Abstract:
An embodiment of a disaster response system is disclosed that includes a communication and monitoring environment (CME). The CME includes an incident command infrastructure, and a communication infrastructure configured to exchange data with the incident command infrastructure. The communication infrastructure includes a network comprising a plurality of sensor assemblies that are configured to wirelessly communicate with the communication infrastructure. The sensor assemblies are configured to acquire data that includes at least one of environmental conditions, motion, position, chemical detection, and medical information. One or more of the sensors are configured to aggregate data from a subset of the plurality of sensors. The CME is configured to detect an incident based on at least the data acquired by the sensor assemblies.
Abstract:
A method for treating atrial fibrillation in an atrium of a heart includes (a) acquiring an image or map of the atrium; (b) displaying the image or map of the atrium; (c) marking at least one feature on the image or map; (d) calculating dimensions of the at least one feature; (e) identifying one or more points on or within the atrium for treatment as part of a treatment plan; (f) determining paths to the one or more points on or within the atrium for treatment; (g) simulating insertion of a sheath into the atrium; (h) simulating insertion of a medical device through the sheath and into the atrium; (i) verifying that the one or more points on or within the atrium can be accessed for treatment; (j) computing an overall surface area of the atrium; (k) calculating an estimated area not treated in the atrium based on the treatment plan; (l) assessing whether macro-reentrant circuits can exist in the estimated area not treated in the atrium; (m) repeating steps (e)-(l) in the event step (l) indicates that macro-reentrant circuits can exist in the estimated area not treated in the atrium; and (n) implementing the treatment plan.
Abstract:
A method for mapping includes receiving electrical inputs measured by a probe at respective locations in a chamber of a heart of a subject. The electrical inputs are processed to identify complex fractionated electrograms. At each of the respective locations, a respective contact quality between the probe and a tissue in the chamber is measured. A map of the complex fractionated electrograms in the chamber is created using the electrical inputs and the measured contact quality.
Abstract:
An imaging system, including a capsule, configured to enter an esophagus of a patient, having an ultrasonic transducer configured to image tissue of the patient. The system further includes an applicator tube configured to enter the esophagus, the tube being attachable to the capsule for positioning the capsule within the esophagus, and being detachable from the capsule after positioning of the capsule so as to permit the tube to be withdrawn from the esophagus while the capsule remains in position in the esophagus.
Abstract:
Apparatus, including: a mockup probe, having a distal end and a proximal end adapted to be held by a human operator. The apparatus further includes a mockup patient, simulating an actual patient, the mockup patient having an aperture allowing penetration of the distal end of the mockup probe into the mockup patient. The apparatus includes a force generator, coupled to the mockup probe so as to apply a force to the proximal end that can be felt by the human operator, and a system controller. The controller is configured to: track a location of the distal end during the penetration thereof into the mockup patient, access an indication of a value of contractility of a region of an organ of the actual patient corresponding to the location, and activate the force generator so that the force applied to the proximal end corresponds to the indication.
Abstract:
A reliable endocardial map is obtained by constructing a matrix relationship between a small number of endocardial points and a large number of external receiving points using a multi-electrode chest panel. Inversion of the matrix yields information allowing the endocardial map to be constructed. Subsequent maps are obtained noninvasively using the multi-electrode chest panel, applying new electrical signals to the matrix relationship, and again inverting the matrix to generate new endocardial electrical maps.
Abstract:
A method for pre-planning and performing a cardiac procedure on a heart includes acquiring an image or map of the heart; displaying the image or map of the heart; marking at least one feature on the image or map; calculating dimensions of the at least one feature; identifying one or more points on or within the heart for treatment; determining paths to the one or more points on or within the heart for treatment; simulating insertion of a sheath into the heart; simulating insertion of a medical device through the sheath and within the heart; verifying that the one or more points on or within the heart can be accessed for treatment; and performing a medical procedure on or within the heart.
Abstract:
A method for treating atrial fibrillation in an atrium of a heart includes (a) acquiring an image or map of the atrium; (b) displaying the image or map of the atrium; (c) marking at least one feature on the image or map; (d) calculating dimensions of the at least one feature; (e) identifying one or more points on or within the atrium for treatment as part of a treatment plan; (f) determining paths to the one or more points on or within the atrium for treatment; (g) simulating insertion of a sheath into the atrium; (h) simulating insertion of a medical device through the sheath and into the atrium; (i) verifying that the one or more points on or within the atrium can be accessed for treatment; (j) computing an overall surface area of the atrium; (k) calculating an estimated area not treated in the atrium based on the treatment plan; (l) assessing whether macro-reentrant circuits can exist in the estimated area not treated in the atrium; (m) repeating steps (e)-(l) in the event step (l) indicates that macro-reentrant circuits can exist in the estimated area not treated in the atrium; and (n) implementing the treatment plan.
Abstract:
A method for performing a procedure at the fossa ovalis in the septal wall of the heart includes the steps of providing a sheath having a body wherein the body has a lumen extending therethrough and an open end at the distal end of the body. The body also has at least one electrode and a position sensor at the distal end of the body. The position sensor generates signals indicative of the location of the distal end of the body. The sheath is navigated to the septal wall using the position sensor and the fossa ovalis in the septal wall is identified using the at least one electrode of the sheath.