Electrophysiology Data Visualization Using Electrode Activation Sequences
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrophysiology visualization methods, such as electrograms and electroanatomic mapping systems, require frequent remapping and rely heavily on electrogram interpretation, which can be time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies due to catheter movement and complex arrhythmia patterns, especially in procedures like atrial fibrillation and pulmonary vein isolation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for real-time visualization of electrode activation on a multi-electrode catheter, allowing instant recognition of signal acquisition and sequence without referencing electrograms or 3D maps, using graphical images to display the propagation of electrical signals and indicating the direction of propagation, enabling easier identification of ablation blocks and activation patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrograms and electroanatomic mapping systems are used for visualizing electrophysiology data, then electrical activity can be detected and recorded, but the interpretation is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies due to catheter movement and complex arrhythmia patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the electrogram data by mapping electrode activation times to spatial positions on the catheter. Instead of interpreting raw electrogram waveforms, the system generates a visual representation where activated electrodes are displayed in their anatomical positions, allowing clinicians to quickly assess electrical propagation patterns without manually analyzing complex electrogram traces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of electrogram interpretation with an automated computer-based visualization system. The system automatically detects electrode activations, calculates activation times, determines propagation directions, and generates visual displays, eliminating the time-consuming manual analysis of electrograms while improving accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If frequent remapping is performed to maintain accurate 3D maps during catheter movement, then spatial accuracy is maintained, but procedure time increases and complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by continuously tracking catheter position and automatically updating the visualization in real-time as the catheter moves. Instead of waiting for discrete remapping events, the system proactively detects position changes and refreshes the display, maintaining spatial accuracy without requiring scheduled remapping interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static periodic remapping to dynamic continuous tracking. The system continuously monitors catheter position through impedance measurements and automatically adjusts the visualization accordingly, allowing the display to dynamically adapt to catheter movement without requiring the procedure to pause for remapping.
3Measurement precision
If detailed electrogram analysis is performed to identify ablation blocks and activation patterns, then diagnostic accuracy improves, but the complexity of the system and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color changes to encode electrophysiological information. Activated electrodes are displayed in different colors based on activation timing and propagation direction, allowing clinicians to quickly identify abnormal patterns such as circumferential activation in atrial flutter or focal activations in atrial fibrillation. This visual encoding simplifies the interpretation of complex electrical patterns without requiring detailed electrogram analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a spatial dimension to the visualization by mapping electrode activations to their physical positions on the catheter and within the heart chamber. Instead of analyzing one-dimensional electrogram traces, clinicians can view two-dimensional spatial patterns of activation propagation, making it easier to identify abnormal conduction patterns and ablation blocks through visual inspection of activation sequences.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for visualization of electrophysiology information sensed by electrodes on a catheter, includes recording times of electrode signal acquisition, designating a reference electrode signal acquisition, assigning a relative time to each recorded time of electrode signal acquisition relative to the reference electrode signal acquisition, identifying the electrodes with signal acquisition, correlating assigned relative times to identified electrodes to generate a sequence of electrode signal acquisitions, and generating a visual representation of the sequence of electrode signal acquisitions generating a visual representation with a graphical image of the electrodes, wherein individual electrodes are visually marked to represent the sequence of electrode signal acquisitions.