WO2019028103A2 - Procédés de cartographie cardiaque et de fusion de modèle - Google Patents

Procédés de cartographie cardiaque et de fusion de modèle Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2019028103A2
WO2019028103A2 PCT/US2018/044746 US2018044746W WO2019028103A2 WO 2019028103 A2 WO2019028103 A2 WO 2019028103A2 US 2018044746 W US2018044746 W US 2018044746W WO 2019028103 A2 WO2019028103 A2 WO 2019028103A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heart
activation
model
location
pvc
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2018/044746
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2019028103A3 (fr
Inventor
Steve Adler
Original Assignee
Catheter Precision, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Catheter Precision, Inc. filed Critical Catheter Precision, Inc.
Priority to CN201880052802.3A priority Critical patent/CN110996776B/zh
Priority to JP2020505256A priority patent/JP7244108B2/ja
Priority to EP18756089.1A priority patent/EP3661406A2/fr
Publication of WO2019028103A2 publication Critical patent/WO2019028103A2/fr
Publication of WO2019028103A3 publication Critical patent/WO2019028103A3/fr

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/68—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient
    • A61B5/6846—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be brought in contact with an internal body part, i.e. invasive
    • A61B5/6847—Arrangements of detecting, measuring or recording means, e.g. sensors, in relation to patient specially adapted to be brought in contact with an internal body part, i.e. invasive mounted on an invasive device
    • A61B5/6852—Catheters
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B34/00—Computer-aided surgery; Manipulators or robots specially adapted for use in surgery
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/02—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse, heart rate, blood pressure or blood flow; Combined pulse/heart-rate/blood pressure determination; Evaluating a cardiovascular condition not otherwise provided for, e.g. using combinations of techniques provided for in this group with electrocardiography or electroauscultation; Heart catheters for measuring blood pressure
    • A61B5/024—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate
    • A61B5/0245—Detecting, measuring or recording pulse rate or heart rate by using sensing means generating electric signals, i.e. ECG signals
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/05—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves 
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/05—Detecting, measuring or recording for diagnosis by means of electric currents or magnetic fields; Measuring using microwaves or radio waves 
    • A61B5/053—Measuring electrical impedance or conductance of a portion of the body
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/06—Devices, other than using radiation, for detecting or locating foreign bodies ; determining position of probes within or on the body of the patient
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/25—Bioelectric electrodes therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/25—Bioelectric electrodes therefor
    • A61B5/279—Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses
    • A61B5/28—Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses for electrocardiography [ECG]
    • A61B5/283—Invasive
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/25—Bioelectric electrodes therefor
    • A61B5/279—Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses
    • A61B5/28—Bioelectric electrodes therefor specially adapted for particular uses for electrocardiography [ECG]
    • A61B5/283—Invasive
    • A61B5/287—Holders for multiple electrodes, e.g. electrode catheters for electrophysiological study [EPS]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/316—Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
    • A61B5/318—Heart-related electrical modalities, e.g. electrocardiography [ECG]
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/316—Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
    • A61B5/318—Heart-related electrical modalities, e.g. electrocardiography [ECG]
    • A61B5/339—Displays specially adapted therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/24—Detecting, measuring or recording bioelectric or biomagnetic signals of the body or parts thereof
    • A61B5/316—Modalities, i.e. specific diagnostic methods
    • A61B5/318—Heart-related electrical modalities, e.g. electrocardiography [ECG]
    • A61B5/346—Analysis of electrocardiograms
    • A61B5/349—Detecting specific parameters of the electrocardiograph cycle
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/72—Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/72—Signal processing specially adapted for physiological signals or for diagnostic purposes
    • A61B5/7221—Determining signal validity, reliability or quality
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/74—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means
    • A61B5/742—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means using visual displays
    • A61B5/743—Displaying an image simultaneously with additional graphical information, e.g. symbols, charts, function plots
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/74—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means
    • A61B5/742—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means using visual displays
    • A61B5/7435—Displaying user selection data, e.g. icons in a graphical user interface
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/74—Details of notification to user or communication with user or patient ; user input means
    • A61B5/7475—User input or interface means, e.g. keyboard, pointing device, joystick
    • A61B5/748—Selection of a region of interest, e.g. using a graphics tablet
    • A61B5/7485—Automatic selection of region of interest

