Digital Signal Processing for Ventricular Myocardium Potential Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining abnormal electrical potential points in the ventricular myocardium are inaccurate and time-consuming, often leading to incorrect identification of healthy tissue as abnormal and missed latent abnormal points, resulting in high recurrence rates of ventricular tachycardia after ablation procedures.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that digitally interprets EKG and catheter signals using an amplification and analogue filtration module, analogue-to-digital converter, and microchip for real-time processing, automatically identifying abnormal electrical potential points based on amplitude, duration, synchronization with the QRS complex, and spectral fragmentation, with optional acoustic or luminous alerts for the physician.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional manual methods are used to identify abnormal electrical potential points, then the physician can interpret signals based on experience, but the process is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies including false positives and missed abnormalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical interpretation process with an automated digital signal processing system. The apparatus uses a microchip to automatically analyze electrical signals from the catheter, applying algorithms to identify abnormal potentials without requiring manual examination of each signal point, thereby eliminating the trade-off between accuracy and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing the apparatus to autonomously identify abnormal electrical potential points without continuous physician intervention. The microchip automatically processes signals, applies detection criteria, and highlights abnormal points, making the system self-sufficient in the critical function of abnormal point detection while the physician retains oversight.
2Reliability
If manual signal interpretation is used, then the physician has control over ablation decisions, but healthy tissue may be incorrectly identified as abnormal leading to unnecessary ablation and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective manual interpretation with objective digital signal processing algorithms that consistently apply predefined criteria for identifying abnormal potentials. This eliminates human error and bias, significantly improving detection reliability and reducing false positives that could lead to unnecessary ablation of healthy tissue and associated harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the microchip continuously monitors electrical signals and provides real-time information about abnormal points to the physician. This feedback loop allows for verification and adjustment, ensuring that only truly abnormal points are targeted for ablation, thereby reducing the risk of harmful effects from incorrect ablation decisions.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive signal analysis is performed manually, then all signal characteristics can be evaluated, but the complexity of tracking multiple instruments simultaneously makes the process difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple signal analysis functions into a single integrated microchip system. The apparatus combines amplification, filtering, analog-to-digital conversion, and abnormal point detection algorithms within one device, eliminating the need for physicians to manually track and correlate multiple separate instruments while maintaining comprehensive signal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The microchip-based system performs multiple functions including signal amplification, noise filtering, digital conversion, abnormal potential detection, and visual highlighting all within a single universal apparatus. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system complexity compared to using separate dedicated devices for each function while maintaining complete signal analysis capability.
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
This solution significantly increases the accuracy and speed of identifying abnormal electrical potential points, reducing the risk of myocardial perforation and coronary occlusion, shortening procedure time, and improving long-term ablation success rates by minimizing false ablation points and preserving healthy tissue.
Implementation Method 1
contains a module (2) for amplification and analogue filtering of the signal from an EKG device (3) and from a catheter (4)
Implementation Method 2
an analogue to digital signal convertor, a hardware device (6), such as a computer, microcontroller or any other equivalent device, for the digital processing of data
Implementation Method 3
module (2) for amplification and analogue filtering of the signal
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3~4B
Figure 5
AI summary
The invention refers to an apparatus that determines the abnormal electrical potential points which appear in the ventricular myocardium, particularly the left ventricle, which are capable of generating arrhythmias with a serious impact. The apparatus may assist the physician in objectively identifying, in real time, of the points which require ablating. The apparatus to determine the points of abnormal electrical potential from the ventricular myocardium contains an amplification and analogue filtering module, an analogue to digital signal converter, a hardware device which contains a microchip for digital processing, by means of a software, of signals received from an EKG and a catheter, with a display for the visualization of the signals received from the EKG and the catheter, as well as the abnormal electrical potentials found in the ventricular myocardium, identified via the software. The software analyzes the received signal from the catheter, referring to the amplitude, duration and synchronization with the QRS complex of the signal received from the EKG, as well as the degree of spectral fragmentation.