Noninvasive Implantable Electrode Location Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for selecting optimal implantable electrode locations for cardiac therapy lack non-invasive and efficient techniques, often relying on invasive procedures and feedback during pacing, which can be cumbersome and less effective.
Innovation Solution
A system combining mechanical motion data from imaging apparatus and surrogate electrical activation data from external electrodes to identify candidate sites for implantable electrodes, using graphical user interfaces to assist in navigation and selection, thereby facilitating non-invasive location selection before implantation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive procedures are used to select electrode locations, then measurement precision can be improved, but device complexity and patient risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that processes non-invasive imaging data (echocardiography, MRI, CT) and electrocardiographic signals to predict optimal electrode locations. This intermediary algorithm acts as a mediator between non-invasive measurements and the final implantation decision, eliminating the need for invasive trial-and-error procedures while maintaining high selection accuracy through sophisticated signal processing and anatomical modeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical invasive procedures (physical insertion of electrodes for testing) with a computational modeling approach. By substituting the mechanical trial-implantation process with in-silico simulations that predict electrode performance based on non-invasive imaging and electrical signals, the system achieves precise location selection without the complexity and risks of invasive procedures.
2Measurement precision
If feedback during pacing is used to determine optimal locations, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to iterative adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary assessment of electrode locations using non-invasive imaging and electrocardiographic data before actual implantation. By calculating predicted effectiveness metrics (such as electrogram amplitude, activation timing, and mechanical coupling) in advance, the system identifies optimal locations upfront, eliminating the need for time-consuming iterative adjustments and feedback-based optimization during the implantation procedure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares multiple candidate electrode locations with pre-calculated effectiveness predictions before the implantation procedure. This beforehand preparation creates a cushion of pre-evaluated options, allowing the physician to select the optimal location immediately without requiring real-time feedback adjustments during implantation, thereby significantly reducing procedure time while maintaining precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple implantation site regions are evaluated, then manufacturing precision of electrode placement improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex evaluation process into distinct analytical components: anatomical segmentation from imaging data, electrical segmentation from electrocardiographic signals, and functional segmentation of candidate locations. By dividing the overall evaluation into these manageable segments that can be processed independently and then integrated, the system achieves high implantation precision without becoming unmanageably complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal evaluation framework that can assess multiple implantation site regions simultaneously using the same computational algorithms. This multi-functional system processes different anatomical locations, different imaging modalities, and different electrical signal types through a unified analytical approach, maintaining precision across multiple evaluations while avoiding the need for separate complex systems for each location.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods, and interfaces are described herein for assisting in noninvasive location selection for an implantable electrode for use in cardiac therapy. Mechanical motion information and/or surrogate electrical activation times may be used to identify one or more candidate site regions, and the one or more candidate site regions may be identified on a graphical user interface.