Signed Distance Functions for Pulsed Field Ablation Energy Visualization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
During pulsed field ablation procedures, it is challenging for physicians to visualize the energy field and distinguish between different ablation sessions using traditional point cloud representations, as they do not effectively represent the energy received by tissue or differentiate between sessions.
Innovation Solution
The use of signed distance functions to represent the energy field between electrodes, allowing for smooth connection and visualization of energy accumulation across multiple sessions through volumetric tracing, with shading or color indicating accumulated energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If point cloud representations are 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 different ablation sessions cannot be clearly distinguished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 3D point cloud representation to 4D volumetric representation by adding the time dimension through temporal aggregation of ablation sessions. This allows energy accumulation across multiple sessions to be visualized while maintaining clear session differentiation through the volumetric structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple ablation session data into a single volumetric representation, combining positional information from multiple sessions while preserving session-specific characteristics. This integration enables comprehensive energy field visualization without losing individual session details.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple ablation sessions are performed with multiple electrodes, then more complete ablation coverage is achieved, but it becomes difficult for physicians to understand the effect of each ablation session
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the volumetric representation to allow physicians to view individual ablation sessions separately while also providing an aggregated view. This segmentation enables clear understanding of each session's effect while maintaining awareness of cumulative ablation coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs color encoding to represent different ablation sessions and energy accumulation levels. This visual differentiation makes it easy for physicians to distinguish between sessions and understand energy distribution without requiring complex data interpretation.
3Loss of information
If traditional point cloud displays are used, then electrode positions can be shown, but the energy field between electrodes and accumulated energy across sessions is not represented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical point-based display methods with a computational volumetric field representation. This substitution enables continuous energy field visualization and accumulated energy measurement across multiple ablation sessions, providing comprehensive energy information that point clouds cannot convey.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and methods for visualization of pulsed field ablation tags. In some implementations, a system includes a device, comprising a processor in communication with one or more sensors and a catheter comprising a plurality of electrodes. In some implementations, 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; 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; and present, via a display, a first volumetric representation of the calculated first implicit function.