System and method to identify sources associated with biological rhythm disorders
Inventors
Narayan, Sanjiv • Briggs, Carey Robert • Sehra, Ruchir
Assignees
United States, As Represented By Department Of Veteans Affairs • US Department of Veterans Affairs • Topera Inc • University of California San Diego UCSD
Publication Number
US-10271744-B2
Publication Date
2019-04-30
Expiration Date
2033-03-15
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
In a system and method for identifying a driver of a source associated with a heart rhythm disorder, data are accessed from a plurality of sensors representing biological activity in the heart. A first region and a second region of the heart, which comprise the source of the heart rhythm disorder, are identified. If the first region of the heart has repeating centrifugal activation and controls the second region of the heart for at least a predetermined number of beats, the first region is identified as controlling the source of the heart rhythm disorder.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a system and method for identifying a driver of a source associated with heart rhythm disorders by accessing data from multiple sensors representing biological activity in the heart. It identifies a local first region of the heart exhibiting repeating centrifugal activation that controls a second distant region for a predetermined number of beats, thereby designating the first region as controlling the source of the heart rhythm disorder.
The problem being addressed stems from the difficulty in treating complex heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation and ventricular fibrillation due to the inability to accurately locate and define the core or origin of sources causing these disorders. While rotational and focal sources have been identified, the inner mechanism or core driving these sources has been unclear, with existing techniques unable to distinguish between significant drivers and incidental or passive activations.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes two sets of independent claims directed to a method and a system for identifying a region controlling a source of a heart rhythm disorder. These independent claims disclose main inventive features focusing on accessing sensor data, identifying regions with repeating centrifugal activation, determining control relationships, and assigning driver roles.
Accessing sensor data representing biological heart activity
Data from a plurality of sensors that detect biological activity in the heart are accessed to gather information relevant to identifying sources of heart rhythm disorders.
Identifying regions comprising the source with repeating centrifugal activation
A first local region and a second region of the heart comprising the source are identified, where the first region exhibits repeating centrifugal activation patterns.
Determining control of a second region by the first region
It is determined whether the first region controls the activation in the second region of the heart for at least a predetermined number of beats.
Assigning the first region as controlling the source based on persistent control
The first region is identified as controlling the source of the heart rhythm disorder when it persistently controls the second region for the predetermined number of beats.
Determining stability of repeating activation by computing indexes
Stability of the repeating activation in the first region is determined by computing indexes of centrifugal activation, which may include vectors of activation, linear velocity, correlation analysis, or spatial progressive activation maps.
Classifying the first region as a driver of the source
The first region is classified as a driver if it controls the second region for multiple beats, signifying it as an internal driver or core of a focal source associated with the heart rhythm disorder.
The inventive features of the claims collectively provide a method and system for accurately identifying and classifying regions driving heart rhythm disorders by analyzing repeated centrifugal activation and control of distant heart areas, thereby defining the core of focal sources and facilitating targeted treatment.
Stated Advantages
Ability to recognize persistent rotational or centrifugal electrical patterns to accurately determine sources of complex heart rhythm disorders.
Improved identification of driver regions controlling distant heart regions, eliminating spurious or transient activations that do not contribute to the disorder.
Capability to rapidly process activation data in real-time during a procedure, enabling immediate treatment such as ablation.
Provision of quantitative and qualitative indicators for the strength, consistency, and duration of drivers of rhythm disorders.
Documented Applications
Identification and treatment of sources of complex heart rhythm disorders, including atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, atrial tachycardia, and other cardiac arrhythmias.
Use in conjunction with catheter-based sensor arrays inserted into the heart or external sensors such as electrocardiograms or magnetocardiograms to detect cardiac electrical activity.
Generation of activation propagation maps and heat maps assisting surgeons in localizing the core regions driving heart rhythm disorders for targeted ablation therapy.
Interested in licensing this patent?