Multi-Channel ECG Reference Timing Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac mapping procedures face challenges in maintaining a stable reference annotation time due to impairments such as poor electrode contact, system noise, or other issues with intra-cardiac ECG reference channels, leading to the need for time-consuming remapping and discomfort for the patient.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that computes the reference annotation time using multiple ECG channels from both body surface and intra-cardiac electrodes, combining signals to ensure robustness and accuracy, and includes techniques to handle impairments like missing signals or mixed atrial and ventricular components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single intra-cardiac ECG reference channel is used to determine reference annotation time, then the system is simple to operate, but the reliability deteriorates due to impairments such as poor electrode contact, system noise, or channel failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple ECG reference channels (both intra-cardiac and body surface) into a unified reference annotation time determination system. By merging the functionality of multiple channels, the system achieves higher reliability through redundancy while maintaining operational simplicity through a unified processing approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the reference annotation time determination universal by accepting inputs from multiple channel types (intra-cardiac and body surface ECG channels). This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain reliable operation even when specific channels are impaired, as the reference time can be derived from alternative channels.
2Reliability
If multiple ECG reference channels are used to improve reliability, then the reference annotation time becomes more stable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal processing into distinct modules: quality assessment of individual channels, selection of appropriate reference channels, and computation of reference annotation time. This segmentation allows complex multi-channel processing to be managed through systematic, organized steps, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback through quality assessment of ECG channels, where the processing system continuously monitors channel quality metrics and adjusts its selection of reference channels accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to maintain reliability by adapting to channel conditions without requiring complex manual intervention.
3Measurement precision
If remapping is performed when reference channel impairments occur, then the measurement precision can be restored, but the loss of time increases due to time-consuming remapping procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by continuously monitoring the quality of multiple ECG reference channels and pre-establishing alternative reference channels ready for immediate use. When a channel impairment is detected, the system can switch to alternative channels without requiring time-consuming remapping procedures, thus maintaining measurement precision while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of reference annotation time data from multiple channel sources. When one channel is impaired, the system uses copies from alternative channels to maintain continuous accurate reference timing, eliminating the need to restart remapping procedures and reducing time loss.
4Measurement precision
If multiple ECG channels from body surface and intra-cardiac electrodes are combined, then the measurement precision of local activation time mapping is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-channel ECG signals into distinct body surface and intra-cardiac components, processing each type through dedicated quality assessment and selection mechanisms. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through comprehensive multi-channel data while managing device complexity through structured processing of different electrode types.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes receiving a plurality of mapping electro-cardiogram (ECG) signals from respective mapping electrodes coupled to a surface of a heart of a patient. Multiple reference ECG signals are received from respective reference electrodes coupled to the patient. The multiple reference ECG signals are jointly processed, so as to produce a single timing reference indicative of cardiac cycle timing of the heart. The single timing reference is applied to the mapping ECG signals.