System and method of identifying sources associated with biological rhythm disorders
Inventors
Narayan, Sanjiv • Briggs, Carey Robert • Sehra, Ruchir
Assignees
US Department of Veterans Affairs • Topera Inc • University of California San Diego UCSD
Publication Number
US-10398326-B2
Publication Date
2019-09-03
Expiration Date
2033-03-15
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Abstract
An example system and method associated with identifying and treating a source of a heart rhythm disorder are disclosed. In accordance with therewith, a spatial element associated with a region of the heart is selected. Progressive rotational activations or progressive focal activations are determined in relation to the selected spatial element. A plurality of indexes of progressive rotational activations or progressive focal activations over time is formed. One or more indexes are selected from the plurality of indexes that indicate consistency of the successive rotational activations or the progressive focal activations in relation to a portion of the region of the heart.
Core Innovation
The invention discloses a system and method for identifying sources of biological rhythm disorders, particularly heart rhythm disorders, by analyzing spatial elements in the heart to determine progressive rotational activations or progressive focal activations. These activations are quantified over time by forming multiple indexes that indicate the consistency of such activations in relation to portions of the heart. This enables the identification of one or more sources of the heart rhythm disorder, which can then be targeted for treatment.
Heart rhythm disorders involve malfunction of the heart's electrical system and are often complex, such as atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, and polymorphic ventricular tachycardia. These complex disorders are difficult to treat because current tools inadequately identify the specific sources of the disorders. Traditional methods fail especially in complex rhythm disorders since activation onset patterns change beat to beat and can have interruptions or disorganized signals, making it hard to localize the earliest activation site or to track activation reliably.
The invention addresses problems of existing methods by providing improved detection of rotational or centrifugal activation sources, even in the presence of complex, irregular signals, noise, and disorganized activation. It introduces novel metrics and analysis techniques, including progressive angular deviation (PAD) and polar coordinate system analysis, to track activation patterns that are interrupted, spatially distorted, or affected by noise, enabling the detection and characterization of sources such as rotors and focal impulse regions in the heart. This facilitates precise treatment targeting to ameliorate or cure heart rhythm disorders.
Claims Coverage
The patent contains three independent claims outlining methods, systems, and storage media relating to identifying sources of heart rhythm disorders by analyzing progressive rotational and focal activations associated with spatial elements in the heart.
Method for identifying sources of heart rhythm disorders using progressive activation indexes
Selecting a spatial element associated with a heart region; determining progressive rotational or focal activations relative to that element; forming multiple indexes of these activations over time; selecting indexes indicating consistency of these successive activations; generating representations from these activations; and identifying one or more sources of the heart rhythm disorder using these representations.
System to identify and treat heart rhythm disorders based on activation analysis
A system with a processor and memory configured to select spatial elements, determine progressive rotational or focal activations, form indexes of these activations, select consistent activation indexes, generate representations, and identify one or more sources related to the heart rhythm disorder for treatment.
Non-transitory storage medium storing instructions to perform source identification
A storage medium storing processor-executable instructions for selecting spatial elements; determining progressive rotational or focal activations; forming a plurality of activation indexes; selecting consistent indexes; generating representations associated with these activations; and identifying one or more heart rhythm disorder sources using the generated representations.
The claims collectively cover novel methods, systems, and software storage mediums for identifying sources of heart rhythm disorders by analyzing consistency and patterns of progressive rotational and focal cardiac activations around spatial elements, enabling accurate detection and representation of such sources to facilitate treatment.
Stated Advantages
The method and system can be carried out rapidly while a sensor device is positioned in or near the patient, enabling immediate treatment targeting.
The approach can detect rotational and focal activations even in the presence of complex signals, interruptions, spatial distortions, and noise, which traditional methods fail to handle effectively.
The invention facilitates identifying and characterizing complex sources such as rotors and focal impulse regions that drive heart rhythm disorders, improving treatment precision and potential success.
Documented Applications
Identification and treatment of complex heart rhythm disorders including atrial fibrillation, ventricular fibrillation, atrial tachycardia, atrial flutter, polymorphic or monomorphic ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular flutter.
Guiding ablation therapy by pinpointing heart tissue regions responsible for sustaining the heart rhythm disorder for selective modification or destruction.
Applicability to other biological rhythm disorders such as neurological seizures, esophageal spasms, bladder instability, and irritable bowel syndrome where biological signals can be analyzed to determine disorder sources.
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