Automated Earliest LAT Point Detection in Cardiac Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for mapping electrical activation times in the heart are time-consuming and require manual inspection, making it difficult for physicians to efficiently identify the origin of focal arrhythmias.
Innovation Solution
A system using a multi-electrode probe and processor to automatically select and mark the earliest local activation time (LAT) positions on an electroanatomic map, allowing for detailed mapping around these points, which can be selected manually by the physician.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection of electroanatomic map is performed to identify earliest LAT position, then measurement precision is maintained, but time required for diagnosis increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically processing the electroanatomic map data and identifying the earliest LAT positions without requiring manual inspection. The processor automatically selects the region with the earliest LAT value and marks it on the map, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous manual intervention from the physician.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical process of visually inspecting and manually searching through the electroanatomic map is replaced by an automated computational system. The processor automatically analyzes the activation times at multiple points, compares them to identify the earliest LAT, and graphically marks the position, substituting the manual inspection process with automated digital processing.
2Loss of time
If automated inspection process is implemented, then time required for diagnosis is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a processor that receives electroanatomic map data, automatically selects the region with earliest LAT value, and graphically marks it. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, making the overall system more manageable despite the added complexity of automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor acts as an intermediary between the raw electroanatomic map data and the physician's diagnostic decision. It automatically processes the complex data, identifies the earliest LAT positions, and presents the results through graphical marking, serving as a mediator that simplifies the information flow for the physician while handling the computational complexity.
3Productivity
If multiple electrodes are used to measure electrical potentials simultaneously, then productivity increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrodes are merged into a single integrated catheter assembly that can simultaneously measure electrical potentials at multiple locations. The electroanatomic map combines position information from multiple electrodes with activation time data, creating a unified representation that enables automated analysis while maintaining the benefits of simultaneous multi-point measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
Cardiac catheterization is carried out by inserting a multi-electrode probe into a heart of a living subject, preparing a current position map of the electrodes to define respective locations of the electrodes, and recording electrograms from the electrodes. Activation times are annotated at the respective locations by analysis of the electrograms and generating an activation map. A region of the activation map is selected and earliest ones of the activation times in the selected region identified. The earliest activation times are graphically indicated.