Active ECG Lead Quality Indication at Point of Care
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
ECG lead signal quality monitoring in electrophysiology studies is challenging due to noise interference and subtle degradation issues, which can lead to misdiagnosis, especially in complex procedures with multiple catheters, as existing solutions rely on distracting error messages or rudimentary visual cues like LEDs that do not effectively convey signal quality changes.
Innovation Solution
A visual indication system integrated into ECG cable leads with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide real-time, color-coded feedback on signal quality based on impedance changes, allowing physicians to directly observe signal issues at the patient's site, reducing the need for screen-based alerts and enabling proactive correction of electrode contact problems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If error messages are displayed on the monitor screen to alert physicians of poor electrode contact, then physician awareness of signal quality issues is improved, but the complexity of the physician workspace increases and may be counterproductive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the signal quality indication from the two-dimensional monitor screen to the physical cable lead itself through three-dimensional space. The LED indicator on the cable lead provides visual feedback in the physical workspace near the electrode, eliminating the need for additional screen alerts and reducing workspace complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable lead with integrated LED indicator serves as an intermediary between the electrode and the physician. Instead of the physician directly monitoring screen messages, the LED on the cable lead provides immediate visual feedback about signal quality at the point of care, simplifying the information pathway.
2Device complexity
If rudimentary LED indicators are used on cable leads to show signal quality, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to convey detailed signal quality changes is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color-coded LED indicators (e.g., green, yellow, red) to convey different levels of signal quality. This allows the simple LED system to transmit multiple states of signal quality information without increasing device complexity, overcoming the limitation of rudimentary binary indicators.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple catheters and leads are used in complex mapping procedures, then the diagnostic capability is improved, but the difficulty of locating non-functional leads increases exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex system of multiple catheters and leads into individually monitorable units. Each cable lead has its own LED indicator, allowing physicians to segment the troubleshooting process by checking each lead's indicator independently, rather than dealing with the system as a whole.
Solution Approach 2:
Color-coded LED indicators on each cable lead provide immediate visual identification of functional status. In complex mapping procedures with multiple leads, physicians can quickly scan the color indicators to locate non-functional leads without having to trace or test each lead individually.
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
This solution enhances physician awareness of signal quality, reduces time wastage in the EP lab, allows quicker assessment of electrode and cable lead connections, and facilitates timely correction of degrading performance, thereby improving study quality and reducing misdiagnosis risks.
Implementation Method 1
A visual indication system integrated into ECG cable leads with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) that provide real-time, color-coded feedback on signal quality based on impedance changes
Data Source
AI summary
In the present invention, an electrophysiology (EP) mapping or recording device for obtaining and recording information on a patient connected to the EP system includes a central processing unit (CPU), a display connected to the CPU, a cable lead connected to the CPU and configured to supply a physiological signal to the CPU from an electrode disposed on a patient, such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) surface electrode. A signal quality indication system includes a CPU capable of determining the EC signal quality and a light source disposed on the cable lead in close proximity to the patient. The light source is operated by the CPU to emit light in varying colors and/or in varying intensities or configuration corresponding to the quality of the physiological signal to visually represent the presence and quality of the physiological signal on the cable lead.