3D Cardiac Surface Model with Electrogram Voltage Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for constructing electrical maps of the heart during arrhythmia treatment are hindered by the complexity of the heart's surface, leading to loss of information, errors in electrode positioning, and difficulties in visualizing and interpreting electrogram data, which complicates the selection of appropriate ablation locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for generating a model of the cardiac surface by measuring electrogram voltages at multiple points, fitting a three-dimensional representation of a solid to these points, dividing the surface into triangles, interpolating using bicubic spline methods, and transforming the data to create a two-dimensional model that displays electrogram voltages as protruding bars, allowing for improved visualization and manipulation of the cardiac surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional Isochronal Activation Mapping is used to record electrogram at one position at a time, then the procedure can be performed with simple equipment, but information about local activation pattern quality is lost due to representing complex electrical activation at a single time point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the conventional single-point, single-time recording approach into a multi-dimensional representation by displaying electrogram parameters (amplitude, duration, fractionation) as vertical bars extending from the 3D cardiac surface model. This adds a visual dimension that preserves local activation pattern quality information while maintaining procedural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the electrogram data by generating representative bars that replicate the essential characteristics (amplitude, duration, fractionation) of the electrical activation pattern. These bars serve as visual proxies that convey information about local activation quality without requiring complex real-time measurement systems.
2Measurement precision
If the catheter measures electrical activity within a small region of myocardium, then the measurement is localized and precise, but errors occur in detecting the position of the electrode relative to the heart surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary 3D surface model of the cardiac structure that mediates between the catheter position measurements and the final visualization. This model serves as a reference framework that helps detect and correct position errors by providing a known geometric representation of the heart surface against which measurements can be compared.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the raw measurement data by changing parameters such as bar length, color, and orientation to represent different electrogram characteristics. This parameter transformation makes position and measurement quality more easily detectable and interpretable by the operator.
3Ease of operation
If interpolated surfaces are used to link sampled points for 3D visualization, then the visualization is improved, but the display becomes misleading if there is a large distance between neighbouring samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cardiac surface into discrete triangular elements and places electrogram bars only at actual measurement points rather than interpolating across the entire surface. This segmentation approach maintains visualization quality by showing clear 3D structure while avoiding misleading interpolations in areas with sparse sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial interpolation by only connecting points that are sufficiently close together, leaving gaps where sampling is sparse. This partial action approach maintains reliability by not forcing connections where data is insufficient, while still providing visualization where appropriate.
4Measurement precision
If conventional mapping techniques require manual data manipulation by experienced staff, then the interpretation can be accurate, but the time required to perform the procedure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the system to automatically generate the 3D surface model, calculate electrogram parameters, and create the bar representation without requiring manual data manipulation. The system serves itself by performing these tasks autonomously while maintaining accuracy through built-in computational algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual data manipulation with automated computational processing. Computer algorithms substitute for the manual work of experienced staff in generating and interpreting the electrical map, reducing procedure time while maintaining or improving accuracy through consistent algorithmic application.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating a model of a cardiac surface having a plurality of images representing electrogram voltages for a plurality of measured points within a heart comprises measuring an electrogram voltage at a plurality of points within a heart, generating a first model of a cardiac surface of the heart, generating an image representing each electrogram voltage, each image having a characteristic representative of the electrogram voltage, and generating a further model of a cardiac surface. The images representing the electrogram voltages protrude from the further model of the cardiac surface at points on the further model corresponding to the points at which the electrogram voltages were measured. There is also disclosed an apparatus for generating a model of a cardiac surface.