Intra-cardiac ECG Signal Measurement Using Lead Signal Switch

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for deriving intra-cardiac ECG signals using a central venous catheter require re-wiring of ECG signal processors or produce distorted signals, as they typically involve moving ECG leads, which impairs the derivation of Einthoven ECG lead signals and disrupts other ECG operations.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a lead signal switch to disconnect an amplifier input terminal from a reference point and reconnect it to a patient limb electrode, allowing the ECG signal processor to amplify the difference between a chest lead signal connected to a catheter ECG electrode and a patient limb signal without moving existing ECG electrodes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If ECG leads are moved to the catheter location for intra-cardiac ECG measurement, then intra-cardiac ECG signal can be obtained, but the derivation of Einthoven ECG lead signals is impaired and other ECG operations are distorted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintra-cardiac ECG signal measurementVSAvoidEinthoven ECG lead signal derivation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches the connection configuration of the amplifier input terminal based on the desired measurement mode. A switch selectively connects the amplifier input terminal to either the reference point (for standard ECG) or the limb electrode (for intra-cardiac ECG), allowing the system to adapt its configuration rather than being fixed in one state

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The ECG system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single configurable connection path. The same amplifier and electrode setup can derive both standard Einthoven ECG leads and intra-cardiac ECG signals by changing the switch position, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each measurement type

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If ECG leads are moved to the catheter location, then intra-cardiac ECG signal can be measured, but other ECG electrodes cannot remain in standard locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintra-cardiac ECG signalVSAvoidECG electrode placement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the switching function from the physical electrode placement. Instead of requiring physical movement of electrodes to change measurement modes, the system extracts the configuration change to a electronic switch that can be toggled without moving any physical components, maintaining electrode placement simplicity while enabling multiple measurement modes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch acts as an intermediary element between the amplifier input terminal and the two possible signal sources (reference point and limb electrode). This intermediary component enables the system to select different signal paths without requiring direct physical reconfiguration of the electrode-skin interface, simplifying the operation for the user

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If re-wiring of ECG signal processor is performed for intra-cardiac ECG, then accurate intra-cardiac ECG signal can be obtained, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintra-cardiac ECG signal accuracyVSAvoidECG signal processor configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the intra-cardiac ECG measurement capability into the existing ECG signal processor by adding a single switch component. Rather than creating a separate dedicated system or performing complex re-wiring operations, the solution combines both measurement modes (standard ECG and intra-cardiac ECG) through a unified configurable architecture with minimal additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution enables accurate intra-cardiac ECG signal measurement without impairing the derivation of Einthoven signals, allowing the ECG electrodes to remain in standard locations and maintaining normal ECG operations.

Implementation Method 1

An ECG signal processor amplifies the difference of a chest lead signal electronically connected to a catheter ECG electrode, and a patient limb signal provided by the reconnecting of the input terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical potential difference amplification:

Data Source

PatentUS8155732B2ECG system for use in ECG signal measurement of intra-cardiac ECG using a catheter

Publication Date: 2012.04.10 DRAGERWERK AG

AI summary

An ECG system is used in ECG signal measurement of intra-cardiac ECG using a catheter. The system includes a lead signal switch for disconnecting an amplifier input terminal from a reference point and reconnecting the input terminal to a patient limb electrode. An ECG signal processor amplifies the difference of a chest lead signal electronically connected to a catheter, and a patient limb signal provided by the reconnecting of the input terminal.