Signed Distance Functions for Pulsed Field Ablation Tag Visualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems struggle to effectively visualize the energy field during pulsed field ablation (PFA) procedures, particularly with multi-electrode catheters, as they fail to represent the accumulated energy and distinguish between different ablation sessions, making it difficult for physicians to understand the impact of multiple activations.
Innovation Solution
The use of signed distance functions to represent the energy field between adjacent electrodes, combined with volumetric tracing and shading or color coding to depict accumulated energy, providing a clear visualization of ablation sessions in a three-dimensional environment.
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 accumulated energy across multiple sessions cannot be shown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the visualization from simple point cloud representation to implicit function representation by changing the mathematical parameters used. Instead of displaying only electrode positions as points, the system calculates implicit functions that represent energy fields, transforming spatial data into energy distribution data that can be visualized with shading and color coding to show accumulated energy across multiple ablation sessions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to the visualization by introducing implicit functions that represent energy field intensity as a fourth dimension beyond the three spatial dimensions. This allows energy information to be encoded in the visualization without requiring additional physical space, using mathematical surfaces and shading to represent energy magnitude at each spatial location
2Reliability
If multiple ablation sessions are performed with multiple electrodes, then more complete tissue coverage is achieved, but it becomes difficult to understand the effect of each session and distinguish between different sessions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the overall ablation procedure into individual session representations by calculating separate implicit functions for each ablation session. Each session's energy field is visualized as a distinct implicit function that can be individually analyzed, allowing physicians to understand the contribution of each session while maintaining the complete treatment picture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses shading and color coding in the implicit function visualization to represent different energy levels and accumulated energy across multiple sessions. This visual encoding allows physicians to easily distinguish between different ablation sessions and understand energy distribution patterns without requiring complex data interpretation
3Loss of information
If traditional point cloud visualization is used, then electrode positions are displayed, but the energy field between electrodes and accumulated energy are not represented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces implicit functions as an intermediary representation between the physical electrode positions and the visual display. These implicit functions mathematically model the energy field distribution, serving as a mediator that transforms discrete electrode position data into continuous energy field representations that accurately depict energy distribution and accumulation patterns
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.