Hemodynamic Pressure Loop Analysis for Subtle Cardiac Abnormality Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating cardiac function rely solely on time series measurements of blood pressure, which are limited in their ability to detect subtle changes and provide comprehensive insights into heart characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The method calculates the time rate of change of pressure (dP/dt) and generates a visual representation, such as a pressure loop plot, to analyze the relationship between dP/dt and corresponding pressure measurements, using invasive or non-invasive devices like ultrasound Doppler or MRI, to derive characteristics of blood flow and heart function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If only time series pressure measurements are used, then the measurement method is simple, but the ability to detect subtle changes and provide comprehensive insights is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional time series pressure data into a two-dimensional pressure loop plot by adding the dimension of pressure rate of change (dP/dt). This dimensional transformation enables visualization of relationships between pressure, its rate of change, and time, allowing detection of subtle cardiac abnormalities that are not apparent in conventional time series plots alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressure rate of change (dP/dt) as an intermediary parameter that mediates between raw pressure measurements and cardiac function assessment. By calculating and visualizing dP/dt alongside pressure, the system provides enhanced insights into cardiac contractility and relaxation without requiring additional invasive sensors or complex imaging modalities.
2Loss of information
If visual representation (pressure loop plot) is generated, then comprehensive insights into heart characteristics are provided, but the complexity of data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual pressure loop plot that displays pressure rate of change versus pressure, with time implicitly represented through the loop progression. This graphical representation consolidates multiple parameters (pressure, dP/dt, and temporal sequence) into a single comprehensive visualization, preserving complete cardiac cycle information while enabling intuitive assessment of systolic and diastolic function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent generates a visual copy or representation of the pressure-dP/dt relationship in the form of a pressure loop plot. This graphical copy allows clinicians to assess cardiac function through visual patterns and shapes without needing to interpret raw numerical data, thereby reducing cognitive complexity while maintaining information completeness.
3Measurement precision
If time rate of change of pressure (dP/dt) is calculated and visualized, then detailed insights into cardiac function are obtained, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated calculation of pressure rate of change (dP/dt) from recorded pressure data using numerical differentiation. The system performs this calculation automatically without requiring manual intervention or specialized measurement techniques, thereby obtaining precise cardiac function metrics while minimizing the operational complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual analysis methods with computational algorithms that automatically calculate dP/dt from pressure time series data. By using digital signal processing and mathematical differentiation implemented in software, the system achieves precise measurement of cardiac function parameters without requiring complex mechanical measurement devices or manual measurement procedures.
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
This approach provides detailed insights into heart function by analyzing visual features of the pressure loop plots, enabling accurate detection of cardiac abnormalities and informing treatment regimens.
Implementation Method 1
The time series ventricular pressure measurements are collected using a device that is not inserted into a body of a subject. The device is a non-invasive ultrasound Doppler device
Implementation Method 2
The device is a non-invasive ultrasound Doppler device, magnetic resonance imaging device
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a method includes obtaining a set of time series ventricular pressure measurements; determining a set of data points comprising time rates of change of ventricular pressure from the time series ventricular pressure measurements; determining a representation indicative of a relationship between at least the set of data points and the time series ventricular pressure measurements; and determining a characteristic of blood flow within chambers of the heart at least in part by processing the representation. Related systems and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.