Intraventricular Asynchrony Index for Cardiac Pacing Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing and correcting intraventricular electrical asynchrony in patients with pacemakers are inadequate, as they lack non-invasive, cost-effective, and precise tools to determine the presence and optimization of asynchrony, leading to potential worsening of heart conditions and inefficient use of cardiac resynchronization therapy.
Innovation Solution
The use of a device that calculates an Intraventricular Electrical Asynchrony Index (IEAI) from surface or pseudo-ECG signals, derived from intracardiac electrodes, to non-invasively assess and optimize pacing sites and delays, ensuring therapeutic levels of synchrony and reducing the risk of worsening asynchrony.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current methods for assessing intraventricular electrical asynchrony are used, then assessment can be performed, but the methods are invasive, costly, and lack precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses surface ECG signals as a simplified copy or surrogate of the complex intracardiac electrical activity. Instead of directly measuring complex intracardiac signals with multiple electrodes, the invention processes standard surface ECG leads to derive asynchrony information, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining diagnostic value
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts specific features (QRS complex characteristics, interval measurements) from the ECG signal that are most relevant to asynchrony assessment. By focusing only on the essential features needed for diagnosis rather than analyzing the entire complex signal, the method achieves precision without requiring complex assessment systems
2Reliability
If current methods for optimizing pacing parameters are used, then pacing can be provided, but the methods lack optimization capability leading to potential worsening of asynchrony
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where asynchrony is continuously assessed using ECG parameters during pacing, and pacing parameters (such as AV delay, VV interval) are automatically adjusted based on the assessed asynchrony levels. This closed-loop system ensures reliable optimization without requiring complex manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The pacing system performs self-optimization by automatically analyzing its own ECG output and adjusting its pacing parameters accordingly. The device monitors its own performance through ECG-derived asynchrony measures and autonomously modifies pacing settings to minimize asynchrony, eliminating the need for external optimization tools
3Loss of information
If invasive methods are used to assess asynchrony, then detailed information can be obtained, but patient risk and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a virtual model of intracardiac electrical activity using surface ECG signals. By processing and analyzing standard non-invasive ECG leads through specific algorithms, the system derives comprehensive asynchrony information without requiring invasive electrode placement, thus eliminating patient risk and reducing costs while maintaining information completeness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses surface ECG signals as an intermediary that bridges the gap between non-invasive measurement and intracardiac diagnostic information. The ECG serves as a mediator that can be obtained safely and easily, yet through signal processing and feature extraction, provides detailed asynchrony assessment information typically requiring invasive methods
Data Source
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AI summary
Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward an asynchrony index that is related to data of a subject's heart. The asynchrony index includes intra-ventricular or inter-ventricular electrical asynchrony data. The intra-ventricular or inter-ventricular electrical asynchrony data can be specific to a certain subject, and indicative of a different conditions specific to that subject.