Automated Vector Flow Mapping for Cardiac Rotor Localization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for identifying and locating the cause of heart rhythm disorders, such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation, are inadequate, leading to ineffective ablation therapies and collateral damage due to lack of precise targeting of rotor cores or focal sources, especially in complex disorders where existing tools fail to provide direct identification and localization.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining and mapping vector fields characterizing wavefront motion through space and time, using automated processing of cardiac signals to generate vorticity maps indicating rotational sources, allowing for precise identification and localization of rotor cores or focal sources, thereby guiding minimally invasive ablation therapies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual examination of phase maps is used to identify rotor cores or focal sources, then the practitioner can interpret the data, but the identification is challenging and imprecise leading to collateral damage during ablation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual examination with an automated computational algorithm that processes electrogram data to directly identify and locate rotor cores and focal sources. The system automatically computes phase maps, detects phase singularities, and generates location coordinates without requiring practitioner interpretation, thereby eliminating imprecision while maintaining procedural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the data to speak for itself through automated detection. The algorithm independently identifies causal regions by analyzing phase gradients and detecting singularities, eliminating the need for practitioner expertise in interpreting complex phase maps. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-localization of arrhythmia sources
2Reliability
If ablation is performed without precise identification of causal regions, then the procedure can be completed, but 30-40% of the atrium is damaged collaterally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by delivering ablation energy exclusively to locally identified causal regions ( rotor cores or focal sources) rather than applying energy broadly. The system computes precise spatial coordinates of singularities and guides ablation catheters to these specific locations, ensuring that only the pathological tissue is damaged while surrounding healthy tissue remains intact
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces empirical ablation strategies with algorithm-guided precision ablation. The automated detection system substitutes practitioner guesswork with computational accuracy, providing exact location data that enables targeted energy delivery. This substitution transforms ablation from a trial-and-error process into a precision-guided therapy
3Loss of information
If existing mapping systems are used, then electrical potentials can be detected and displayed, but the cause of complex disorders such as AF or VF cannot be directly identified and located
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential information (cause and location of arrhythmia) from complex electrogram data through automated algorithmic processing. The system separates the signal from the noise by detecting phase singularities and computing their spatial coordinates, extracting only the clinically relevant information needed for targeted ablation while filtering out unnecessary data complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual data interpretation with automated computational analysis. The algorithm automatically processes electrogram signals, computes phase maps, detects singularities, and generates location coordinates without requiring practitioner involvement in the analysis phase. This substitution transforms complex data processing into an automated black-box operation that delivers clear, actionable results
4Productivity
If empirical ablation is performed for persistent AF, then the procedure can be completed, but the single procedure success rate is only 50-60% despite lengthy procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by automatically identifying and locating causal regions before ablation begins. The system processes electrogram data, detects phase singularities, and generates precise location coordinates in advance, providing a roadmap for subsequent ablation. This preliminary computational analysis eliminates trial-and-error during the ablation procedure itself, enabling targeted energy delivery from the outset
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces empirical ablation strategies with algorithm-guided precision ablation. The automated detection system substitutes practitioner guesswork with computational accuracy, providing exact location data that enables targeted energy delivery. This substitution transforms ablation from a trial-and-error process into a precision-guided therapy
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for determination and mapping of vector fields which characterize wavefront motion through space and time. The inventive methods and systems utilize data from spatially-distributed locations and maps wavefront vector flow fields in an entirely automated manner. These maps can be used to characterize the activation as planar, centrifugal, or rotational. Further, the strength of rotation or divergence is determined from these fields and can be used to select spatial points of significantly increased rotational or focal activity. As applied to electrophysiological data recorded during heart rhythm disorders in patients, the inventive method provides a means of visual interpretation of complex activation maps. The information related to the strength and location of rotation and centrifugal activity during episodes of arrhythmia can guide therapies designed to treat such disorders.