Definitions

  • Some heart defects in the conduction system result in asynchronous contraction (arrhythmia) of the heart and are sometimes referred to as conduction disorders. As a result, the heart does not pump enough blood, which may ultimately lead to heart failure.
  • Conduction disorders can have a variety of causes, including age, heart (muscle) damage, medications and genetics.
  • PVCs Premature Ventricular Contractions
  • PVCs are abnormal or aberrant heart beats that start somewhere in the heart ventricles rather than in the upper chambers of the heart as with normal sinus beats. PVCs typically result in a lower cardiac output as the ventricles contract before they have had a chance to completely fill with blood. PVCs may also trigger
  • V-Tach Ventricular Tachycardia
  • Ventricular tachycardia is another heart arrhythmia disorder caused by abnormal electrical signals in the heart ventricles.
  • the abnormal electrical signals cause the heart to beat faster than normal, usually more than 100 beats per minute, with the beats starting in the heart ventricles.
  • VT generally occurs in people with underlying heart abnormalities.
  • VT can sometimes occur in structurally normal hearts, and in such patients the origin of abnormal electrical signals can be in multiple locations in the heart.
  • One common location is in the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT), which is the route the blood flows from the right ventricle to the lungs.
  • RVOT right ventricular outflow tract
  • scarring from the heart attack can create a milieu of intact heart muscle and a scar that predisposes patients to VT.
  • LBBB Left Bundle Branch Block
  • RBBB Right Bundle Branch Block
  • CRT Cardiac resynchronization therapy
  • CS coronary sinus
  • RA right atrial
  • Catheter ablation is a treatment of choice in patients with VT and/or symptomatic PVCs.
  • the targets for ablation are locations in the heart where PVCs are occurring or locations where the onset of the VT is occurring.
  • a treating physician may first stimulate a proposed location using an electrical lead, in order to determine whether ablation at the proposed location will provide a desired electrical activation pattern stimulation of the heart.
  • Various embodiments provide methods of cardiac mapping and model merging including: generating a premature ventricular contraction (PVC) activation map of a heart based on a three-dimensional (3D) heart model and PVC electrocardiogram (ECG) data recording during PVC of a heart; generating a 3D internal surface model of the heart by triangulating point-by-point contact data collected during an electrophysiology (EP) procedure; merging the 3D activation map and the 3D internal surface model to form a PVC activation surface model; and pacing the heart at a first pacing location disposed in an area of earliest activation identified in PVC activation surface model, using an EP catheter.
  • PVC premature ventricular contraction
  • ECG electrocardiogram
  • Various embodiments provide methods of cardiac mapping, including: attaching 12 electrodes of an electrocardiogram (ECG) device to the chest of a patient; recording electrocardiogram (ECG) data using the ECG device; generating an activation map of the heart, based on the ECG data, a 3D chest model, and two-dimensional (2D) images of the heart of the patient, the PVC activation map including an area of earliest activation;
  • ECG electrocardiogram
  • 2D two-dimensional
  • Some embodiments include applying fiducial markers to the patient's body (e.g., chest or torso) to identify anatomical locations, with the markers configured to be recognized in image data by detecting light reflected from the fiducial markers included in the image data so that a patient-specific three dimensional (3D) anatomical model may be generated that merges the image data with a 3D anatomical model of the patient' s chest by registering the identified anatomical locations with corresponding anatomical locations in imaging obtained from CT or MRI scans
  • 3D three dimensional
  • FIG. 1 is an example of a 3D model of a heart according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 2A is a plan view of a 3D model of electrical activation of a heart according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 2B is a plan view of a 3D model of electrical activation of a heart according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 2C is a plan view of a synchronicity map according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 2D is a plan view of a synchronicity map according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of a cardiac imaging system according to various embodiments.
  • FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views of 3D models of the electrical activation of a heart according to various embodiments.
  • FIGS. 4C and 4D are plan views of synchronicity maps according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic representation of a cardiac imaging system according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 7A is schematic representations of LAO and PA views of a 3D model of electrical activation of a heart according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 7B is schematic representations of LAO and PA views of a synchronicity map according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 8A is schematic representations of LAO and PA views of a 3D model of electrical activation of a heart according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 8B is schematic representations of LAO and PA views of a synchronicity map according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a surgical imaging system according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 10 is a flow diagram of a method of using the system of FIG. 9 according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 11 A is a flow diagram of a method of using the system of FIG. 9 according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 1 IB illustrates an example of a reference cardiac image generated during the method of FIG. 11 A.
  • FIGS. 11C and 1 ID show activation maps that may be generated during the method of FIG. 11 A.
  • FIG. 12 is a flow diagram of a method of using the system of FIG. 9 according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 13 is a system block diagram of a cardiac imaging system, according to various embodiments.
  • FIGS. 14A and 14B are 3D images of electrical leads and fiducial markers on a patient's torso according to various embodiments.
  • An electrocardiogram is defined herein as any method that (preferably non- invasively) correlates actual electrical activity of the heart muscle to measured or derived (electrical activity) of the heart.
  • ECG electrocardiogram
  • the differences in potential between electrodes on the body surface are correlated to the electrical activity of the heart.
  • Derived ECG's can also be obtained in other ways (e.g. by measurement made by a so- called ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator)). In order to obtain such a functional image an estimation of the movement of the electrical activity has to be provided.
  • cardiac dyssynchrony probably causes LV remodeling. Therefore, cardiac dyssynchrony accelerates the progression of chronic congestive heart failure (CHF) and reduces patient survival.
  • CHF chronic congestive heart failure
  • Bundle branch block is a condition in which there is a delay or obstruction along the pathway of the electrical impulses. The delay or blockage may occur on the pathway that sends electrical impulses to the left or the right ventricles.
  • Left BBB is a condition in which the electrical impulses to the LV are slowed, and is one of the leading causes of cardiac desynchronization. In particular, activation begins only in the RV and proceeds through the septum before reaching the LV endocardium.
  • a pacemaker is an electronic device, approximately the size of a pocket watch, which senses intrinsic heart rhythms and provides electrical stimulation when indicated. Cardiac pacing can be either temporary or permanent.
  • Permanent pacing is most commonly accomplished through transvenous placement of leads to the endocardium (i.e., right atrium or ventricle) or epicardium (i.e., the LV surface via the coronary sinus), which are subsequently connected to a pacing generator placed subcutaneously in the infra-clavicular region.
  • endocardium i.e., right atrium or ventricle
  • epicardium i.e., the LV surface via the coronary sinus
  • miniaturized pacemakers have been developed for implantation directly on or in the heart.
  • Cardiac resynchronization therapy is a specialized type of pacemaker therapy that provides biventricular pacing. CRT is carried out with or without the use of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), a device employed for treatment and
  • ICD implantable cardioverter-defibrillator
  • ventricular tachycardia VT
  • VF ventricular fibrillation
  • FIG. 1 shows a three-dimensional (3D) model of a heart 1 seen in two different directions.
  • the 3D model includes a mesh 6 representing an outer surface of the heart, here the myocardial surface.
  • the model also may include the septal wall.
  • the mesh 6 has a plurality of nodes 8.
  • the mesh is a triangular mesh in which the surface of the heart is approximated by adjoining triangles.
  • FIGS. 2A-2D are 3D models 4 of a heart showing the initial electrical activation of a heart 1 from various single stimulation locations 10.
  • FIGS. 2A-2C show a ventricular surface of the myocardium with a septal wall 2.
  • the 3D model 4 may include a mesh 6 representing a ventricular surface of the heart, here an outer surface of the ventricular myocardium with septal wall as represented in FIG. 1.
  • the mesh 6 has a plurality of nodes 8.
  • the heart 1 is electrically stimulated at a stimulation location 10.
  • the electrical signals will travel through the heart tissue.
  • different parts of the heart will be activated at different times.
  • Each location on the heart has a particular delay relative to the initial stimulation.
  • Each node 8 has associated therewith a value representative of a time delay between stimulation of the heart 1 at the stimulation location 10 and activation of the heart at that respective node 8.
  • Locations that share the same delay time are connected by isochrones 12 in FIGS. 2A-2D.
  • isochrones are defined as lines drawn on a 3D heart surface model connecting points on the model at which the activation occurs or arrives at the same time.
  • the delay time for nodes across the heart surface in this example is also displayed by differing rendering shading.
  • the vertical bar indicates the time delay in milliseconds associated with the respective colors. It will be appreciated that the stimulation location 10 can be the location of intrinsic activation of the heart 1.
