Magnetic Sensing for Cardiac Geometry Reconstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current noninvasive electrocardiographic imaging methods rely on expensive and complex imaging modalities like MRI or CT to derive geometry information for cardiac electrophysiology studies, which can be costly and difficult to coordinate.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing magnetic sensors to generate geometry information by providing sensor signals in response to an electromagnetic field, allowing for the computation of internal and electrode geometry data to reconstruct cardiac electrical activity without the need for invasive imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI or CT imaging modalities are used to derive geometry information, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems (MRI, CT) with a magnetic sensing system that uses electromagnetic fields and magnetic sensors to measure positions and derive geometry information. This substitution maintains measurement precision while significantly reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic sensors and electromagnetic fields as intermediaries to obtain geometry information. Instead of directly using complex imaging modalities, the system uses magnetic fields to probe and map anatomical structures, providing a simplified pathway to achieve the same measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If MRI or CT imaging modalities are used to derive geometry information, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive imaging modalities with a cost-effective magnetic sensing approach. By using electromagnetic fields and magnetic sensors instead of MRI or CT scanners, the system achieves comparable geometry information accuracy at a fraction of the cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs relatively simple and inexpensive magnetic sensors and electromagnetic field generators instead of expensive, complex imaging equipment. This approach uses cheaper components to achieve the same functional outcome, significantly reducing the cost of obtaining geometry information.
3Measurement precision
If MRI or CT imaging modalities are used to derive geometry information, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex imaging modalities that require difficult coordination with a simpler magnetic sensing system. The electromagnetic field-based approach is easier to integrate and coordinate with electrophysiology studies, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision.
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
Enables accurate reconstruction of cardiac electrical activity and facilitates the localization and navigation of devices within the body using magnetic sensors, reducing costs and complexity by eliminating the need for invasive imaging modalities.
Implementation Method 1
a moveable sensor to provide a sensor signal in response to an electromagnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
An example method includes storing invasive position data representing different positions of one or more sensors in a given coordinate system within a volume defined by an electromagnetic field and storing non-invasive position data representing different positions of a plurality of control points in the given coordinate system determined from a position of one or more sensors. The method also includes computing internal geometry data based on the invasive position data, the internal geometry data representing a three-dimensional anatomical surface within a patient's body. The method also includes computing electrode geometry data based on the non-invasive position data, the electrode geometry data representing a location of each of a plurality of electrodes on an outer surface of the patient's body. Electrical activity sensed by the plurality of electrodes can be reconstructed onto an anatomical envelope within the patient's body.