Catheter Electrode Proximity Visualization on 3D Cardiac Tissue
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophysiology procedures lack accurate visualization of the proximity between catheter electrodes and cardiac tissue, which is crucial for efficient electrical mapping and ablation therapy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for visualizing the proximity of catheter electrodes to a 3D geometry of biological tissue using a computing device that determines proximity through measurements like shortest distance, contact force, and electrode-tissue coupling index, and displays a real-time visual effect on a display device, such as a spotlight effect, to indicate electrode position relative to tissue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electrophysiology mapping systems are used, then basic electrical mapping can be performed, but accurate visualization of electrode proximity to tissue is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-coded visual indicators to represent different proximity levels between electrodes and tissue. The system maps measured proximity distances to color gradients, where different colors indicate different distance ranges, enabling physicians to quickly assess spatial relationships without interpreting raw numerical data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms 3D spatial proximity information into a 2D visual representation on the display screen. By projecting depth and distance information onto the 2D monitor surface using graphical icons and visual effects, the system makes invisible spatial relationships visible and interpretable for physicians performing electrophysiology procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If detailed proximity measurements are implemented, then navigation accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates simplified graphical copies or representations of the actual electrode-tissue spatial relationships. Instead of displaying complex 3D coordinate data or requiring complex computational models, the system generates visual icons and graphical indicators that copy the essential proximity information in an easily interpretable format, reducing the cognitive complexity for the physician.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms complex proximity measurement parameters into simplified visual parameters. By changing the representation from numerical distance values to visual intensity, color, and size parameters, the system maintains high navigation precision while reducing the perceived complexity of the interface and data presentation.
3Productivity
If real-time proximity visualization is provided, then procedural efficiency improves, but computational load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial visualization by displaying proximity information only for electrodes that are within a certain threshold distance of the tissue or that are currently active. Instead of continuously rendering proximity data for all electrodes in the system, the system selectively visualizes only the relevant subset, reducing computational energy while maintaining procedural efficiency for active measurement and ablation sites.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an electrophysiology system to facilitate visualizing a proximity of at least one catheter electrode to a 3D geometry of a biological tissue. The system includes a computing device including at least one processor in communication with a memory, wherein the processor is configured to determine the proximity between the at least one catheter electrode and the biological tissue using at least one measurement. The system further includes a display device configured to display the 3D geometry of the biological tissue and a visual effect illustrating the proximity between the at least one catheter electrode and the biological tissue.