  • FIG. 3 is a system block diagram of a system 100 for providing a representation of synchronicity of electrical activation of heart tissue.
  • the system 100 includes a processing unit 102, and a memory 104.
  • the 3D electrical activation model 4 can be obtained by combining
  • electrocardiographic and medical imaging data in a system 100 may be stored in the memory 104.
  • the processing unit 102 may be connected to an electrocardiographic system 106 and a medical imaging system 108 for retrieving the data and storing corresponding data in the memory 104.
  • An electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) method able to determine the cardiac activation from a 12 lead ECG may be applied by the processing unit 102 for determining the 3D model 4 of electrical activation of the heart.
  • ECG signals may be combined with a patient-specific 3D anatomical model of the heart, lungs, and/or torso, in order to compute the positions of the cardiac isochrones.
  • the patient-specific 3D anatomical model may be obtained from a magnetic resonance image (MR I) or computed tomography (CT) images received from a medical imaging system 108.
  • MR I magnetic resonance image
  • CT computed tomography
  • a 3D anatomical model showing closest conformity to the patient may be selected, and optionally modified, from a database including a plurality of 3D anatomical models.
  • the selected, and optionally modified, 3D anatomical model may serve as the patient-specific 3D anatomical model.
  • the 3D model 4 may also include further information.
  • the 3D model 4 may include cardiac blood vessels 14 and/or veins on the myocardium. This information may be added to the 3D model 4 in that nodes are indicated as being associated with such blood vessel.
  • the blood vessels 14 may then be identified and optionally shown in the 3D model 4.
  • the processing unit 102 may include a first recognition unit 110 arranged for automatically retrieving information representative of the location of such blood vessels from the patient's 3D anatomical model of the heart. The processing unit 102 may then automatically insert this information into the 3D model 4.
  • the 3D model 4 may also include information on scar tissue. Scar tissue locations may be obtained from delayed enhancement magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images and added to the 3D model 4. Scar tissue can be simulated in the 3D model 4 by reducing the propagation velocity of electrical signals there through. Scar tissue can also be accounted for by selling the transition from one node to another to very slow or non-transitional for the areas in the heart wall where scar tissue is present.
  • the processing unit 102 may include a second recognition unit 112 configured and arranged for automatically retrieving information representative of the location of such scar tissue from the patient- specific 3D anatomical model of the heart. The processing unit 102 may automatically insert this information into the 3D model 4.
  • MRI magnetic resonance imaging
  • the obtained 3D model 4 may be used for obtaining further information on electrical activation of the heart. For example, the time delay of activation from one node to another may be determined. This may be used to generate, on the basis of the 3D model 4, other views resulting from initial stimulation at other nodes of the mesh 6.
  • the processing unit 102 may include an insertion unit 114, which may take the 3D model 4 and define a certain node as a stimulation location. It will be appreciated that the 3D model 4 may assume stimulation at a predetermined node. The insertion unit 114 may remove stimulation at that predetermined node for calculation purposes.
  • FIG. 2B shows an exemplary of a 3D model 4 resulting from initial stimulation at another stimulation location 10'. It will be appreciated that a view resulting from initial stimulation at other nodes of the mesh 6 may be generated for each node of the mesh 6.
  • a particular electrical activation sequence of the entire heart 1, resulting from stimulation at a particular node, may be summarized in a single parameter, namely, heart activation synchronicity.
  • the heart activation synchronicity provides an indication of how synchronously the entire heart is activated. For common situations, a more synchronous activation of the heart is considered beneficial.
  • the measure for heart activation synchronicity in this example is the standard deviation (std) of the depolarization (dep) times of the heart. Hence, the heart activation synchronicity provides an indication of
  • the processing unit 102 may include a synchronicity determination unit 116 configured to determine the heart activation synchronicity.
  • the heart activation synchronicity may be determined separately for stimulation at each node. Hence, a measure of heart activation
  • the processing unit 102 may include a synchronicity map generation unit 118 configured to generate a synchronicity map based on the calculation of the heart activation synchronicity for each node, by the synchronicity determination unit 116.
  • the processing unit 102 may b e connected with an output unit 120 arranged for outputting the synchronicity map 15 and/or alternative data to a user.
  • the output unit may be a display unit, a printer, a messaging unit, or the like.
  • FIG. 2C shows an example of a heart synchronicity map 15. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2C, heart activation synchronicity is indicated for each node in the map 15.
  • the indication may be shown by providing false colors and/or iso-sync lines 16.
  • the iso-sync lines 16 connect nodes having the same heart activation synchronicity.
  • the heart synchronicity map 15 provides a singular 3D overview showing the locations on the heart that result in good heart activation synchronicity, and the locations on the heart that result in poor heart activation synchronicity, if the heart were stimulated at such locations.
  • FIG. 2C it can be seen that the original stimulation location 10 does not provide particularly good synchronization, with a heart activation synchronicity value of approximately 45 ms standard deviation of the depolarization times of the heart.
  • the least favorable stimulation location here the location with the highest heart activation synchronicity value, is indicated at S-.
  • the most favorable stimulation location S+ can best be seen when looking at the synchronicity map 15 from another direction, as shown in FIG. 2D.
  • Another example of a measure for heart activation synchronicity is a range in depolarization times (maximum depolarization time - minimum depolarization time). The range in depolarization times may be corrected for cycle length.
  • Another example of a measure for heart activation synchronicity is a standard deviation of the Left Ventricle (LV) depolarization times only.
  • Another example of a measure for heart activation synchronicity is a delay between stimulus and Septum activation.
  • Another example of a measure for heart activation synchronicity is an AV delay.
  • Another example of a measure for heart activation synchronicity is a VV delay. It will be appreciated that the measure for heart activation synchronicity may be chosen depending upon the task at hand and/or depending on a specific condition or abnormality experienced in the patient.
  • FIG. 4A shows a second example in which a second stimulation location 18 is defined. Electrical activation of the heart is calculated using the 3D model 4 and simultaneous stimulation at the first stimulation location 10 and the second stimulation location 18. In this example, the insertion unit 114 does not remove stimulation at the first location 8 for calculation purposes.
  • FIG. 4A shows the calculated resulting electrical activation of the heart 1. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4 A, the total activation time shortens due to the addition of the second stimulation location 18.
  • the first stimulation location 10 represents the location of intrinsic activation of the heart, or a first chosen location to stimulate or a stimulation generated by an already present pacemaker lead within the heart.
  • FIG. 4B shows an example of electrical activation of the heart resulting from initial stimulation at a second stimulation location 18' simultaneous with stimulation at first stimulation location 10. It will be appreciated that a view resulting from initial stimulation at second nodes of the mesh 6, simultaneous with stimulation at a first node associated with the first stimulation location 10 may be generated for each node of the mesh 6.
  • a particular electrical activation sequence of the entire heart is combined and shown as the heart activation synchronicity.
  • the electrical activation sequence involves stimulation at the second stimulation location 18 at the same time as stimulation at the first stimulation location 10.
  • the heart activation synchronicity again provides an indication of how synchronously the entire heart is activated.
  • the heart activation synchronicity may be determined separately for stimulations at each node simultaneously with stimulation at the first 10 and second 18 stimulation locations. This provides a measure of heart activation synchronicity for each node acting as a third stimulation location of the mesh 6.
  • FIG. 4C shows an example of a heart synchronicity map showing locations on the heart that result in good heart activation synchronicity as well as location on the heart that result in poor heart activation synchronicity if the heart were stimulated at such locations simultaneous with stimulation at the first stimulation location 10 and the second
  • the least favorable third stimulation location S- had the highest heart activation synchronicity value of approximately 41 ms, when the first stimulation location 10 and the second stimulation location 18 were stimulated simultaneously.
  • the most favorable third stimulation location S+ had the lowest heart activation synchronicity value, when with the first stimulation location 10 and the second stimulation location 18 were stimulated simultaneously.
  • the most favorable stimulation location S+ can best be seen when looking at the synchronicity map 15 from another direction, as shown in FIG. 4D.
  • FIG. 5 is a data flow representation of a system 100 for providing a synchronicity map.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a method of determining heart synchronicity using the system 100 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5 according to an embodiment.
  • the system 100 includes a processing unit 102 which receives data from hardware modules.
