Left Ventricular Volume Curve Analysis for Diastolic Function
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for assessing diastolic heart function are inadequate, focusing on velocity measurements that are insufficient in the presence of various conditions, leading to a lack of consensus and confusion, and do not adequately capture the complexities of volume transfer from the left atrium to the left ventricle.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for evaluating diastolic function using left ventricular volume curves (LVVC) that analyze filling rates and volumes during different phases of the cardiac cycle, generating a diastolic function classification based on ratios and percentages of filling rates and volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If velocity measurements (echo/Doppler) are used to assess diastolic function, then the assessment can be performed with existing equipment, but the measurement precision is insufficient and leads to confusion and lack of consensus
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from velocity-based parameters (Doppler measurements) to volume-based parameters (LV volume curves). This parameter change enables more accurate assessment of diastolic function by directly measuring volume transfer from left atrium to left ventricle, thereby improving measurement precision while capturing the actual volume transfer information that was lost in velocity measurements.
2Measurement precision
If multiple echo/Doppler measurements are used to study left ventricular filling, then more data is collected, but the device complexity and difficulty of interpretation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate echo/Doppler measurements into a single integrated volume curve analysis. By combining the information from various filling phase measurements into one comprehensive LV volume curve, the system maintains complete assessment capability while dramatically reducing the complexity of the methodology and improving interpretability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the diastolic filling process into distinct phases (early filling, intermediate filling, atrial contraction) that can be individually analyzed on the volume curve. This segmentation allows for precise assessment of each filling phase while maintaining an overall integrated view, balancing completeness with clarity.
3Ease of operation
If mitral valve orifice velocity is used to assess volume delivery, then the measurement is simple to obtain, but the reliability is compromised due to orifice deformation influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the LV volume curve as an intermediary measurement that indirectly assesses volume delivery without being affected by mitral valve orifice deformation. Instead of directly measuring velocity through the deforming orifice, the system measures volume changes in the left ventricle, providing a reliable assessment of actual volume delivery that is independent of orifice shape changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for evaluating function of a heart are provided. The methods can include use of one or more imaging modalities to assess diastolic function. The methods, systems, and devices can employ various features of a cardiac volume curve to assess cardiac function. The methods, systems, and devices can be used to guide diagnosis, therapy, and/or training for sick or well patients. Methods, systems, and devices for assessing likelihood of hospital readmission for a heart failure patient are also provided.