Heart Vector Probe Registration for Cardiac Imaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

In electrophysiology studies, there is a lack of effective methods to register the location of a catheter or probe within the heart with corresponding 3D images, making it difficult for physicians to accurately diagnose and treat cardiac arrhythmias.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize a heart vector to register the representation of a probe with an image of the heart by correlating spatial data sets, allowing for the accurate positioning and display of the probe relative to the heart's anatomy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a catheter is inserted into the heart for EP study, then electrical measurements can be obtained, but the location of the catheter cannot be accurately registered with 3D heart images

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecatheter location registration precisionVSAvoidspatial relationship information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a transformation matrix as an intermediary to bridge the coordinate systems of the catheter and the 3D heart images. This matrix mediates the spatial relationship between the catheter measurements and the image data, enabling accurate registration without direct physical marking or manual alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms 2D catheter measurements into 3D spatial coordinates by applying a transformation matrix that incorporates rotational and translational components. This dimensional transformation allows the catheter location to be accurately represented in the 3D heart image coordinate system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If 3D heart images are used for diagnosis, then anatomical information is available, but the probe location relative to the image remains unknown

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic accuracyVSAvoidprobe location identification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously updates the transformation matrix based on catheter position feedback during the EP study. This feedback mechanism ensures that the probe location remains accurately registered with the 3D heart images throughout the procedure, maintaining diagnostic reliability while simplifying location identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment methods with an automated computational approach using transformation matrices. This substitution eliminates the need for physical markers or manual registration procedures, making probe location identification easier while maintaining high diagnostic accuracy.

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

3Manufacturing precision

If manual registration methods are used, then some alignment can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming and imprecise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration precisionVSAvoidregistration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The transformation matrix is pre-calculated and stored during the EP study setup phase. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming registration calculations during the actual procedure, allowing for instant accurate alignment of probe location with 3D heart images.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical registration processes with automated computational algorithms. This substitution dramatically reduces registration time while improving precision through mathematical transformations that eliminate human error and manual manipulation.

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

Data Source

PatentUS7966058B2System and method for registering an image with a representation of a probe
Publication Date: 2011.06.21 GE PRECISION HEALTHCARE LLC
  • US7966058B2 patent drawing
  • US7966058B2 patent drawing
  • US7966058B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system and method is provided for registering a representation of a probe with an image. One embodiment of a method comprises acquiring an image of or pertaining to a heart and registering a representation of a probe which is in or adjacent to the heart with the image using a heart vector of the heart.