Method for analysis of complex rhythm disorders
Inventors
Narayan, Sanjiv M. • Rappel, Wouter-Jan
Assignees
US Department of Veterans Affairs • University of California San Diego UCSD
Publication Number
US-10092196-B2
Publication Date
2018-10-09
Expiration Date
2029-10-09
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Abstract
A method of analyzing a complex rhythm disorder in a human heart includes accessing signals from a plurality of sensors disposed spatially in relation to the heart, where the signals are associated with activations of the heart, and identifying a region of the heart having an activation trail that is rotational or radially emanating, where the activation trail is indicative of the complex rhythm disorder and is based on activation times associated with the activations of the heart.
Core Innovation
The invention discloses a method, system and devices for identifying, locating and treating causes of biological rhythm disorders, particularly complex heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular fibrillation (VF) and ventricular tachycardia (VT). The method involves sensing biological activation signals at multiple locations on the heart, collecting data that includes sensor locations and activation times, and analyzing these data to create an activation trail indicative of the cause of the disorder. Activation trails may be rotational, radially emanating, or dispersed, corresponding to rotors, focal beats, or other causes respectively.
The problem addressed is the difficulty in diagnosing and treating complex heart rhythm disorders due to poor tools for identifying and locating the causes. Existing methods and tools fail to directly identify and locate the cause of disorders such as AF, with current treatments often being empiric and damaging large areas of the atrium. This deficiency leads to suboptimal ablation success rates and risk of complications. The invention aims to provide improved diagnostic accuracy and targeted treatment by enabling detection and localization of electrical rotors, focal beats, and other causes via minimally invasive detection of activation times analyzed to generate activation trails that visually and analytically identify sources for therapy.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains a single independent claim detailing a computer-implemented method for identifying the cause of a heart rhythm disorder, focusing on diagnostic value computation and probability mapping.
Computing diagnostic values from multi-location cardiac data
The method involves computing diagnostic values, such as phase singularities, activation trails, or phase values, from data received from multiple sensor locations within the cardiac anatomy.
Comparing diagnostic values to stored references for probability assignment
Diagnostic values for each cardiac point are compared to previously-stored diagnostic values to assign probability values that indicate the likelihood that the cardiac rhythm disorder cause is associated with those points, considering factors such as rate of activation.
Generating a probability map to locate the cause within the cardiac anatomy
A probability map is generated from the assigned probability values relative to the sensor locations in the heart, visually representing probable sites corresponding to the cause of the disorder.
Producing a clinical representation based on the probability map
The system generates a clinical representation, such as a map or visualization, based on the probability map indicating the likelihood of causative points within the cardiac anatomy to assist clinical evaluation and treatment.
The independent claim focuses on a computer-implemented method that integrates multi-site cardiac signal analysis with comparison to stored diagnostic data to assign probabilities, generate maps, and produce clinical representations which identify and locate the cause of complex heart rhythm disorders.
Stated Advantages
The invention directly identifies and locates electrical rotors, focal beats, and other causes of heart rhythm disorders, enabling targeted treatment.
It reduces the extent of ablation needed, thereby minimizing tissue damage.
The method facilitates minimally invasive or surgical intervention by providing clear visual and analytical identification of disorder sources.
The system can use as little as one activation event (beat) for diagnosis.
It supports real-time and offline analysis and is compatible with multiple sensor configurations and signal types.
Documented Applications
Detection, diagnosis, and treatment of complex heart rhythm disorders including atrial fibrillation (AF), ventricular fibrillation (VF), and ventricular tachycardia (VT).
Minimally invasive procedures or surgical techniques for treating heart rhythm disorders via targeted ablation or other therapeutic interventions.
Diagnosis and treatment of simple heart rhythm disorders such as atrial tachycardia, premature atrial complexes (PAC), and premature ventricular complexes (PVC).
Application to disorders of electrical impulse generation or propagation in the brain and nervous system, including epilepsy or seizures.
Extension to electrical or contractile disorders of smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems.
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