ECG Signal Mapping With Electrode Stability Filtering for AF Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for detecting atrial fibrillation using ECG signals are inefficient and time-consuming due to the inclusion of unstable electrode positioning, leading to inaccurate results.
Innovation Solution
A system using a multi-electrode catheter with magnetic and impedance-based position tracking, filtering out unstable electrodes based on positioning stability, and automatically storing and displaying ECG signals indicative of atrial fibrillation on anatomical maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If all electrodes are included in ECG signal detection, then more data is collected, but measurement precision deteriorates due to unstable electrode positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unstable electrodes from the ECG signal detection process. A quality assessment module evaluates each electrode's stability and selectively excludes those that do not meet predetermined criteria, thereby improving the overall measurement precision without sacrificing the benefits of having multiple electrodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality standards to different electrodes based on their individual performance characteristics. Each electrode is independently assessed for stability and signal quality, allowing the system to maintain high measurement precision by weighting or excluding specific electrodes based on their local quality metrics.
2Measurement precision
If manual verification of electrode stability is performed, then measurement precision improves, but productivity deteriorates due to increased time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification of electrode stability through automated quality assessment. The processing module automatically evaluates electrode signals, determines stability metrics, and identifies unstable electrodes without requiring manual intervention, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly improving procedural throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the quality assessment module continuously monitors electrode stability and provides real-time information to the processing module. This automated feedback loop enables the system to dynamically adjust which electrodes are used for ECG signal detection, ensuring high measurement precision without manual verification delays.
3Device complexity
If unstable electrodes are not filtered, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inaccurate AF detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary filtering of unstable electrodes before ECG signal analysis. The quality assessment module evaluates and identifies unstable electrodes in advance, and the processing module excludes them from further analysis. This preliminary action ensures reliable atrial fibrillation detection without requiring complex real-time filtering during signal processing.
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 accuracy and efficiency of electrophysiological mapping by eliminating unstable electrode signals, reducing procedure duration, and providing precise visualization of atrial fibrillation patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic-based position sensor configured to produce position signals indicative of the position (in a predefined coordinate system) of the DEA in the patient heart
Implementation Method 2
When placed in contact with tissue of the heart, each of the electrodes is configured to produce impedance-based position signals indicative of the position of the respective electrode in the predefined coordinate system
Implementation Method 3
When placed in contact with tissue of the heart, each of the electrodes is configured to produce electrocardiogram (ECG) signals sensed in the tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes s inserting, into a heart of a patient, a catheter having multiple electrodes, and placing the electrodes in contact with tissue of the heart. For each of the electrodes: (i) position signals indicative of a position of the electrode, and (ii) electrocardiogram (ECG) signals acquired by the electrode, are received during a predefined time interval. A positioning stability, along the predefined time interval, is calculated for each of the electrodes based on the position signals. For the electrodes whose positioning stability has an error smaller than a given threshold, calculating whether the ECG signals are indicative of an atrial fibrillation (AF) in the heart. The ECG signals that are indicative of the AF are stored.