Real-time EP Outlier Removal in Electrophysiological Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophysiological mapping techniques struggle with outliers in electrophysiological parameter maps, which can skew the distribution of data and provide incorrect information to physicians, as these outliers are not effectively removed during signal acquisition and mapping processes.
Innovation Solution
A medical apparatus and method that utilize a processor to compute a measure of consistency of electrophysiological parameters at each location with respect to a weighted median of neighboring locations, omitting parameters that do not satisfy a predefined consistency criterion, and interpolating to create a spatially continuous distribution for accurate mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrophysiological parameters are mapped from acquired signals, then the map provides comprehensive data coverage, but outliers in the parameter distribution skew the data and provide incorrect information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes outlier electrophysiological parameters from the parameter map by comparing each parameter value against the interquartile range of neighboring locations. Parameters falling outside the acceptable range (below Q1-1.5×IQR or above Q3+1.5×IQR) are identified and excluded from the final map, thereby eliminating their skewing effect while preserving the majority of valid data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality control by evaluating each electrophysiological parameter at a specific location against the statistical distribution of parameters at neighboring locations. The outlier detection uses local context (neighboring locations within a defined radius) to determine whether a parameter is anomalous, allowing the map to maintain high reliability in regions with consistent data while identifying and removing only the problematic local outliers.
2Loss of information
If all extracted electrophysiological parameters are displayed on the map, then complete data visualization is achieved, but incorrect information is presented due to outliers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent selectively extracts only the valid electrophysiological parameters for display by removing outliers based on statistical analysis. The visual map is generated using only parameters that fall within the interquartile range bounds, ensuring that the displayed information is both complete (all valid data points are shown) and accurate (outliers are excluded).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the statistical properties (mean, standard deviation, interquartile range) of the electrophysiological parameters are continuously evaluated, and this feedback is used to iteratively identify and remove outliers. The process refines the parameter set by comparing each value against the distribution of its neighbors, ensuring that only statistically consistent parameters are retained for visualization.
3Measurement precision
If automated outlier removal is implemented, then mapping accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automated outlier removal where the system autonomously identifies and removes outliers without requiring manual intervention. The processing system automatically calculates statistical parameters (mean, standard deviation, interquartile range), compares each electrophysiological parameter against its neighbors, and excludes outliers from the final map, thereby improving precision while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the state of the electrophysiological parameters by transforming the raw parameter values into a filtered set that excludes outliers. The system modifies the parameter distribution by removing extreme values, thereby improving measurement precision. The automated processing handles the complexity of statistical analysis and outlier identification, balancing the trade-off between precision improvement and system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical apparatus includes a probe configured for insertion into a body of a patient. The probe includes electrodes configured to contact tissue of a region within the body. The apparatus further includes a display screen a position-tracking system, and a processor. The processor is configured to acquire electrophysiological signals from the electrodes, to extract electrophysiological parameters from the signals, to compute a measure of consistency of the electrophysiological parameters at each of the locations with respect to a weighted median of the parameters extracted at neighboring locations, and to render to the display screen a map of the tissue while overlaying on the map a visual indication of the extracted electrophysiological parameters for which the measure of consistency satisfied a predefined consistency criterion, and automatically omitting from the map the electrophysiological parameters for which the measure of consistency did not satisfy the criterion.