Mesh Fitting Algorithm for Cardiac Catheterization Registration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for creating detailed 3-dimensional maps of the heart during cardiac catheterization procedures are time-consuming due to the need for point-by-point data collection, and there are discrepancies between registered CT/MRI images and real-time anatomy during procedures.

Innovation Solution

A multi-electrode probe and processor system that constructs a position map, simulates a 3-dimensional heart surface, and adjusts mesh vertices based on weight factors to improve registration with acquired images, allowing for real-time alignment and modeling of the heart's surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If point-by-point data collection is used to create detailed 3-dimensional maps of the heart, then mapping precision is improved, but procedure time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemapping precisionVSAvoidprocedure time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The heart surface is segmented into multiple discrete points that can be mapped simultaneously using multi-electrode catheters. Instead of collecting data point-by-point sequentially, the catheter captures electrical signals from multiple locations at once, dividing the mapping task into parallel segments that reduce overall procedure time while maintaining detailed spatial resolution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

CT and MRI images are acquired and processed before the catheterization procedure to create pre-existing 3-dimensional anatomical models. These preliminary images provide a framework that reduces the need for extensive real-time point-by-point mapping during the procedure, as the anatomical structure is already characterized from the pre-acquired imaging data

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Measurement precision

If CT/MRI images are registered with real-time anatomy during catheterization, then anatomical accuracy is improved, but registration discrepancies persist

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanatomical accuracyVSAvoidregistration consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously compares electrical signal data from the catheter with the pre-acquired CT/MRI images during the procedure. Discrepancies between the registered images and real-time anatomy are detected through electrical signal variations, and the 3-dimensional model is dynamically adjusted based on this feedback to maintain accurate alignment despite anatomical changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The registration system is made dynamic rather than static. As the heart moves and changes shape during beating, the system continuously updates the alignment between CT/MRI images and real-time anatomy by incorporating new electrical signal measurements, allowing the registration to adapt to changing anatomical conditions throughout the procedure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple-electrode catheters are used to simultaneously measure electrical activity at multiple points, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemapping speedVSAvoidcatheter complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multi-electrode catheter is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a mapping tool for electrical signal acquisition and as a positioning device with integrated sensors. This universal design consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices, enabling simultaneous electrical measurements at multiple points while managing overall system complexity through functional integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple electrodes are combined into a single catheter shaft, allowing simultaneous measurement of electrical activity at multiple heart locations during one insertion. The catheter merges multiple sensing functions into one device, enabling parallel data collection that improves productivity without requiring multiple separate catheter insertions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3453328B1Mesh fitting algorithm
Publication Date: 2020.12.23 BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL) LTD
  • EP3453328B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3453328B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3453328B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Cardiac catheterization is carried out by inserting a multi-electrode probe into a heart, constructing a position map of the electrodes, and simulating a 3-dimensional surface of the heart. The method is further carried out by placing the position map in registration with an acquired image of the heart, constructing, based on the position map, a mesh that models the 3-dimensional surface of the heart, and adjusting positions of vertices of the mesh relative to mapped points in the position map to improve a registration of the mesh with the acquired image.