Exploded Visualization of Epicardial and Endocardial Electroanatomical Maps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interpreting electroanatomical maps of cardiac chambers is challenging due to overlapping epicardial and endocardial surface representations, which obscures one map from the other, hindering diagnostic tasks during cardiac mapping procedures.
Innovation Solution
A processor generates exploded representations of epicardial and endocardial surfaces by creating non-overlapping clipped views and using color-coded scales to differentiate electrical properties, allowing for a side-by-side visualization of both surfaces without overlap, facilitated by a graphical user interface and a tracking system to associate signal locations with accurate positions within the heart.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both epicardial and endocardial EA maps are overlaid on one another for comparison, then the physician can view both surfaces simultaneously, but one map obscures the other making analysis difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a 2D overlay view to a 3D exploded view where the epicardial and endocardial surfaces are separated along the radial dimension. This allows both surfaces to be visualized simultaneously without overlap, as each surface is displayed at a different depth position while maintaining spatial correspondence through the 3D anatomical model.
2Ease of operation
If a 3D perspective view of endocardial and epicardial surfaces is used, then both surfaces can be visualized, but the overlapping representations hinder diagnostic analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the combined epicardial-endocardial view into separate exploded representations. Each surface is individually displayed in its own visual plane with distinct color-coding and labeling, allowing the physician to analyze each surface's electrical properties independently while maintaining the ability to compare corresponding regions through the 3D anatomical context.
3Reliability
If multiple EA maps are presented simultaneously for comparison, then comprehensive analysis is possible, but the maps overlap and obscure each other
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary 3D anatomical model that serves as a spatial framework for organizing and displaying the epicardial and endocardial EA maps. This intermediary structure provides a common reference system that maintains anatomical correspondence between surfaces while physically separating the map representations to prevent overlap, thus enabling reliable comparison without direct superposition.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a first representation of an internal surface of at least a portion of a wall of an organ of a patient, and a second representation of an external surface of at least the portion of the wall of the organ. The first and second representations are registered with one another. An exploded representation is generated from the first and second representations, that shows both the internal surface and the external surface. The exploded representation is presented to a user.