  • the processing unit 102 may receive ECG data from an electrocardiographic system 106.
  • the processing unit may receive patient-specific anatomical data from a medical imaging system 108.
  • the processing unit 102 may receive information on the positions of ECG leads relative to the anatomy of the patient from a positioning system 109, such as a 3D image of a patient's chest including the electrodes.
  • the 3D image and the torso model may be aligned, and the locations of the electrodes in the model may be adjusted to coincide with the electrode locations in the 3D image.
  • Knowledge of the location of the ECG electrodes relative to the heart, and in particular the Vl-6 precordial electrodes, may be especially important for accurately computing the onset location of PVC.
  • the offsets of the electrodes from their assumed ideal locations may be determined based on a comparison of detected ECG signals of a normal heart beat to ideal ECG normal heart beat signals. For example, the offsets may be determined based on how a detected ECG signal will be affected by variations in the position of electrodes with respect to ideal electrode positions.
  • the recorded ECG data may be used to determine a stimulation onset location for a normal beat. Since the normal onset location in the SA node is known, the determined offset location may be compared to this known onset location, and the offset of the electrodes may be deduced based on the variation therebetween. As such, it may be possible to determine electrode offsets without generating the 3D map.
  • the processing unit 102 may determine the synchronicity map 15.
  • the processing unit 102 may include the following units, and may perform the operations of the method 200 illustrated in FIG. 6 and described below to generate a synchronicity map.
  • the processing unit 102 may use a patient-specific 3D anatomical model of the thorax of the patient and the size, orientation, and location of the heart within the thorax. Such a model may be selected in block 201 for further use by the processing unit 102.
  • the processor may determine whether such a model is already available in determination block 202.
  • the retrieval unit 103 retrieves the suitable anatomical model from the database 117 in block 206. Also in block 206, the retrieval unit 103 may adapt the anatomical model from the database to the 3D image of the patient, so as to transform the selected anatomical model into a (quasi) patient-specific 3D anatomical model.
  • the patient-specific 3D model may also include the size, orientation and/or location of other structures in the patient, such as the lungs and/or other organs.
  • the patient-specific 3D model may be a volume conductor model.
  • a lead locator module 105 may determine corresponding positions of the ECG leads in the patient-specific 3D model to provide an enhanced patient-specific model in block 210.
  • a virtual stimulation unit 111 may add an initial virtual stimulation to an electrical model of the heart, based on previously determined and/or assumed transition velocities between nodes, in block 216.
  • An assumed transition velocity may be 0.8 ms, for example.
  • the electrical model may include arteries, veins, and/or scar tissue as explained above.
  • a 3D electric model of virtual activation of the heart of the patient may be generated.
  • a synchronicity determination unit 116 may generate a synchronicity map 15 in block 222, as described above.
  • determination block 230 N
  • the method 200 proceeds to determination block 232 in which it is determined whether an extra virtual stimulation location is needed or should be added, or if a virtual stimulation location should be moved or changed with respect to the timing parameters. This determination may be made by a clinician, by the processing unit, or by the clinician based on information or recommendations presented on a display by the processing unit.
  • a new activation may be generated. Synchronicity may then be recalculated in block 222, and the process may be repeated until a desired activation is determined to be achieved in determination block 230.
  • the system 100 may also virtually adapt the current artificial stimulation locations, i.e., pacemaker lead locations, with respect to its current stimulation parameters to reach optimum synchronicity.
  • current artificial stimulation locations i.e., pacemaker lead locations
  • the system 100 may also be used for assessing multiple stimulations.
  • the multiple stimulations may be a combination of intrinsic activation and stimulated activation (pacing).
  • the multiple stimulations may be a multiple stimulated activation (pacing). It is possible that the user or the processing
  • an additional stimulation location such as an additional pacemaker lead
  • an additional stimulation location may be inserted by the insertion unit 114. Then activation for the situation with the original stimulation location and the added virtual stimulation location may be determined again in block 226, and synchronicity may be recalculated in block 222. On the basis of the synchronicity map, the processing unit 102 may determine in determination block 230 whether the additional virtual stimulation location resulted in optimum synchronicity.
  • the method 200 proceeds to block 232, in which it is determined whether an extra virtual stimulation location should be added, or if a virtual stimulation location should be moved or removed, with respect to the timing parameters. In such a case, the process may be repeated one or more times.
  • a cardiac synchronicity model may be generated.
  • the synchronicity model may be a 3D heart surface model including iso-sync lines as described above in which the iso-sync lines represent the activation synchronicity of the heart. This synchronicity may be based on specific activation conditions, such as right ventricle activation at a lead position of a pacemaker.
  • the synchronicity model may be generated and the activation isochrones for the intrinsic LBBB pattern may be determined in the following blocks.
  • a patient-specific anatomical 3D model of the heart, lungs, and thorax may be generated, e.g. on the basis of an MRI or CT image of the patient, or derived from a model taken from a database adapted to the patient' s dimensions, e.g. with use of the 3D camera.
  • the anatomical 3D model may include a 3D surface model of the heart, a 3D surface model of the lungs, and a 3D surface model of the thorax.
  • a 3D surface model may be a close approximation of the actual surface of the heart by means of a mesh of a plurality of polygons, such as triangles, connected at their corners. The interconnected corners form nodes of the mesh.
  • ECG e.g. a 12-lead ECG
  • the exact locations of the electrodes of the ECG device on the thorax may be recorded.
  • the positions of the electrodes in the 3D anatomical model are used for estimating the distribution, fluctuation, and/or movement of electrical activity through heart tissue.
  • the exact locations of the recording leads or the ECG device may be entered in the anatomical 3D representation of the thorax.
  • scar tissue may be incorporated in the anatomical 3D representation of the heart. The presence and location of scar tissue may be derived from delayed enhancement MRI images.
  • the measurements per recording lead of the ECG device may be related to the heart and torso geometry. Using an inverse procedure, the intrinsic activation may be determined. The distribution, fluctuation, and/or movement of electrical activity through heart tissue may be based upon a myocardial distance function, a fastest route algorithm, shortest path algorithm, and/or fast marching algorithm.
  • a stimulus site may be added to the intrinsic activation for each node on the heart and the desired synchronicity of the heart may be computed from the outcome.
  • a "node” refers to an intersection point of the triangles of upon which the anatomical 3D heart model is based.
  • the above methods may also be used to determine an optimal location for placement of a cardiac pacemaker electrode.
  • synchronicity maps may be computed.
  • the intrinsic activation map, in combination with a determined stimulation point may be applied to a new cardiac isochrone positing map.
  • FIG. 7A shows examples of 3D synchronization maps of LBBB activation patterns of a heart.
  • FIG. 7A shows the left anterior oblique (LOA) view.
  • FIG. 7A shows a postero-anterior (PA) view.
  • FIG. 7B shows a synchronization map for the heart of FIG. 7A.
  • FIG. 7B shows the LAO view and on the right,
  • FIG. 7B shows the PA view.
  • An updated 3D model of electrical activation of the heart may be generated including intrinsic activation simultaneously with stimulation in the area on the basal left free wall. This updated 3D map may then be used to generate a new synchronicity map to check the lead location(s) in the RV. By doing this, a clinician may determine whether lead(s) should also stimulate instead of only sensing. A clinician may also determine whether lead(s) should be shifted. A clinician may also determine whether extra stimulation lead(s) should be added.
  • a clinician may also determine whether intrinsic AV conduction is beneficial.
  • Intrinsic AV conduction will generally conduct to the right bundle, after which the LV needs to be activated by stimulating the LV. This may also be reversed, i.e., with a RBBB waiting for LV activation and stimulating the RV free wall at an optimal position. By repeating the procedure for both left and right ventricle, the exact location and timing of cardiac pacing can be fine-tuned.
  • the whole procedure may be performed using only simulated (pacemaker) stimulation, instead of the intrinsic activation. Blocks IB and ID above may be omitted in that case. The whole procedure will then be based on artificial activation.
  • FIG. 8A shows an example of left stimulated activation of an LBBB pattern.
  • FIG. 8A shows the LAO view, on the right the PA view.
  • FIG. 8B shows an example of a synchronicity map 15 for the heart shown in FIG. 8 A.
  • FIG. 8B shows the LAO view, on the right the PA view.
  • the synchronicity map of FIG. 8B shows the standard deviation of the depolarization times of the heart as a result of one extra stimulation location combined with the left stimulated activation of the heart. From FIG. 8B, it can be seen that choosing the additional stimulation location in the area on the basal left free wall 20 reduces the standard deviation of the depolarization times of the heart the most. Therefore, in this example the area on the basal left free wall could be selected as best location for a pacemaker electrode.
  • An updated 3D model of electrical activation of the heart may be generated including intrinsic activation simultaneously with stimulation in the area on the basal left free wall.
  • FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a cardiac imaging system according to various embodiments.
  • FIG. 10 is a flow diagram showing a method 300 of implanting an electrode using the system of FIG. 9 according to various embodiments.
  • a 3D activation map of the heart of a patient may be generated by a processing unit 400 of the system.
  • a 3D model of the chest and/or heart of the patient may be generated by a CT or MRI device 108
  • ECG data of the patient may be recorded by an ECG recorder 106
  • a 3D image of the torso of the patient may be generated by a 3D camera 109.
  • This data may be provided to an activation map generator 320 of the processing unit 400.
  • the ECG data may include extrinsic and/or intrinsic stimulation signals received from the patient.
  • the locations of one or more predicted optimal pacing locations may be identified.
  • the activation map may be provided to a synchronicity determining unit 322 to determine cardiac synchronicity. This data may then be used by a virtual stimulation point generator 324 to identify one or more suggested pacing locations.
  • pacing locations may be located in positions where cardiac dys synchrony occurs, such that the stimulation thereof is predicted to generate maximized amounts of heart activation and/or synchronization.
  • the pacing locations may be based on a difference between LV and RV activation times, earliest and/or latest activation of the LV and/or RV, a detected depolarization wave blockage, or the like, for example.
  • one or more virtual pacing locations may be displayed.
  • one or more pacing locations may be added to the activation map as virtual pacing locations.
  • the activation map and images generated by a real-time imaging device 328 such as a fluoroscope, a radiography device, an X-ray computed tomography (CT) device, or the like, may be provided to an image integrator 326.
  • the image integrator 326 may compare and/or align the activation map and the real-time image. Based on the comparison and/or alignment, the activation map including the stimulation point(s) may be overlain on the real-time image.
  • virtual stimulation point(s) may be added to the real-time images to produce modified real-time images that may be provided to a display 330 for rendering.
  • block 304 may include providing a reference image showing internal structures of the heart to the display 330.
  • the additional image may be based on a 2D cardiac image, such as one of the MRI or CT images used to generate the activation map.
  • a 2D image may be modified to show additional features.
  • a 2D cardiac image may be modified to identify structures included in an area of earliest activation and/or pacing location(s) included in the activation map.
  • the reference image could be referred to when positioning electrodes using the real-time imaging device 328. Reference images are discussed in detail below with reference to FIG. 11B.
  • one or more pacing electrodes may be positioned at the identified virtual stimulation point(s).
  • a physician may use the reference image and or the activation map shown in the display 330 to align a pacing electrode with the virtual stimulation point.
  • the heart may then be paced, and the resulting ECG data may be collected.
  • the collected ECG data may be used to generate an updated activation map to show the effect of the stimulation.
  • the ECG data may be used to identify the pacing location, which may be displayed on the activation map. Since the pacing electrode is disposed at the pacing location, the pacing location may represent the current location of the pacing electrode. Accordingly, pacing electrode locations may be displayed while navigating to a pacing location. As such, additional mapping applications may not be needed for determining the location of a pacing electrode, thereby substantially reducing costs of a pacing procedure.
  • the activation map may be used to determine whether CRT is appropriate for a patient. For example, if the cardiac output of a patient is not predicted to achieve an acceptable level after optimally placing pacemaker(s) or pacing leads, it may be determined that CRT is not appropriate for the patient.
  • a workstation that may be use that includes the processing unit 400, the display 330, and wired or wireless connections to other hardware such as the CT/MRI device 108, the 3D camera 109, the ECG recorder 106, and/or the real-time imaging device 328.
  • the workstation may also include an interface for controlling a surgical device, such as a catheter implantation device or other robotic surgical device.
  • FIG. 11 A is a flow diagram illustrating a cardiac imaging method 500 using the system of FIG. 9 according to various embodiments.
  • FIGS. 11B and 11C show activation maps that may be generated during the method of FIG. 11 A.
  • Ablation is an effective treatment for PVC and/or VT.
  • some patients may experience episodic VT and/or PVC, in which case the events or symptoms may not occur while a patient is tested at a hospital during a catheterization procedure or at
  • the ECG data may be recorded using a portable ECG recording device 106, such as a Holter-type device.
  • the processing unit 400 may generate a PVC activation map, showing electrical activation during PVC in block 501.
  • the PVC activation map may identify an area of earliest activation during PVC.
  • the PVC activation map may be based on ECG data collected during PVC, in addition to CT and/or MRI data from the patient as discussed above. In particular, the data may be provided to an activation map generator 320 of the processing unit 400. In some embodiments, ECG data from a single PVC beat may be sufficient to generate the PVC activation map.
  • the PVC activation map may identify an area of the heart where earliest activation during the PVC heartbeat. [0105] In some embodiments, the method may optionally include block 502.
  • the processor 400 may be used to generate a reference image showing internal structures of the heart.
  • the activation map and the reference image may be displayed on the same display or on different displays, at the same time or at different times.
  • blocks 501 and 502 may include providing the generated activation map and the reference image to the display 330.
  • the reference image may be based on a cardiac image, such as one of the 2D MRI or CT images used to generate the activation map.
  • a cardiac image may also include additional features.
  • a cardiac image may be modified to show structures included in an area of earliest activation and/or virtual pacing location(s) included in the activation map.
  • the processing unit 400 may be configured to select a cardiac image that most closely approximates an image being provided by the real-time imaging device 328, as discussed in block 503.
  • the reference image may be based on a manually selected cardiac image. Accordingly, the reference cardiac image could be referred to when positioning electrodes using the real-time imaging device 328.
  • FIG. 1 IB illustrates an example of a reference image for PVC/VT patients.
  • the reference image may identify an area of earliest activation 340 (e.g., may identify cardiac structures in a 2D image that are included in the area of earliest activation.
  • the reference image may also include a pacing location 342.
  • the pacing location 342 may be a virtual pacing location generated by the stimulation point generator 324. In some embodiments, the pacing location 342 may be an actual pacing/catheter location. For example, when the heart is paced, the processing unit 400 may analyze the resulting ECG data to identify the corresponding pacing location 342, and thereby identify the current location of a pacing catheter, pacing electrode, etc.
  • the method includes performing an electrophysiology (EP) procedure that includes inserting a catheter into the heart to analyze electrical activity and determine where an arrhythmia is located.
  • EP electrophysiology
  • the goal of the EP procedure may be to pace the heart at a location that results in PVC that closely approximates the patient' s symptomatic PVC.
  • the EP procedure may include pacing the heart using the catheter, at a location in the area of earliest activation. Additional electrodes may also be inserted to internally detect ECG data during the EP procedure. For example, pacing data may be recorded by recording ECG data during the pacing.
  • the EP procedure may also include mapping internal features of the patient's heart, such as features in and around the PVC area of earliest activation.
  • the EP procedure may include generating a 3D triangulated internal surface model, on a point-by- point basis, by contacting the different points of the heart with the catheter.
  • Suitable systems for performing the EP procedure include the EnSite Precision mapping system and the Carto 3 mapping system. Such systems have the ability to track the 3D location of the catheter within the body and record an internal heart surface location every time contact between the catheter and heart tissue occurs. The collection of these 3D locations is synchronized with the heartbeat, so as to ensure that each point is collected when the heart is in the same state as the other recorded points (i.e. full volume as opposed to contracted).
  • relative ECG activation times may be recorded and mapped onto the heart model.
  • Block 503 may also include generating a real-time image of the heart using the realtime imaging device 328, as described above.
  • block 502 may be performed after the real-time image is generated, such that the reference image may be based on a cardiac image that approximates the real-time image.
  • the EP procedure may also include positioning the catheter in contact with a location in the area of earliest activation.
  • the catheter may then be used to pace the heart via electrical stimulation.
  • the goal of the pacing may be to pace the heart at a location that results in PVC that closely approximates the patient's symptomatic PVC.
  • Additional electrodes may also be inserted to internally detect ECG data during the EP procedure.
  • pacing data may be recorded by recording ECG data during the pacing.
  • the EP procedure and the pacing are shown as separate blocks in FIG. 11 A, the present disclosure is not limited thereto.
  • the EP procedure and the pacing may both occur during a single procedure.
  • block 504 may include using the collected ECG data to generate an updated activation map to show the effect of the stimulation.
  • the ECG data may be used to identify the pacing location, which may be displayed on the activation map. Since the pacing electrode is disposed at the pacing location, the pacing location may represent the current location of the pacing electrode.
