Dynamic Impedance Cardiac Function Characterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for configuring pacemakers and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices rely on time-consuming echocardiographic evaluations and rough estimates from intra-cardiac electrograms, which may not accurately reflect a patient's cardiac function, especially during ambulatory and active states.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that collect cardiac signals and dynamic impedance data to characterize cardiac function by identifying timing features and analyzing morphologic characteristics, allowing for the adjustment of therapy parameters to optimize venous return and right ventricular function levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If echocardiographic evaluation is used to determine pacemaker and CRT parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/echocardiographic imaging system with an electrical impedance-based measurement system. The impedance sensor measures electrical properties of the heart tissue to derive cardiac function parameters, eliminating the need for time-consuming echocardiographic imaging while maintaining measurement precision through sophisticated signal processing and correlation analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the measurement approach by changing from anatomical/imaging parameters (echocardiography) to electrical/functional parameters (impedance). By measuring impedance changes during the cardiac cycle and correlating them with cardiac function, the system achieves rapid, continuous monitoring without the time constraints of traditional echocardiographic evaluation.
2Ease of operation
If P wave duration is used to estimate intra-atrial conduction time, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces impedance as an intermediary measurement that directly reflects cardiac function without requiring indirect estimations through P wave duration. The impedance sensor provides a more direct and accurate measure of conduction properties and cardiac mechanics, serving as a better mediator between the electrical signals and the physiological parameters of interest.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors impedance changes and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust and optimize pacemaker and CRT parameters. This closed-loop approach allows real-time refinement of timing parameters based on actual cardiac response, improving both the simplicity and accuracy of parameter estimation compared to static P wave-based methods.
3Measurement precision
If parameters are optimized for clinic settings, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to ambulatory states deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic parameter optimization by continuously monitoring impedance changes during different activity states. The system adapts timing parameters in real-time based on the patient's current physiological state, whether at rest or during ambulatory activity. This dynamic adjustment ensures that parameters remain optimized for the current condition rather than being fixed for a single clinic setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary characterization of cardiac function using impedance measurements during clinic visits, establishing baseline parameters. These preliminary data are then used to configure the pacemaker/CRT device with parameters that can be automatically adjusted during ambulatory activity, ensuring continuous optimization without requiring re-optimization for each activity state.
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
Enables more precise and personalized cardiac function characterization and therapy configuration, improving atrial filling, ventricular emptying, and hemodynamic support by correlating dynamic impedance with cardiac function indicators, even in ambulatory and active states.
Implementation Method 1
collecting dynamic impedance (DI) data over at least one cardiac cycle (CC), designated by the timing FOI, along at least one of i) a venous return (VR) vector or ii) a right ventricular function (RVF) vector
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system are provided for characterizing cardiac function. The method and system comprise collecting cardiac signals associated with electrical or mechanical behavior of a heart over at least one cardiac cycle; identifying a timing feature of interest (FOI) from the cardiac signals; collecting dynamic impedance (DI) data over at least one cardiac cycle (CC), designated by the timing FOI, along at least one of i) a venous return (VR) vector or ii) a right ventricular function (RVF) vector; and analyzing at least one morphologic characteristic from the DI data based on at least one of i) a VR-DI correlation metric to obtain a VR indicator associated with the CC or ii) a RVF-DI correlation metric to obtain a RVF indicator associated with CC.