Catheter Navigation System for Accurate Electrophysiological Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for producing electrophysiological maps of the heart are limited in accurately determining target point locations and orientations of probe catheters, leading to potential inaccuracies in heart parameter measurements and maps.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a medical positioning system (MPS) to register and navigate a probe catheter within the heart, confirming its location and orientation, and measuring heart parameters at strategic points to superimpose representations on an image, thereby constructing a precise electrophysiological map.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a medical positioning system is used to register and navigate a probe catheter within the heart, then the positioning accuracy and orientation confirmation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs fiducial markers as intermediary elements that facilitate the registration between the 3D imaging system and the actual heart anatomy. These markers serve as reference points that enable accurate positioning without requiring direct complex interactions between the imaging system and the heart tissue, thus improving measurement precision while managing system complexity through the use of simple reference objects.
2Measurement precision
If multiple representations of heart parameter values are superimposed on a 3D model, then the electrophysiological map accuracy is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates multiple representations or copies of heart parameter values and superimposes them on the 3D model. Each measurement point generates a represented value that is copied and displayed on the corresponding location in the 3D model. This copying approach allows accurate electrophysiological mapping by accumulating multiple measurements without requiring complex real-time detection mechanisms, as the values are recorded and then visually superimposed.
3Reliability
If the probe catheter location and orientation are confirmed through comparison with target points, then the reliability of measurements is improved, but the time required for mapping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining target points and their expected locations on the 3D model before actual measurements are taken. The system prepares the reference framework in advance, so that when the probe catheter is positioned, the comparison with pre-established target points can be performed efficiently. This preliminary setup improves measurement reliability through systematic verification while reducing mapping time by avoiding ad-hoc calculations during the measurement process.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and systems for producing an electrophysiological map of a heart of a patient are disclosed. An example method may include determining a target location and an orientation of a catheter tip, confirming that the tip is located at the target location, measuring the heart parameter value at each of the target locations, and superimposing a plurality of representations of the heart parameter value. Confirmation that the tip of the catheter is located at a target location can be accomplished by comparing the current location of the tip with the target location, a corresponding heart parameter value being measured at each of the target locations by a heart parameter sensor, and the representations of the heart parameter value being superimposed on an image of the heart at the target location to produce the electrophysiological map.