Fiducial Marker Patch for Cardiac Source Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for locating arrhythmogenic foci in the heart lack resolution and accuracy due to the inability to accurately reconstruct electromagnetic field sources using collected data, leading to multiple valid mathematical solutions and ineffective clinical data.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive sensing patch with a fiducial layer and sensor layer, where the fiducial layer includes unique fiducial markers and conductive areas, combined with anatomic imaging and probabilistic evaluation techniques, to constrain mathematical solutions and enhance the spatial localization of arrhythmogenic foci.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive catheter-based systems are used to locate arrhythmogenic foci, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and patient risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces invasive mechanical catheter-based systems with a non-invasive electromagnetic sensing system. The sensing patch uses electromagnetic sensors to detect cardiac electrical activity through the skin, eliminating the need for mechanical insertion of catheters into the heart chambers while maintaining diagnostic capability for locating arrhythmogenic foci
Solution Approach 2:
The sensing patch acts as an intermediary device placed on the skin surface that mediates between the internal cardiac electrical sources and external measurement systems. The patch contains sensors that detect electromagnetic fields generated by the heart and transmit this information without requiring direct contact with cardiac tissue
2Device complexity
If external body surface potential mapping is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing patch is divided into multiple discrete sensor elements arranged in a specific pattern on the skin surface. Each sensor element independently measures electromagnetic potential at its location, and the collective data from segmented sensors enables reconstruction of three-dimensional cardiac electrical activity with higher precision than single-point measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional body surface potential mapping to a three-dimensional reconstruction of cardiac electrical activity. By using multiple sensors at different spatial positions and applying mathematical inversion techniques, the system reconstructs electrical sources in three-dimensional cardiac space, significantly improving location precision
3Measurement precision
If mathematical reconstruction of electromagnetic field sources is performed, then spatial localization capability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to multiple valid solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by placing fiducial markers with known positions and properties on the sensing patch before data collection. These markers serve as reference points that constrain the mathematical reconstruction process, providing prior information that helps eliminate ambiguous solutions and improves the reliability of source localization
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback through an iterative reconstruction process where initial estimates of source locations are refined based on comparison between measured and calculated electromagnetic fields. The fiducial marker data provides feedback constraints that guide the mathematical inversion toward physically meaningful solutions, reducing the number of valid mathematical solutions
Data Source
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AI summary
A patch [30] including a fiducial layer [32] and an adhesive. The fiducial layer [32] having a surface adapted to secure to a portion of skin on a patient, wherein the fiducial layer [32] further includes a plurality of fiducial markers [35] having at least one of acoustic properties, material density, and proton content different from those of human tissue. The adhesive being disposed along the surface of the fiducial layer [32].