External Electrodes for Noninvasive Cardiac Pacing Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for configuring cardiac therapy, such as cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), often require invasive procedures and numerous tests to determine optimal pacing parameters, which can be inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
The use of external electrode apparatus and a workflow wizard to noninvasively measure cardiac signals and determine optimal pacing parameters, such as left ventricular pacing vectors and pacing delays, through a series of automated tests, allowing for efficient configuration of CRT without the need for implantable devices or invasive sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive procedures and numerous tests are used to determine optimal pacing parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses external electrodes to create a noninvasive copy of the cardiac electrical signals that would otherwise require invasive intracardiac leads. This copying approach allows measurement of pacing parameter efficacy without requiring physical insertion of sensors into the heart, thereby reducing procedure complexity while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive lead insertion system with an external electrode system that measures cardiac signals through the body surface. This substitution eliminates the need for surgical implantation and complex intracardiac monitoring equipment, simplifying the overall system while preserving the ability to determine optimal pacing parameters
2Measurement precision
If invasive procedures are used to configure cardiac therapy, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By using external electrodes to capture cardiac signals noninvasively, the system creates a copy of the electrical activity that can be analyzed without requiring physicians to perform complex invasive procedures. This makes the therapy configuration process more accessible and easier to perform while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for optimizing pacing parameters
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential cardiac signal measurement function from the invasive implantable device context and places it in an external, noninvasive setting. This extraction allows the same measurement capabilities to be achieved without the operational complexity and risks associated with invasive procedures, thereby improving ease of operation
3Measurement precision
If numerous tests are performed to determine optimal pacing parameters, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The external electrode system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures cardiac electrical activity, evaluates pacing parameter efficacy, and provides data for therapy optimization all through a single noninvasive platform. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate invasive tests for each parameter, thereby improving productivity while maintaining comprehensive measurement precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces the number of tests required to achieve optimal CRT configuration, enhancing clinical efficiency and patient-specific therapy optimization while minimizing invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
use electrical measurements taken noninvasively using, e.g., a plurality of external electrodes attached to the skin of a patient about the patient's torso
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are described herein for configuration of cardiac therapy. The systems and methods may select, or determine, a plurality of different configuration parameters based electrical activity monitored or measured using a plurality of external electrodes. For example, the systems and methods may select, or determine, a left ventricular pacing vector, adaptive or non-adaptive pacing therapy, an interventricular pacing delay, and a atrioventricular pacing delay.