Far-Field Voltage Mapping for Ventricular Scar Depth Estimation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac electrophysiological mapping techniques struggle to accurately assess the depth and severity of cardiac scars, particularly in thick cardiac walls, due to interference from far-field signals, which distort localized electrical activity and limit the ability to determine the extent of scarred tissue beneath the surface.
Innovation Solution
A catheter-based system that utilizes far-field signals to estimate scar severity by analyzing the normalized ratio of scar width to total tissue width, using a mathematical model and empirical correlations with MRI imaging, generating a unipolar far-field EP map that visualizes scar regions and their depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional localized EP mapping is used, then local electrical activity can be detected, but far-field signals distort and obscure the measurement, reducing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes far-field signal components from the recorded EP signals using signal processing techniques. By identifying and subtracting the far-field interference, the system isolates the localized near-field signals, thereby resolving the contradiction between detecting local activity and avoiding far-field distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary signal processing algorithm that acts as a mediator between the raw EP signals and the final analysis. This intermediary process separates the far-field interference from the near-field signals, enabling accurate local measurement despite the presence of harmful far-field signals.
2Measurement precision
If MRI imaging is used to assess scar depth, then comprehensive tissue characterization is achieved, but cost and availability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates an electrical signal-based copy or surrogate of the anatomical scar structure that MRI would otherwise provide. By analyzing far-field signal characteristics, the system generates a virtual representation of scar depth and severity, eliminating the need for expensive MRI imaging while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/imaging-based MRI system with an electrophysiological signal-based system. Instead of using magnetic resonance imaging to visualize scar tissue, the system uses electrical signal analysis to infer scar characteristics, thereby reducing cost and increasing availability while maintaining measurement precision.
3Loss of time
If catheter-based EP mapping is used, then real-time diagnostic capability is achieved, but the ability to assess deep myocardial scar is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional surface mapping to three-dimensional deep tissue assessment by analyzing the spatial distribution and attenuation of far-field signals. By examining signal characteristics across multiple dimensions and depths, the system achieves real-time detection of deep myocardial scars without sacrificing diagnostic speed.
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
Enables precise visualization of scar distribution and severity in cardiac walls, guiding clinical strategies without the need for costly and limited MRI, improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning.
Implementation Method 1
sensing electrodes to contact and receive electrical signals from the tissue surface
Implementation Method 2
extracting far-field unipolar EP signals from the unipolar EP signals
Implementation Method 3
analyzing the extracted far-field unipolar EP signals to estimate a distribution of scar regions across a thickness of the ventricle wall tissue
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method and system for analyzing unipolar electrophysiological (EP) signals acquired by a multi-electrode catheter placed in a ventricle of a patient's heart. The method includes receiving unipolar EP signals, extracting unipolar far-field signals from the unipolar EP signals, and analyzing the extracted unipolar far-field signals to estimate the distribution of scar regions across a thickness of wall tissue of the ventricle. Using the estimated distribution, a unipolar far-field EP map showing the scar regions is generated. The method further includes displaying the unipolar far-field EP map including the scar regions to a user. The system comprises a display device and a processor configured to perform the steps of the method.