3D Heart Surface Overlay for Catheter Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for catheter ablation in treating cardiac arrhythmia lack optimal operator orientation during catheter guidance, leading to reduced accuracy and prolonged procedure times, with X-ray screening still required for electroanatomical mapping, which increases radiation exposure.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that record 3D image data of the heart area using tomographical imaging, segmenting the data to create a 3D surface profile, and superimpose it with electroanatomical mapping data for real-time visualization, providing improved anatomical and electrophysiological details to the operator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If fluoroscopic imaging technology with X-ray screening is used for operator orientation during catheter guidance, then the operator can visualize the catheter position, but the X-ray dose increases radiation exposure and the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual 3D copy of the heart anatomy from pre-procedure CT or MRI images. This digital model serves as a substitute for real-time X-ray fluoroscopy, allowing operators to orient themselves without continuous radiation exposure. The 3D model can be rotated and viewed from multiple angles, providing comprehensive anatomical context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs anatomical imaging (CT or MRI) before the catheter ablation procedure to create a pre-procedure 3D model of the patient's heart anatomy. This preliminary action provides the operator with a detailed anatomical roadmap in advance, eliminating the need for real-time X-ray screening during the procedure and reducing radiation exposure.
2Ease of operation
If fluoroscopic imaging technology with X-ray screening is used for operator orientation during catheter guidance, then the operator can visualize the catheter position, but the procedure time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs anatomical imaging (CT or MRI) before the catheter ablation procedure to create a pre-procedure 3D model of the patient's heart anatomy. This preliminary action provides the operator with a detailed anatomical roadmap in advance, eliminating the need for real-time X-ray screening during the procedure and reducing procedure time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual 3D copy of the heart anatomy from pre-procedure CT or MRI images. This digital model serves as a substitute for real-time X-ray fluoroscopy, allowing operators to orient themselves without continuous radiation exposure. The 3D model can be rotated and viewed from multiple angles, providing comprehensive anatomical context.
3Productivity
If electroanatomical mapping is performed without pre-procedure 3D imaging, then the procedure can be performed, but the operator lacks accurate anatomical orientation and the X-ray dose increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges pre-procedure 3D anatomical imaging (CT or MRI) with real-time electroanatomical mapping data. By combining these two data sources, the system provides both detailed anatomical context from the 3D model and functional electrophysiological information from the mapping catheter, creating a comprehensive guide for the ablation procedure without requiring additional X-ray radiation.
4Measurement precision
If pre-procedure 3D imaging is performed, then accurate anatomical orientation is provided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standard CT or MRI imaging modalities that are already widely available in medical facilities for pre-procedural anatomical assessment. By leveraging these existing multi-functional imaging systems, the patent avoids the need for specialized equipment while still achieving accurate 3D anatomical reconstruction. The same CT/MRI scanner used for general diagnostic purposes is repurposed for creating the pre-procedure 3D model.
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
Enhances operator orientation and accuracy during catheter application, reduces the need for X-ray screening, and minimizes radiation exposure by providing a comprehensive, real-time visual representation of the heart's morphology and electrophysiological characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
3D image data of the area to be treated are recorded by way of a tomographical 3D imaging method
Implementation Method 2
X-ray screening still required for the electroanatomical mapping
Implementation Method 3
Using integrated electromagnetic sensors at the catheter point of the mapping catheter, it is possible to measure the voltage changes induced by catheter movements within the magnetic field
Implementation Method 4
Parts of the target tissue to be removed, together with the catheter, can be visualized in real-time via a two-dimensional ultrasonic detection of the environment
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and a device for visually supporting an electrophysiology catheter application in the heart, whereby electroanatomical 3D mapping data of an area of the heart to be treated which are provided during performance of the catheter application are visualized. Before the catheter application is carried out, 3D image data of the area to be treated are recorded by means of a tomographical 3D imaging method, a 3D surface profile of objects in the area to be treated is extracted from the 3D image data by segmentation and the electroanatomical 3D mapping data provided and the 3D images representing the 3D surface profile are associated with each other in the correct position and dimension relative each other and e.g. visualized in an superimposed manner during the catheter application. The present method and the corresponding device allow for an improved orientation of the user who carries out an electrophysiology catheter application in the heart.