Scar Tissue Identification via Torso-Surface Potential Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying myocardial scar tissue in cardiac pacing are inadequate as they often require costly imaging procedures like MRI, which may not be readily available, making it challenging to select appropriate pacing sites for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) without imaging technology.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using torso-surface potential signals from multiple electrodes to determine the presence of scar tissue by extracting features from these signals, calculating a scar indicator index, and computing an overall scar burden index, allowing for the identification of electrodes with affirmative indices to avoid scar tissue during pacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MRI imaging procedures are used to identify scar tissue location, then measurement precision of scar tissue location is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses body surface potential maps (BSPM) as an intermediary method to indirectly identify scar tissue location. Instead of directly imaging the heart with MRI, the system places electrodes on the body surface to record electrical potentials, which are then processed to generate a map indicating scar tissue locations. This intermediary approach avoids the complexity and cost of MRI while still providing the necessary diagnostic information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/imaging-based MRI system with an electrical measurement system. Instead of using magnetic fields and image reconstruction, the system uses electrical potential measurements from body surface electrodes, signal processing, and computational algorithms to achieve scar tissue identification. This substitution reduces device complexity and makes the technology more accessible.
2Measurement precision
If MRI imaging procedures are used to identify scar tissue location, then measurement precision of scar tissue location is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to catheterization requirements and contrast agents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs body surface potential mapping as an intermediary diagnostic tool that eliminates the need for invasive procedures. By placing non-invasive electrodes on the patient's body surface and processing the electrical signals, the system can identify scar tissue locations without requiring catheterization, contrast agents, or specialized imaging facilities, thereby greatly improving ease of operation and accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If torso-surface potential signals from multiple electrodes are used to identify scar tissue, then ease of operation is improved by avoiding costly imaging, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the diagnostic process into multiple segments: (1) placing multiple electrodes across the body surface to capture spatially distributed electrical potentials, (2) recording signals during specific cardiac cycles, (3) processing the signals to extract features, and (4) generating a body surface potential map that highlights scar tissue locations. This segmented approach allows the system to compensate for the lower signal quality of surface electrodes through collective data processing and pattern recognition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional or two-dimensional signal analysis to three-dimensional body surface potential mapping. By distributing electrodes across the entire body surface and analyzing the spatial distribution of electrical potentials, the system creates a comprehensive map that provides precise scar tissue localization despite using non-invasive surface measurements rather than direct cardiac measurements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A medical device system performs a method determining presence of scar tissue. Torso-surface potential signals are received by a processor from multiple electrodes distributed on a torso of a patient. The processor extracts features of the potential signal from each electrode and stores values of the features in a non-transitory storage medium. The processor determines a scar indicator index for each of the electrodes from the stored features and identifies which ones of the electrodes have an affirmative scar indicator index. An overall scar burden index is determined as a proportion of the electrodes with an affirmative scar indicator index.