  • pacing electrode locations may be displayed while navigating to a pacing location.
  • additional mapping applications may not be needed for determining the location of a pacing electrode, thereby substantially reducing costs of a pacing procedure.
  • the pacing data may be analyzed to determine whether a pacing electrode is disposed in a suitable cardiac location for achieving a desired cardiac response. For example, the pacing data may be compared to the ECG data used to generate the activation map. In PVC, the pacing may be analyzed to determine whether the pacing data sufficiently matches the PVC ECG data recorded during presentation of the patient' s PVC. In other words, the pacing data is analyzed to determine whether the catheter has identified a location that may be ablated to alleviate the patient's PVC and/or VT. In CRT patients, the pacing data may be analyzed to determine whether sufficient cardiac synchrony and/or activation have been achieved.
  • the catheter may be used to ablate the heart at the ablation location in PVC patients in block 510.
  • pacing electrodes and/or micro pacemakers may be sutured in position in block 510.
  • the processing unit 400 may use the pacing data, PVC ECG data, and/or catheter location data to identify a direction the catheter should be moved in order to better simulate the patient's PVC in block 508.
  • the pacing data and catheter location data may be provided to a guidance information generator 332 of the processing unit 400.
  • the guidance information generator 332 may include an algorithm configured to compare the pacing data and/or location data to the PVC ECG data, in order to determine a direction and/or a distance the catheter should be moved to properly simulate the patient's PVC. This information may be presented using icons and/or text.
  • the pacing data may be analyzed to determine whether one or more pacing electrodes should be moved to achieve a desired cardiac response.
  • the guidance information generator 332 may provide the guidance information to the activation map generator 320.
  • the activation map generator 320 may update the activation map based on the guidance information provided by the guidance information generator 332, as discussed below with regards to FIGS. 11B and 11C. In other words,
  • the guidance information generator 332 may provide the guidance information to the image integrator 326 for integration with an image provided by the real-time imaging device 328.
  • the guidance information may be provided to the EP system and displayed on an EP map generated thereby.
  • the method returns to block 504 to again pace the heart.
  • the method may return to block 503 perform an EP procedure. Accordingly, in PVC/VT patients, a number of locations may be stimulated, until pacing results in PVC that accurately replicates the patient's PVC, and the corresponding ablation location is identified. In CRT patients, stimulation locations may be adjusted until a desired cardiac response is achieved. In addition, a physician may be provided with guidance information to assist in identifying stimulation points.
  • block 503 may include using the mapping system of FIG. 9 to externally record ECG data during the pacing of the heart.
  • block 504 may also include using the mapping system to determine the pacing location within the heart, based on the recorded ECG data. For example, the pacing location may be determined by identifying the area of earliest activation during the pacing of the heart.
  • block 508 may also include adding the pacing location to the PVC activation map. As such, the location of at least the pacing electrode of the catheter may be identified on the PVC activation map, since the pacing electrodes are disposed at the pacing location during pacing.
  • an updated activation map may include a first point 700 showing a pacing/stimulation location that corresponds to a most recent pacing location and/or catheter location.
  • the updated activation map may also include an area of earliest activation 710, which may be a target area for ablation.
  • the activation map may include a vector 712 showing a direction and distance recommendation for moving the catheter to a new stimulation location in the area of earliest activation 710.
  • the updated activation map may include one or more third points 704 showing previous pacing locations.
  • the updated activation map may include a first point 700 representing a first stimulation location, a second point 702 representing a second stimulation location, a third point 704 representing a third (e.g., current) stimulation location, and a fourth point 706 representing a suggested stimulation location.
  • the area of earliest activation 710 may be recalculated based on ECG data from each pacing.
  • the points 700-706 may be different colors, shades, and/or shapes to provide chronological information.
  • the points 700-706 may be shaded to represent an order in which the points were created, thereby identifying a path of the catheter.
  • the points 700-706 may be progressively lighter or darker.
  • the fourth point 706 may be lighter than the other points.
  • points may be connected by lines 708 to represent a path of the catheter during the EP process.
  • the vector 712 of FIG. 11B may also be applied to the activation map of FIG. 11C, in addition to, or in place of the fourth point 706.
  • FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating an image integration method 800 according to various embodiments. The method 800 may be performed using the system of FIG. 9.
  • a PVC activation map of a patient's heart may be generated using the processor 400, as discussed above.
  • a 3D internal surface model of the heart may be generated on a point- by-point basis through 3D triangulation.
  • internal surface features of the patient's heart such as ventricular surface features may be mapped on a point-by-point basis, by point contact between the internal surface of the heart and an EP catheter.
  • Suitable systems for performing the EP procedure include the EnSite Precision mapping system and the Carto 3 mapping system. Such systems have the ability to track the 3D location of the catheter within the body and record a heart surface location every time contact between the catheter and heart tissue occurs.
  • this point-by-point contact data is synchronized with heartbeat, so as to ensure that each point is collected when the heart is in the same state as the other recorded contact points (i.e., the volume of the heart is substantially the same).
  • the heart may be at full volume or full contraction, when the point contact is made.
  • the internal surface model is merged with an acquired MRI or CT dataset to form a heart model.
  • the merging may include adjusting the inner surface model data to more accurately represent the true geometry of the heart, as well as show additional cardiac features not mapped by during the EP procedure. This process involves a calculation of which point magnitudes within the CT or MR represent tissue versus blood. An adjustment can then be made to better represent the cardiac geometry.
  • the EP procedure may also involve recording relative ECG data (e.g., activation times) during the point-by-point contact.
  • this ECG data may be mapped onto the internal surface model. This may involve mapping normal ECG signals, since this allows for points to be collected quickly, as soon as cardiac/catheter contact occurs.
  • a PVC activation map may be generated, since a PVC activation map includes an area of earliest activation during PVC.
  • the catheter when generating a PVC activation map using a conventional EP system, the catheter must be in contact with the heart during PVC. Since PVC may only occur intermittently, using conventional methods to generate a PVC activation map may require a significantly longer amount of time, as compared to when non- symptomatic ECG data is utilized. This increases patient stress and the use of surgical resources.
  • the internal surface model generated in block 802 may be merged with the PVC activation map generated in block 801, to form a PVC activation surface model.
  • the PVC activation data included in the PCV activation map may be applied to the internal surface model.
  • surface features included in the PVC activation map which already includes MRI or CT data, may be merged with the triangulated point-by-point data included in the internal surface model.
  • the PVC internal surface model may be generated without performing the conventional process of merging of the triangulated point-by-point data and MRI or CT data, which further simplifies the process.
  • the catheter may be positioned in the PVC earliest activation area shown on the EP PVC activation model, and the heart may be paced. Pacing ECG data may be recorded during the pacing.
  • the pacing data may be analyzed to determine whether an ablation location has been identified.
  • the pacing data may be analyzed to determine whether the pacing data sufficiently matches the ECG data recorded during onset of the patient's PVC.
  • the pacing data is analyzed to determine whether the catheter has paced a location that may be ablated to alleviate the patient's PVC and/or VT.
  • guidance information may be provided in block 812 as discussed above with regard to the method of FIG. 11 A.
  • the method may then proceed to block 806.
  • the method 800 may then repeated until an ablation location is identified and ablated in block 814.
  • the method may include displaying pacing locations on the PVC activation map.
  • the PVC activation surface model may be registered with the PVC activation map, and the pacing locations may be added to the PVC activation map.
  • the pacing locations may also represent the location of the EP catheter during the pacing.
  • the processor 400 may analyze ECG data recorded during the pacing to determine the pacing and/or pacing catheter location and which may then be added to the PVC activation map.
  • the method 800 may include generating and displaying a reference image with the PVC activation map and/or displaying guidance information, as discussed above with regard to FIGS. 11A-11D.
  • Some embodiments include hardware systems including a processing unit configured with software to receive patient-specific data, generate and display a 3D model of electrical activation of the heart in the form of a synchronicity map of the patient' s heart based on ECG imaging data, and correlate or register the 3D model/map with the patient's body using recognizable markers on the body that serve as fiducial reference points (referred to herein as "fiducial markers").
  • An external imaging system such as a 3D camera, may be used to obtain 3D image data of the patient's body (e.g., the torso or chest) with key anatomical reference points (e.g., clavicles, shoulders, ribs, etc.
