Multi-Electrode Catheter Wave Propagation Vector Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the propagation vector of an electrophysiological wave in a cardiac chamber is a time-consuming process, especially in regions where the wave direction oscillates due to aberrant tissue interactions, complicating arrhythmia diagnostics and treatment.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using multi-electrode catheters to divide cardiac tissue regions into sections, calculate local activation times, and derive propagation vectors by determining representative locations and center-of-mass calculations, overlaying arrows on cardiac chamber maps to indicate wave speed and direction, with distinct graphical properties for reentry waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple electrophysiological signals are acquired and processed to determine propagation vectors, then the precision of wavefront analysis is improved, but the computational complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex signal processing task into distinct modules: (1) acquiring multiple EP signals from different electrodes, (2) calculating local activation times for each electrode, (3) determining propagation vectors between electrodes, and (4) integrating these vectors to reconstruct the wavefront. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and processed in a systematic manner, managing computational complexity while maintaining high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calculations of local activation times (LAT) for each electrode before computing propagation vectors. By pre-processing the raw EP signals to extract LAT values and storing these intermediate results, the system avoids redundant computations during wavefront reconstruction, thereby reducing overall computational complexity while preserving measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If local activation times are calculated for multiple tissue locations, then the accuracy of propagation direction determination is improved, but the processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent calculates propagation vectors between pairs of electrodes, which may be more computations than strictly minimum (excessive action), but this ensures accurate propagation direction determination even when electrode arrangements vary. By computing vectors for multiple electrode pairs rather than relying on a single reference, the system achieves robust accuracy while the modular implementation keeps processing time manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the acquired EP signals themselves to generate the propagation vector information needed for wavefront reconstruction, without requiring external reference data or additional sensors. The local activation times and propagation vectors are derived entirely from the multi-electrode signal set, enabling the system to serve its own computational needs efficiently.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A method includes receiving multiple electrophysiological (EP) signals acquired by multiple electrodes of a multi-electrode catheter that are in contact with tissue in a region of a cardiac chamber, and respective tissue locations at which the electrodes acquired the EP signals. The region is divided into two sections. Using the EP signals acquired by the electrodes, local activation times (LAT) are calculated for the respective tissue locations, and found are: a first section of the two sections having a smaller average LAT value, and a second section of the two sections having a higher average value. Determined are a first representative location in the first section, and a second representative location in the second section. A propagation vector is calculated between the first and second representative locations, that is indicative of propagation of an EP wave that has generated the EP signals. The propagation vector is presented to a user.