Stable Catheter ECG Mapping for Automatic AF Signal Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for detecting atrial fibrillation (AF) in electrocardiogram (ECG) signals are inefficient and time-consuming due to the use of electrodes with insufficient positioning stability, leading to inaccurate calculations and prolonged mapping procedures.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a multi-electrode catheter with a distal-end assembly and patch electrodes to produce impedance-based position signals, combined with magnetic-based position tracking, to ensure stable electrode positioning, followed by a processor that filters and automatically stores ECG signals indicative of AF, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of EP mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If electrodes with insufficient positioning stability are used for detecting AF in ECG signals, then the mapping procedure can be performed with simpler equipment, but the detection accuracy deteriorates and the procedure duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical positioning stability assessment with impedance-based position signals. Instead of relying on physical stability of electrodes during mapping, the system uses electrical impedance measurements to detect and filter out electrodes with unstable positioning, thereby maintaining detection accuracy without requiring mechanically stable electrode placement throughout the procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary assessment of electrode positioning stability using impedance-based position signals before using the electrodes for AF detection. By evaluating positioning stability in advance and filtering out unstable electrodes beforehand, the system prevents inaccurate measurements rather than correcting them later, improving overall detection accuracy
2Device complexity
If manual filtering and storage of ECG signals is performed, then the system can operate with simpler processing capabilities, but the mapping procedure duration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated filtering and storage of ECG signals that are indicative of atrial fibrillation. The processor automatically identifies, filters, and stores relevant ECG signals without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing the mapping procedure duration while maintaining signal quality and detection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses impedance-based position signals as feedback to continuously monitor electrode positioning stability. This feedback mechanism allows the processor to automatically adjust which electrodes are used for AF detection, enabling real-time optimization of signal quality without increasing procedural time
3Measurement precision
If impedance-based position signals are used to ensure stable electrode positioning, then the positioning accuracy improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs electrodes that serve multiple functions: they simultaneously perform ECG signal detection for AF identification and generate impedance-based position signals for positioning stability assessment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning sensors, thereby improving positioning accuracy without proportionally increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the ECG signal acquisition function with the positioning measurement function by using the same electrodes for both purposes. The electrodes generate both physiological signals and impedance-based position signals, consolidating multiple measurement capabilities into a single component set and reducing overall system complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system improves the quality and reduces the duration of electrophysiological mapping by eliminating unstable electrodes, automating the storage and display of ECG signals, and providing precise AF detection through stable positioning and pattern recognition.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic-based position sensor configured to produce position signals indicative of the position (in a predefined coordinate system) of the DEA in the patient heart. When placed in contact with tissue of the heart, each of the electrodes is configured to produce impedance-based position signals indicative of the position of the respective electrode in the predefined coordinate system.
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic-based position sensor configured to produce position signals indicative of the position (in a predefined coordinate system) of the DEA in the patient heart
Implementation Method 3
When placed in contact with tissue of the heart, each of the electrodes is configured to produce electrocardiogram (ECG) signals sensed in the tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes inserting, into a heart of a patient, a catheter having multiple electrodes, and placing the electrodes in contact with tissue of the heart. For each of the electrodes: (i) position signals indicative of a position of the electrode, and (ii) electrocardiogram (ECG) signals acquired by the electrode, are received during a predefined time interval. A positioning stability, along the predefined time interval, is calculated for each of the electrodes based on the position signals. For the electrodes whose positioning stability has an error smaller than a given threshold, calculating whether the ECG signals are indicative of an atrial fibrillation (AF) in the heart. The ECG signals that are indicative of the AF are stored.