Cardiac Surface EP Wave Mapping With Real-Time Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the propagation vector of an electrophysiological wave in a cardiac chamber is a time-consuming process in existing cardiac mapping techniques, requiring extensive calculation of local activation times for multiple locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a multi-electrode catheter to acquire electrophysiological signals, calculate local activation times, and determine representative locations within sections of cardiac tissue to automatically generate propagation vectors in real-time, enhancing mapping resolution and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional cardiac mapping techniques are used to determine propagation vectors, then accurate electrophysiological wave propagation can be mapped, but the process becomes time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter is divided into multiple electrodes distributed across its surface, allowing simultaneous acquisition of electrophysiological signals from multiple locations. This segmentation enables parallel processing of activation times and automatic calculation of propagation vectors without requiring sequential measurement at each location, thereby maintaining high mapping resolution while significantly improving processing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary acquisition of electrophysiological signals from all electrodes before calculating propagation vectors. By having all signal data ready in advance through the multi-electrode array, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming sequential measurements and enables immediate automatic calculation of propagation vectors, resolving the contradiction between accurate mapping and processing speed
2Measurement precision
If multiple electrodes are used to acquire EP signals from multiple locations, then mapping resolution is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-electrode catheter serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a mapping device and a propagation vector calculation device. The electrodes are positioned to capture electrophysiological signals while their known spatial configuration enables automatic calculation of propagation vectors. This multi-functionality allows high mapping resolution without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby managing device complexity effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter's electrode array is designed to automatically provide all necessary data for propagation vector calculation through its inherent spatial configuration. The known positions of electrodes on the catheter surface enable the system to self-determine propagation directions without requiring additional external positioning equipment or complex manual calibration, thus improving mapping resolution while keeping the device design relatively simple
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving (a) multiple electrophysiological (EP) signals acquired by multiple catheter electrodes in contact with tissue in cardiac chamber region, and (b) respective tissue locations at which the EP signals acquired. Selecting first and second electrodes, positioned at first and second respective tissue locations of first and second respective sections of the region. Based on the acquired EP signals, calculating: (i) local activation time (LAT) values for the first and second respective tissue locations, (ii) first and second average LAT values for the first and second sections, respectively, and comparing the first and second average LAT values. Determining first and second representative locations are within the first and second sections, respectively. Producing and displaying, (a) between the first and second representative locations, (b) and based on the first and second average LAT values comparison, a propagation vector indicative of an EP wave propagation that generated the EP signals.