PFA Tag Visualization Using Signed Distance Energy Fields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing visualization methods for pulsed field ablation (PFA) do not effectively represent the energy field between electrodes, making it difficult for physicians to understand the effect of multiple ablation sessions, and fail to distinguish between different sessions clearly.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing signed distance functions to represent the energy field between adjacent electrodes, which are smoothly connected and rendered volumetrically, with shading or color indicating accumulated energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If point cloud representation is used to display electrode positions, then the positions of activated electrodes can be recorded and displayed in three-dimensional space, but the ablation field energy received by tissue is not indicated and energy accumulation across multiple sessions cannot be visualized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the visualization from simple point cloud coordinates to signed distance field values that represent energy distribution. By changing the parameter representation from positional data to energy density data, the system now visualizes both electrode positions and energy fields simultaneously, resolving the information loss while maintaining manageable complexity through efficient field rendering techniques
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds an energy dimension to the existing spatial representation by implementing signed distance fields that encode energy intensity at each spatial location. This dimensional enhancement allows physicians to perceive energy accumulation across multiple ablation sessions without overwhelming visual complexity, as the energy information is integrated into the spatial visualization framework
2Reliability
If multiple ablation sessions are performed with multiple electrodes, then more complete tissue treatment is achieved, but it becomes difficult for physicians to understand the effect of each session and distinguish between different sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using distinct visual properties (such as color coding, transparency levels, or highlighting) for different ablation sessions and electrode activations. Each session or electrode group can be visually differentiated while contributing to the overall treatment picture, allowing physicians to track individual session effects within the context of cumulative treatment
Solution Approach 2:
The signed distance field provides continuous visualization of energy accumulation across discrete ablation sessions. Rather than showing disconnected point clouds for each session, the field continuously integrates energy contributions from all sessions, enabling physicians to understand both individual session effects and cumulative treatment progress in a unified continuous representation
3Loss of information
If traditional visualization methods are used, then processing resources are consumed, but clear visualization of energy field distribution and accumulation is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional point cloud rendering mechanics with signed distance field computation and rendering. This substitution enables efficient calculation of energy fields using mathematical field representations rather than processing individual point data, achieving superior energy field visualization while reducing computational overhead through optimized field rendering algorithms
Data Source
AI summary
A system for visualization of pulsed field ablation tags comprises a device. The device comprises a processor in communication with one or more sensors and a catheter comprising a plurality of electrodes. The processor is configured to receive, via the one or more sensors, a position of each of the plurality of electrodes within a three-dimensional environment during a first ablation session. The processor is configured to calculate, for the first ablation session, a first implicit function representing an energy field of the first ablation session from the received positions of each of the plurality of electrodes. The first implicit function is calculated via a signed distance function based on positions of a pair of adjacent electrodes of the plurality of electrodes during the first ablation session. The processor is configured to present, via a display, a first volumetric representation of the calculated first implicit function.