  • the patient-specific 3D anatomical model may merge the image data with a 3D anatomical model of the patient's chest by registering the identified anatomical locations with corresponding anatomical locations in imaging obtained from CT or MRI scans.
  • FIG. 13 is a system block diagram of a cardiac imaging system 1000, according to various embodiments.
  • the system 1000 includes a processing unit 102 which may be electrically connected to hardware modules, such as an electrocardiographic system 106, an internal imaging system 1080, an external imaging system 1090, and an output unit 1200.
  • hardware modules such as an electrocardiographic system 106, an internal imaging system 1080, an external imaging system 1090, and an output unit 1200.
  • the processing unit 1020 receives patient- specific data from the hardware modules. From the patient-specific anatomical data, the processing unit 1020 may generate a synchronicity map of the patient's heart, which may be output to the output unit 1200.
  • the output unit 1200 may be configured to output the synchronicity map and/or alternative data to a user.
  • the output unit may be a display unit, a printer, a messaging unit, or the like.
  • the processing unit 1020 may receive electrocardiographic (ECG) imaging data from the electrocardiographic system 1060, such as a 12 lead ECG device.
  • ECG data may be used by the processing unit 1020 for determining the 3D model 4 of electrical activation of the heart.
  • ECG signals may be combined with a patient- specific 3D anatomical model of the heart, lungs, and/or torso, in order to compute the positions of the cardiac isochrones.
  • the patient-specific 3D anatomical model may be obtained from the internal imaging system 1080, such as an MRI device or CT device.
  • a 3D anatomical model showing closest conformity to the patient may be selected, and optionally modified, from a database including a plurality of 3D anatomical models.
  • the selected, and optionally modified, 3D anatomical model may serve as the patient-specific 3D anatomical model.
  • the processing unit 1020 may receive patient image data from the external imaging system 1090.
  • the external imaging system 1090 may be 3D camera, and the processing unit 1020 may receive 3D image data of the surface a patient's chest, as shown in FIGS. 14A or 14B.
  • the 3D image data may include the positions of ECG leads relative to the anatomy of the patient, such as the Vl-6 precordial electrodes shown in FIG. 14A.
  • Knowledge of the location of the ECG electrodes relative to the heart, and in particular the Vl-6 precordial electrodes, may be especially important for accurately computing the onset location of PVC.
  • the offsets of the electrodes from their assumed ideal locations may be determined based on a comparison of detected ECG signals of a normal heart beat to ideal ECG normal heart beat signals. For example, the offsets may be determined based on how a detected ECG signal will be affected by variations in the position of electrodes with respect to ideal electrode positions.
  • the recorded ECG data may be used to determine a stimulation onset location for a normal beat. Since the normal onset location in the SA node is known, the determined offset location may be compared to this known onset location, and the offset of the electrodes may be deduced based on the variation therebetween. As such, it may be possible to determine electrode offsets without generating the 3D map.
  • the processing unit 1020 may be configured to align and/or merge the 3D image data generated by the external imaging system 1090 and the anatomical torso and/or heart model generated by the internal imaging system 1080, and the locations of the electrodes in the torso model may be adjusted to coincide with the electrode locations in the 3D image data.
  • the external imaging system 1090 is not properly aligned with the torso, it may be difficult to properly the 3D image data and the anatomical model.
  • the system 100 may include fiducial markers placed on (e.g., adhered to) a patient's torso prior and captured in the 3D image data generated by the external imaging system 109.
  • the fiducial markers may be placed on the patient by a clinician in set anatomical locations that are identified in the torso model in order to facilitate alignment of the 3D image of the patient with the anatomical torso model.
  • the fiducial markers may be stickers having an adhesive backing configured to adhere to the skin, with a shape, color and/or surface material (e.g., reflective or retroflective material) that enables automatic identification and location of the markers by a processor processing the 3D image data.
  • a shape, color and/or surface material e.g., reflective or retroflective material
  • first fiducial markers 900 may be placed on the patient's shoulders at set anatomical locations, such as at the distal end of each clavicle.
  • a second fiducial marker 902 may be placed at a set anatomical location between the first fiducial markers 902, such as at a set position on the patient's sternum.
  • the processing unit 1020 may be configured to identify the fiducial markers 900, 902, and anatomical locations corresponding thereto, based on one or more identifying characteristics thereof included in the 3D image data collected by an external imaging device. In some embodiments, the processing unit 1020 may be configured to identify anatomical locations corresponding to the fiducial markers 900, 902, based on the color, shape, and/or reflectivity of the corresponding anatomical markers included in the image data.
  • the fiducial markers 900, 902 may be configured to reflect specific wavelengths of light.
  • the first fiducial markers 900 may have a first color and the second fiducial marker 902 may have a second color.
  • each marker 900, 902 may have a different color.
  • the fiducial markers 900, 902 may include a reflective material, which may be in the form of a reflective coating.
  • the reflective material may be configured to reflect one or more specific wavelengths, or wavelength ranges, of light.
  • the fiducial markers 900, 902 may be formed of materials configured to reflect visible light, infrared light, ultraviolet light, or a combination thereof.
  • the external imaging system 1090 may include a light source, and the reflective material may be configured to reflect all or some of the light emitted from the light source.
  • the fiducial markers 900, 902 may be configured to selectively reflect particular wavelengths or wavelength ranges of the emitted light.
  • the processing unit 1020 may be configured to identify the fiducial markers 900, 902 based on the light reflected thereby.
  • the fiducial markers 300, 302 may include a retroflective material.
  • the retroflective material may be configured to reflect incident light, or a portion thereof, at an angle substantially equal to the angle of incidence of the incident light (i.e., directly back towards the source of the incident light). Retroflective materials are well known as used in safety vests and on traffic signs, for example.
  • the processing unit 102 may be configured to detect such light as a luminosity peak in the image data received from the external imaging system.
  • the fiducial markers may have one or more different shapes.
  • the system 1000 may include triangular fiducial marker 904, a cross-shaped fiducial marker 906, and/or a trapezoidal fiducial marker 908.
  • the processing unit 1020 may be configured to identify anatomical locations corresponding to the fiducial markers, based on the shapes thereof.
  • fiducial markers include a characteristic identifiable by the processing unit 1020 and detectable by the external imaging system 1090.
  • the fiducial markers include a characteristic identifiable by the processing unit 1020 and detectable by the external imaging system 1090.
  • three fiducial markers are shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, any suitable number of fiducial markers may be used.
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • FPGA field programmable gate array
  • a general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but, in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine.
  • a processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.
  • circuitry that is specific to a given function.
  • the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored as one or more instructions or code on a non-transitory computer- readable medium or non-transitory processor-readable medium.
  • the steps of a method or algorithm disclosed herein may be embodied in a processor-executable software module and/or processor-executable instructions, which may reside on a non-transitory computer- readable or non-transitory processor-readable storage medium.
  • Non-transitory server- readable, computer-readable or processor-readable storage media may be any storage media that may be accessed by a computer or a processor.
  • non-transitory server-readable, computer-readable or processor-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, FLASH memory, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer.
  • Disk and disc includes compact disc (CD), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk, and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.
  • non-transitory server- readable, computer-readable and processor-readable media are also included within the scope of non-transitory server- readable, computer-readable and processor-readable media. Additionally, the operations of a method or algorithm may reside as one or any combination or set of codes and/or instructions on a non-transitory server-readable, processor-readable medium and/or computer-readable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer program product.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Surgery (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Biomedical Technology (AREA)
  • Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
  • Medical Informatics (AREA)
  • Molecular Biology (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Biophysics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Cardiology (AREA)
  • Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
  • Physiology (AREA)
  • Radiology & Medical Imaging (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Psychiatry (AREA)
  • Computer Vision & Pattern Recognition (AREA)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AREA)
  • Robotics (AREA)
  • Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)
  • Measurement And Recording Of Electrical Phenomena And Electrical Characteristics Of The Living Body (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Radiation Diagnosis (AREA)
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Apparatus (AREA)

