improve patient response and selection for CRT therapy. The method allows for quantitative assessment and estimation of mechanical contraction patterns, tissue viability, and venous anatomy from CT scans combined with electrical activation patterns from Body Surface Potential Mapping (BSPM). This multi-modal method is therefore capable of integrating electrical, mechanical, and structural information about cardiac structure and function in order to guide lead placement of CRT therapy devices. The method generates regional electro-mechanical properties overlaid with cardiac venous distribution and scar tissue. The fusion algorithm for combining all of the data suggests cardiac segments and routes for implantation of epicardial pacing leads.