EP Wave Propagation Vector Calculation Using Average LAT

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Solution Overview

Problem

Determining the propagation vector of an electrophysiological (EP) wave in a cardiac chamber is a time-consuming process, requiring the calculation of local activation times (LATs) for multiple locations, which hinders efficient EP wave mapping and arrhythmia diagnosis.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a multi-electrode catheter to select electrodes from different sections of a cardiac chamber, calculate average LAT values, and determine representative locations to produce a propagation vector indicative of the EP wave, which is then presented to the user, allowing for real-time calculation and improved mapping resolution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple LAT calculations are performed for high-resolution mapping, then mapping precision is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemapping resolutionVSAvoidtime consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The method divides the cardiac chamber into multiple sections and selects representative locations within each section. Instead of calculating LAT for every electrode location, it performs segmentation by grouping electrodes into sections and selecting key representative points, thereby reducing the total number of LAT calculations while maintaining mapping resolution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by calculating LAT values only at selected representative locations rather than at all possible electrode positions. This selective approach performs sufficient LAT calculations to achieve adequate mapping resolution without the excessive time consumption of computing LAT at every single location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Loss of time

If representative locations are selected to reduce calculations, then time consumption is reduced, but mapping precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalculation timeVSAvoidmapping resolution
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The method performs preliminary selection of representative locations based on electrode distribution and anatomical considerations before conducting LAT calculations. This preliminary action identifies optimal calculation points that will provide the most information for mapping, ensuring that the reduced set of calculations still achieves adequate mapping precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of calculation density by using non-uniform spacing of representative locations. Instead of uniform sampling, it places representative locations strategically based on local electrophysiological activity patterns, allowing fewer calculations to capture the essential mapping information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4108174B1Improving mapping resolution of electrophysiological (EP) wave propagating on the surface of patient heart
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD
  • EP4108174B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4108174B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4108174B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method includes receiving (a) multiple electrophysiological (EP) signals acquired by multiple catheter electrodes in contact with tissue in cardiac chamber region, and (b) respective tissue locations at which the EP signals acquired. Selecting first and second electrodes, positioned at first and second respective tissue locations of first and second respective sections of the region. Based on the acquired EP signals, calculating: (i) local activation time (LAT) values for the first and second respective tissue locations, (ii) first and second average LAT values for the first and second sections, respectively, and comparing the first and second average LAT values. Determining first and second representative locations are within the first and second sections, respectively. Producing and displaying, (a) between the first and second representative locations, (b) and based on the first and second average LAT values comparison, a propagation vector indicative of an EP wave propagation that generated the EP signals.