Fibrillation Driver Localization via Cycle Length Standard Deviation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for locating the source of fibrillation in the heart, such as ablation procedures and implantable medical device lead placement, are time-consuming and tedious due to the need for precise comparison of ECG and intracardiac signals to determine the accurate location of fibrillation drivers.
Innovation Solution
A system using plural electrodes and a computer to sense heart signals, calculate standard deviations of cycle length values, and compare them to quickly approximate the location of fibrillation drivers, facilitating the timely and accurate placement of ablation catheters or IMD lead electrodes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods using ECG and intracardiac signal comparison are used to locate fibrillation drivers, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and analyzes only the most discriminative features from the complex ECG and intracardiac signals - specifically focusing on cycle length variations and signal morphology characteristics. By isolating these key features rather than performing comprehensive signal comparison, the system achieves accurate driver localization with reduced processing time and computational burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of signal characteristics before the ablation procedure begins. By pre-identifying potential driver locations through cycle length analysis and signal comparison during the mapping phase, the system prepares targeted locations in advance, eliminating the need for time-consuming intra-procedural signal comparisons and enabling more efficient ablation delivery.
2Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive signal comparison methods are used to determine accurate driver location, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and focuses on specific discriminative features from the complex physiological signals - particularly cycle length variations and key signal morphology parameters. By isolating these essential features rather than performing exhaustive signal analysis, the system achieves accurate driver localization while maintaining relatively simple computational algorithms and processing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different analysis strategies to different signal characteristics - using cycle length analysis for rhythm identification, morphology comparison for location verification, and amplitude analysis for signal quality assessment. This localized approach to signal analysis allows the system to achieve comprehensive accuracy without requiring complex omnibus analysis methods across all signal parameters.
3Reliability
If traditional mapping procedures are used to locate fibrillation drivers, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables the physiological signals themselves to provide the localization information without requiring extensive external interpretation. By analyzing inherent signal characteristics such as cycle length variations and morphology patterns that naturally differ at driver locations versus non-driver locations, the system allows the data to self-identify the target location, reducing the need for complex external analysis and expert interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs driver identification during the mapping phase before ablation begins, preparing the complete localization information in advance. This preliminary identification allows the ablation procedure to proceed directly to treated locations without intra-procedural verification or adjustment, maximizing procedural efficiency while maintaining the reliability of comprehensive signal analysis.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and related methods for assisting a user approximate the location of a fibrillation driver within a heart. The system includes an electrode and a computer, which is coupled to the electrode. The electrode is configured to sense a signal emitted from a location in the heart. The computer is configured to calculate a standard deviation of cycle length value for the signal. The user can approximate the location of the fibrillation driver based on a comparison of the standard deviation of cycle length value to other standard deviation of cycle length values that previously have been calculated by the computer for signals emitted from other locations in the heart.