Orientation-Independent Catheter-Based Characterization of Myocardial Activation

Cardiac electrogram (EGM) signals and electrophysiologic (EP) characteristics derived from them such as amplitude and timing are central to the diagnosis and therapeutic management of arrhythmias. Bipolar EGMs are often used but possess polarity and shape dependence on catheter orientation contributing to uncertainty. Objective: We describe a novel method to map cardiac activation that resolves signals into meaningful directions and is insensitive to electrode directional effects. Methods: Multielectrode catheters that span 2- and 3-D space are used to derive local electric field (E-field) signals. A traveling wave model of local EGM propagation motivates a new “omnipolar” reference frame in which to understand EGM E-field signals and provide bipolar component EGMs aligned with these anatomic and physiologic directions. We validate the basis of this technology and determine its accuracy using a saline tank in which we simulate physiologic propagation. Results: Omnipole signals from healthy tissue are nearly free of catheter orientation effects and are constrained by biophysics to consistent morphologies and thus consistent measured amplitudes and timings. Using a 3-D EP mapping system, traveling wave treatment, and omnipolar technology (OT) E-field loops, we derived a new and nearly instantaneous means to determine conduction velocity and activation direction. Conclusion: We describe the basis of OT and validate it with ablation and mapping catheters in a saline tank. Finally, we illustrate OT with signals from live subjects. Significance: OT's novel approach with signal processing and real-time visualization allows for a newly detailed characterization of myocardial activation that is insensitive to catheter orientation.