Heart Function Assessment via Electrical Synchrony Quantification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing heart function, particularly in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), rely on qualitative and operator-dependent mechanical and electrical measures that lack quantitative comparisons between electrical activation and mechanical function, making it difficult to determine optimal pacing sites and parameters for improving heart synchrony.
Innovation Solution
The development of systems and methods that quantify heart function by analyzing time-based electrical characteristics across multiple points on the heart, grouping them into subsets based on spatial location or electrical characteristics, and calculating indices such as Global Interventricular Synchrony (GIS), Segmental Synchrony Index (SSI), and Intraventricular Conduction Index (ICI) to assess synchrony and guide therapy delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If qualitative mechanical and electrical measures are used to assess heart function, then operator dependency increases, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces qualitative mechanical assessment with quantitative electrical field analysis. By using body surface potential mapping to capture electrical signals and processing them through algorithms, the system objectively quantifies ventricular activation synchrony without relying on operator judgment, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing operator dependency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that processes raw electrical signals into quantifiable synchrony metrics. This intermediary layer (including signal processing algorithms and synchronization analysis) transforms complex electrical data into objective measurements, eliminating the need for direct operator interpretation and improving both precision and consistency
2Measurement precision
If complex electrical analysis is performed to quantify heart synchrony, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional integrated system where a single device performs multiple functions: acquiring body surface potentials, processing electrical signals, analyzing ventricular activation patterns, and quantifying synchrony. This universal approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate complex systems into one unified device, improving measurement precision while managing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex analysis into distinct functional modules: signal acquisition from body surfaces, electrical signal processing, ventricular activation time determination, and synchrony quantification. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, making the complex analysis more manageable and implementable
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods can be used to provide an indication of heart function, such as an indication of mechanical function or hemodynamics of the heart, based on electrical data. For example, a method for assessing a function of the heart can include determining a time-based electrical characteristic for a plurality of points distributed across a spatial region of the heart. The plurality of points can be grouped into at least two subsets of points based on at least one of a spatial location for the plurality of points or the time-based electrical characteristics for the plurality of points. An indication of synchrony for the heart can be quantified based on relative analysis of the determined time-based electrical characteristic for each of the at least two subsets of points.