Focal Source Identification via Electrogram Periodicity Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying focal sources of electrophysiological activity, such as those causing atrial fibrillation, are inefficient, leading to recurring ablation procedures due to inaccurate targeting of these sources during catheter ablation.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that analyze electrical signal sets to identify periodicity cycle lengths and peaks, using a processing unit to determine focal source locations by receiving and processing electrogram signals from multiple locations, and providing an indication of these locations for targeted catheter ablation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard AF catheter ablation is performed with extensive burning in the atrium, then the procedure attempts to stop AF, but the ablation sites do not reliably target the focal sources, leading to AF recurrence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection and mechanical catheter ablation with an automated computer vision system that processes electrogram signals to identify focal sources. The system uses machine learning algorithms to detect periodicity and characterize focal sources, substituting human expertise with automated image processing and pattern recognition techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital replica or map of the electrogram signals and their spatial-temporal relationships. By generating visual representations of electrical activity patterns, the system allows operators to identify focal sources from these copied representations rather than directly from raw signals, improving detection accuracy.
2Reliability
If extensive burning is performed during catheter ablation, then more tissue is treated, but the procedure time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of focal sources using automated analysis of electrogram signals before the ablation procedure begins. By pre-mapping the electrical activity patterns and identifying periodic sources in advance, the system allows operators to proceed directly to targeted ablation without performing extensive exploratory burning during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the electrogram signals themselves to reveal the location and characteristics of focal sources through automated pattern recognition. The signals self-organize into visual representations that automatically highlight periodic activity, eliminating the need for operator interpretation and reducing procedure time.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments are described herein for a system, method, and device for identifying focal source locations of electrophysiological activity in an organ. The system, method and device may also be used to guide catheter ablation of the organ. An electrogram signal can be obtained from a location in the organ, and it can be determined if the electrogram is periodic and, if so, the corresponding periodicity cycle length. A plurality of peaks associated with the cycle length can be identified. The location can be identified as a focal source location when the periodicity cycle length and the plurality of peaks have focal source characteristics. Methods are also described for identifying a direction of wave propagation and identifying multiple periodicities within an electrogram signal.