4D Heart Model Using ECG Vectorcardiogram for CRT Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining cardiac health and disease, particularly in device-based treatments for heart failure, lack patient-specific computational models that accurately reflect individual electrophysiological substrates, affecting therapeutic parameter setting and response.

Innovation Solution

A 4D computational model of the heart is generated using patient-specific 3D structural anatomy and dynamic electrical activation data, incorporating electrocardiogram and vectorcardiogram information to simulate heart vectors, diagnose cardiac disorders, and configure cardiac resynchronization therapy parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If patient-specific computational models are developed to accurately reflect individual electrophysiological substrates, then diagnostic precision and therapy optimization improve, but device complexity and computational requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a computational model that copies and simulates the patient's actual heart electrical activity using ECG data. The monodomain model reproduces ventricular activation patterns by generating virtual ECG signals that match measured signals, allowing diagnostic analysis without complex invasive measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a computational model as an intermediary between standard ECG measurements and diagnostic conclusions. The model acts as a mediator that translates simple ECG data into detailed ventricular activation patterns, enabling precise diagnosis without directly measuring complex electrical fields.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If standard ECG data is used to derive vectorcardiogram and optimize therapy parameters, then ease of operation and clinical applicability improve, but measurement precision and diagnostic accuracy may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex invasive measurement systems with standard ECG equipment. Instead of requiring specialized vectorcardiogram leads or intracardiac electrodes, the system uses conventional 12-lead ECG machines to capture electrical signals, then processes them computationally to derive therapeutic parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms standard ECG parameters into optimized therapy parameters through computational processing. The system changes the representation of electrical activity from standard ECG waveforms to ventricular activation patterns, enabling precise CRT parameter optimization from routine clinical data.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3157423B1Patient-specific modeling of ventricular activation pattern using surface ECG-derived vectorcardiogram in bundle branch block
Publication Date: 2025.01.01 RGT UNIV OF CALIFORNIA
  • EP3157423B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3157423B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3157423B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

In some example embodiments, there may be provided a method. The method may include receiving three-dimensional image data representative of a heart; receiving electrical data representative of an electrophysiology of the heart; and generating, based on the received three- dimensional image data and the received electrical data, a computational model of the heart. Related systems and articles of manufacture may also be provided.