October 1, 2020 — The U.S.
EP Mapping and Imaging Systems
This channel page contains news on new technology innovations for electrophysiology (EP) mapping and imaging systems used to guide transcatheter cardiac ablation procedures. These systems use mapping catheters that contain electrodes that measure the electrical activity of the cardiac tissue. This is transferred into mapping system software where a 3D model is created of the heart, a color-coded overlay showing the electrical waves generated during each heart beat, the touch points where the tissue was mapped, and showing the location of the catheter inside the heart. Tissue identified as having unhealthy electrical activity that is cause an arrhythmia can then be ablated directly or isolated using an ablation catheter to cause small burns/scar tissue that block electrical signals.

The study used cadaver hearts that were images with contrast enhanced MRI and the images used to create a 3-D computation model of the electrical activation in the heart and how it was influenced by adenosine and ablation. Find more images in the original article

The FDA granted 510(k) clearance for the SentiAR CommandEP system, the first holographic guidance system to be used during an invasive electrophysiology (EP) lab cardiac procedures. The system allows electrophysiologists to visualize 3-D electro-anatomic models in real-time, via a wearable headset and offer a truly handsfree control interface providing superior visualization, allowing them to navigate accurately within the heart during a cardiac ablation procedure.

A conformal array of flexible electrodes affixed to an inflated balloon catheter. The sensors have the ability to make measurements of temperature, force of contact and electrophysiological parameters, ability to customize diagnostic and therapeutic functions and offer real-time feedback. Photo by John Rogers, Northwestern University.

Biosense Webster's Carto Prime Mapping Module offers new tools to help shorten ablation time. Left is an example of Coherent imaging showing conduction identification, conduction velocity vectors and conduction barrier zones. Top right, Carto Finder Module automatic visualization of region of interest. Below right, LAT Hybrid imaging, showing correct identification of PVC location based on catheter location in sinus rhythm, and automated visualization of PVC points.