Hybrid ECG Interpretation Mapping for Accurate Cardiac Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ECG interpretation methods face challenges in achieving both broad diagnostic coverage and accuracy, with traditional models lacking sensitivity and specificity, and AI models requiring extensive data for comprehensive diagnostics.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid system combining traditional rule-based models with machine learning models, using a feature mapping to integrate the outputs of both, thereby maintaining granularity while improving accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional rule-based models are used for ECG interpretation, then broad diagnostic coverage is achieved, but accuracy and reliability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnostic coverageVSAvoiddiagnosis accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines traditional rule-based ECG interpretation models with machine learning models into a hybrid system. The rule-based model provides broad diagnostic coverage by applying established medical guidelines, while the machine learning model enhances accuracy by learning patterns from large datasets. The outputs of both models are integrated to produce final diagnostic results, leveraging the strengths of each approach to achieve both comprehensive coverage and high reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If AI machine learning models are used for ECG analysis, then accuracy is improved, but the number of diagnosable conditions is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediagnosis accuracyVSAvoidnumber of diagnosable conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid system merges the capabilities of machine learning models (high accuracy for specific conditions) with rule-based models (broad diagnostic coverage). The machine learning component provides accurate predictions for conditions it has been trained on, while the rule-based component handles a wider range of cardiac conditions using established medical criteria. This combination allows the system to maintain high accuracy while expanding the number of diagnosable conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Extent of automation

If traditional rule-based models are used, then automated diagnosis is provided, but sensitivity and specificity are insufficient for reliable clinical decision-making

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated diagnosisVSAvoidsensitivity and specificity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system maintains automated diagnosis through the rule-based model while enhancing sensitivity and specificity by integrating machine learning predictions. The machine learning model's ability to detect subtle patterns in ECG data improves the system's sensitivity for detecting cardiac conditions, while its high specificity reduces false positives. The combined output provides automated diagnoses with the precision required for reliable clinical decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4712097A1Electrocardiogram analysis system
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP4712097A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4712097A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4712097A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure provides concepts for analyzing electrocardiogram (ECG) data of a subject. Specifically, a traditional prediction unit is configured to process the ECG data with a rules-based ECG interpretation model to generate first diagnostic labels indicating presence or absence of cardiac conditions. A machine learning prediction unit processes the ECG data with a machine learning-based ECG interpretation model to generate second diagnostic labels indicating presence or absence of cardiac conditions. A mapping unit determines a feature mapping describing first and second diagnostic labels associated with similar cardiac conditions. A combination unit analyzes the first diagnostic labels based on the feature mapping and the second diagnostic labels to generate output diagnostic labels indicating presence or absence of cardiac conditions of the subject. The provided concepts therefore leverage the benefits of both the rules-based ECG interpretation model and the machine learning-based ECG interpretation model to provide output diagnostic labels. Specifically, the granularity of the output of the rules-based ECG interpretation model may be maintained whilst ensuring accuracy via the output of the machine learning-based ECG interpretation model.