Abstract

Divers modes de réalisation de l'invention concernent un procédé de cartographie cardiaque et de fusion de modèle comprenant les étapes consistant : à générer une carte d'activation de contraction ventriculaire prématurée (PVC) d'un cœur sur la base d'un modèle de cœur tridimensionnel (3D) et d'un enregistrement de données d'électrocardiogramme (ECG) de PVC pendant la PVC du cœur ; à générer un modèle de surface interne 3D du cœur par triangulation de données de contact point à point collectées pendant une procédure d'électrophysiologie (EP) ; à fusionner la carte d'activation 3D et le modèle de surface interne 3D pour former un modèle de surface d'activation de PVC ; et à entraîner le cœur à un premier emplacement d'entraînement situé dans une zone d'activation la plus précoce identifiée dans le modèle de surface d'activation de PVC.
PCT/US2018/044746 2017-08-01 2018-08-01 Procédés de cartographie cardiaque et de fusion de modèle WO2019028103A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201880052802.3A CN110996776B (zh) 2017-08-01 2018-08-01 心脏标测和模型合并的方法
JP2020505256A JP7244108B2 (ja) 2017-08-01 2018-08-01 心臓マッピングおよびモデル合成の方法
EP18756089.1A EP3661406A2 (fr) 2017-08-01 2018-08-01 Procédés de cartographie cardiaque et de fusion de modèle

Applications Claiming Priority (8)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US201762539787P 2017-08-01 2017-08-01
US201762539802P 2017-08-01 2017-08-01
US201762539740P 2017-08-01 2017-08-01
US62/539,740 2017-08-01
US62/539,787 2017-08-01
US62/539,802 2017-08-01
US201862711777P 2018-07-30 2018-07-30
US62/711,777 2018-07-30

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2019028103A2 true WO2019028103A2 (fr) 2019-02-07
WO2019028103A3 WO2019028103A3 (fr) 2019-03-14

Family

ID=65233040

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2018/044746 WO2019028103A2 (fr) 2017-08-01 2018-08-01 Procédés de cartographie cardiaque et de fusion de modèle

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP3661406A2 (fr)
JP (1) JP7244108B2 (fr)
CN (1) CN110996776B (fr)
WO (1) WO2019028103A2 (fr)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN111973172B (zh) * 2020-08-28 2021-10-08 北京航空航天大学 一种基于mcg和ecg融合的心脏结构成像系统及方法

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5687737A (en) * 1992-10-09 1997-11-18 Washington University Computerized three-dimensional cardiac mapping with interactive visual displays
WO2011112559A2 (fr) * 2010-03-08 2011-09-15 Bruce Adams Système, procédé et article pour la normalisation et l'amélioration d'images de tissus
US9220430B2 (en) * 2013-01-07 2015-12-29 Alivecor, Inc. Methods and systems for electrode placement
US11172860B2 (en) * 2014-05-06 2021-11-16 Peacs Investments B.V. Estimating distribution fluctuation and/or movement of electrical activity through a heart tissue
US10779743B2 (en) * 2014-05-06 2020-09-22 Peacs B.V. Estimating distribution, fluctuation and/or movement of electrical activity through a heart tissue
US11289207B2 (en) * 2015-07-09 2022-03-29 Peacs Investments B.V. System for visualizing heart activation

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP7244108B2 (ja) 2023-03-22
WO2019028103A3 (fr) 2019-03-14
JP2020529879A (ja) 2020-10-15
CN110996776A (zh) 2020-04-10
CN110996776B (zh) 2023-07-14
EP3661406A2 (fr) 2020-06-10

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US10713790B2 (en) Methods of cardiac mapping and directional guidance
US10932863B2 (en) Methods of cardiac mapping and directional guidance
US11246662B2 (en) Methods of cardiac mapping and model merging
EP3319521B1 (fr) Système de visualisation d'activation cardiaque
US10471263B2 (en) System and method for cardiac resynchronization
US9974457B2 (en) Assessing intra-cardiac activation patterns
US8326419B2 (en) Therapy optimization via multi-dimensional mapping
US20200029817A1 (en) Cardiac mapping systems, methods, and kits including fiducial markers
US11458320B2 (en) Method of cardiac resynchronization therapy
JP2008523920A (ja) ４ｄイメージングを用いて心不全を処置する方法及びシステム
US20180303345A1 (en) System and Method for Imaging Episodic Cardiac Conditions
US9504819B2 (en) Cardiac lead placement using multiple spatially distributed sensors
CN107666858B (zh) 用于在三维标测中识别峡部的方法和系统
JP7244108B2 (ja) 心臓マッピングおよびモデル合成の方法
WO2021034546A1 (fr) Procédé de thérapie de resynchronisation cardiaque
US20240099643A1 (en) Systems and Methods of Cardiac Mapping
US20210244341A1 (en) Method of providing ventricular arrhythmia localization with a heart model derived from machine learning
WO2020131619A1 (fr) Système de modèles de propagation

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 18756089

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A2

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2020505256

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2018756089

Country of ref document: EP

Effective date: 20200302