Real-time Electrogram Morphology Analysis for Cardiac Ablation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing lesion formation during cardiac ablation procedures lack real-time analysis of electrogram morphology, which can obscure changes in unhealthy tissue and lead to inefficient energy delivery and prolonged procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for real-time electrogram morphology analysis using catheters with electrodes to measure cardiac activation signals, applying filters to determine sharpness and characteristics of the electrogram, and displaying these features to facilitate precise ablation by quantifying morphology before, during, and after the procedure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time electrogram morphology analysis is implemented, then measurement precision and procedural accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary filtering of the electrogram signal using bandpass filters before morphology analysis. This preprocessing step simplifies subsequent analysis by removing noise and irrelevant frequency components, enabling accurate sharpness measurement while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex visual inspection and manual assessment of electrogram morphology with automated computational analysis. The mapping processor automatically calculates sharpness metrics and morphological features through signal processing algorithms, eliminating the need for manual measurement and reducing system operational complexity
2Productivity
If real-time morphology analysis is performed during ablation, then productivity and procedural efficiency are improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping processor continuously monitors electrogram morphology and automatically provides real-time feedback without requiring additional manual intervention or energy-intensive imaging modalities. The system uses the existing electrogram signal from the ablation catheter itself, repurposing it for morphology analysis without requiring separate energy-consuming measurement systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system analyzes changes in electrogram morphology parameters (sharpness, amplitude, duration) over time during ablation. By monitoring these parameter changes in real-time, the system enables efficient procedural decision-making without requiring continuous high-energy imaging or additional measurement devices
3Reliability
If real-time feedback is provided during ablation, then reliability of lesion formation assessment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mapping processor provides real-time feedback on electrogram morphology and sharpness measurements during ablation. This feedback loop enables continuous assessment of lesion formation and tissue effect, improving reliability by allowing immediate detection of successful ablation and guiding subsequent treatment decisions
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts specific morphological features (sharpness, amplitude, duration) from the complex electrogram signal for focused analysis. By isolating and measuring only the most relevant parameters, the system achieves reliable lesion assessment without requiring complex analysis of the entire signal, thereby managing system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Electrodes are used to measure an electrical signal (e.g., an electrogram). One or more filters are applied to the electrical signal to generate one or more filtered signals. Features of the filtered signals are evaluated to assess a sharpness corresponding to the electrical signal. Based on the sharpness, various characteristics of a morphology of the electrogram may be evaluated over a time period.