This general research area utilizes the fields of Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science to solve a real-world problem. Ventricular arrhythmias (VA) are abnormal heartbeats oftentimes associated with morbidity, mortality, and impaired quality of life. They can be treated using catheter ablation, where a tube is guided through one’s heart to destroy the small areas of tissue causing the abnormal heartbeat. This process is usually inefficient and follows a “trial and error” approach. We have developed an approach that is able to pinpoint the origin of the VA and provide real time navigational feedback to the operating electrophysiologist during ablation procedures. We analyzed 12 VTs where the mean localization error using 6 pacing sites was 8.9 ± 1.6 mm. The localization error converges with an increasing number of pacing sites. Use of this method has the potential to reduce procedure time and could improve procedure safety and make VT ablations accessible to centers and providers with less expertise. Current work is based on assessing the proposed system and approach in a retrospective case-series cohort study. This system is expected to deliver clinically-acceptable results that will provide directional feedback to facilitate catheter navigation to the target VA-origin location. By using the reciprocity theorem, I am learning how to identify and formulate solutions to these challenges, and through close interaction with clinicians at Johns Hopkins Hospital, I am gaining insight into the practical application of these skills, where I hope to use what I learn to contribute to the improvement of patient care and outcomes.
Author: Noah Emmert, Computer Science and Premedical Studies Major
Advisor: Shijie Zhou, Department of Chemical, Paper, and Biomedical Engineering
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