Layered LAT Mapping for Multiple Cardiac Wavefront Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cardiac electrical activation mapping techniques fail to accurately display multiple electrical activation values at the same location, leading to invalid inferences and visual artifacts, particularly in cases of early and late local activation times (LATs), and lack the ability to differentiate between normal and slow conduction.
Innovation Solution
The method generates and visualizes distinct layers of electrical activation values by classifying EA values into multiple layers based on predefined criteria, using graph connectivity and LAT value thresholds, and overlays these layers on a graphical representation with graphical indications to distinguish between them, reducing interpolation and enhancing clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional single-layer EA mapping is used, then the mapping process is simple, but it cannot accurately display multiple electrical activation values at the same location and produces visual artifacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the EA values into multiple distinct layers based on activation time criteria. Each layer represents a separate wavefront propagation event, allowing accurate display of multiple EA values at the same location without visual artifacts. The segmentation is achieved through algorithmic classification of LAT values into discrete layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the spatial mapping by creating multiple overlayed layers. Instead of a single 2D map, the system produces a multi-layered structure where each layer corresponds to a specific activation time window, enabling representation of multiple activation events in space-time.
2Reliability
If interpolation is applied to smooth the EA values, then the visual appearance is improved, but diagnostic accuracy is reduced due to invalid inferences
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting EA values into separate layers based on activation time, the system eliminates the need for interpolation across different activation events. Each layer can be displayed with its original discrete values, maintaining diagnostic accuracy while providing clear visual representation through layer-specific rendering.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different display characteristics to different layers, allowing each EA layer to be rendered with appropriate local quality settings. This enables optimized visualization for each activation wavefront without compromising the integrity of the underlying measurement data.
3Measurement precision
If multiple EA layers are overlayed on the graphical representation, then the visualization of activation patterns is improved, but the complexity of the graphical representation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the graphical representation into multiple overlayed layers, each corresponding to a specific activation wavefront. This segmentation allows precise visualization of activation patterns while managing complexity through systematic organization of layers based on temporal criteria.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested layer structure where multiple EA layers are overlayed on a base graphical representation. The layers are arranged in a hierarchical manner with earlier activation wavefronts forming the base and subsequent wavefronts overlayed thereupon, creating a compact multi-dimensional visualization.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a plurality of data points including electrical activation (EA) values measured at respective positions in at least a portion of a surface of a cardiac chamber of a heart of a patient. Using a predefined EA value criterion, the EA values in a given region of the cardiac surface are classified into multiple distinct EA wave-fronts, and multiple layers of EA values are calculated for the given region, wherein each EA layer includes the EA values found to belong to a respective and contiguous EA wave-front. The multiple EA layers are overlayed on a graphical representation of the surface. The graphical representation with the multiple overlaid EA layers is displayed to a user, with a graphical indication distinguishing between the multiple EA layers.