Dual Signal Processing Path for Pacemaker Pulse Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ECG monitoring systems face difficulties in detecting pacemaker pulses due to their large bandwidth overlapping with other noise sources, making it challenging to isolate and enhance both physiological and pacemaker signals effectively, especially with advanced ECG signal processing reducing noise artifacts but complicating the detection of artificially generated heart stimulation.

Innovation Solution

A dual signal processing path system that isolates biopotential data using a low-pass filter and identifies therapeutic events, such as pacemaker pulses, using a bandpass filter, with a processing unit comparing signal characteristics across multiple electrodes to refine detection and determine confidence intervals, aiding in distinguishing pacemaker pulses from noise.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single signal processing path is used for both physiological and pacemaker signals, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to bandwidth overlap with noise sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing path complexityVSAvoidpacemaker pulse detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the signal processing into two separate paths: a first path for physiological signals (ECG) and a second path for pacemaker pulses. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific frequency range and signal characteristics, resolving the contradiction by maintaining low complexity through modular design while achieving high precision through specialized processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If advanced ECG signal processing is applied to reduce noise artifacts, then ECG signal quality is improved, but pacemaker pulse detection becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveECG signal qualityVSAvoidpacemaker pulse detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the processing paths, the patent allows aggressive noise reduction algorithms to be applied to the ECG path without affecting pacemaker pulse detection. The pacemaker path can use different processing techniques optimized for high-frequency pulse detection, resolving the contradiction through independent optimization of each signal type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the processing parameters and filtering characteristics for different signal types. The ECG path uses filters optimized for low-frequency cardiac signals, while the pacemaker path uses filters optimized for high-frequency pulses, allowing both signal qualities to be improved simultaneously through parameter specialization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If the bandwidth of pacemaker pulse signals is increased to improve detection, then signal identification improves, but overlap with noise sources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepacemaker pulse identificationVSAvoidnoise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency processing by creating a dedicated high-frequency path for pacemaker pulses separate from the low-frequency ECG path. This allows the pacemaker path to capture high-frequency content without being contaminated by ECG processing, resolving the contradiction through spatial separation of signal processing domains

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary filtering stage in the pacemaker path that specifically targets and removes noise sources in the 250-10kHz bandwidth while preserving pacemaker pulse signals. This intermediary filter acts as a mediator between the noisy high-frequency domain and the clean pacemaker signal extraction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Improves the detection and identification of pacemaker pulses within ECG signals, reducing false positives and enhancing the ability to recognize implanted electronic therapy, thereby aiding clinicians in monitoring patients with pacemakers.

Implementation Method 1

A dual signal processing path system that isolates biopotential data using a low-pass filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

identifies therapeutic events, such as pacemaker pulses, using a bandpass filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS8170655B2Module and device for discerning therapeutic signals from noise in physiological data

Publication Date: 2012.05.01 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC

AI summary

A data acquisition module for use in monitoring a plurality of physiological signals is disclosed herein. The data acquisition module may include a first signal processing path for biopotential data, a second signal processing path for therapeutic event data, and a processing unit that receives and processes the data from the first and second signal processing paths. The data acquisition module may further compare identified likely therapeutic events in each of a plurality of psychological signals.