Abstract: A method of generating an electrophysiology map of a portion of a patient's anatomy includes receiving a plurality of electrophysiology data points, each including an associated electrophysiological signal. A template electrophysiology data point and one or more unwanted electrophysiology data points are selected from the plurality of electrophysiology data points. The electrophysiological signal associated with the template electrophysiology data point is defined as a template electrophysiological signal, while the electrophysiological signal(s) associated with the unwanted electrophysiology data point(s) is/are defined as unwanted electrophysiological signal(s). For any given electrophysiology data point, if the morphology of its associated electrophysiological signal is more similar to the morphology of an unwanted electrophysiological signal than to the morphology of the template electrophysiological signal, the given electrophysiology data point is rejected/excluded from an electrophysiology map.

Abstract: A method of generating an electrophysiology map of a portion of a patient's anatomy using an electroanatomical mapping system, includes defining a plurality of inclusion criteria, collecting a plurality of electrophysiology data points, each being associated with inclusion data, and identifying those electrophysiology data points that have inclusion data satisfying the inclusion criteria. The inclusion criteria can then be automatically adjusted to drive the number of electrophysiology data points having inclusion data satisfying the inclusion criteria towards a target number. A graphical representation of the electrophysiology map can be rendered using the final set of electrophysiology data points.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for determining a proposed ablation site in a cardiac chamber. A system includes an implanted device configured to record a plurality of intracardiac electrogram (IEGM) couples, and a mapping and ablation system communicatively coupled to the implanted device. The mapping and ablation system is configured to receive the recorded plurality of IEGM couples from the implanted device, calculate a parameter for each of the plurality of IEGM couples, determine, based on the calculated parameters, an area of origin for each IEGM couple, and determine an intersection between the determined areas of origin, wherein the intersection represents the proposed ablation site in the cardiac chamber.

Abstract: An irrigated ablation system with retrograde flow includes one or more medical devices (e.g., an ablation catheter and sheath) encompassing an irrigation lumen that terminates distally at an irrigation orifice and a drainage lumen that terminates distally at a drainage orifice. One or more pumps are coupled to the irrigation lumen and to the drainage lumen to deliver irrigant through the irrigation lumen and to extract fluid through the at least one drainage lumen. For example, a peristaltic pump can be used to simultaneously deliver irrigant through the irrigation lumen and to extract an equivalent volume of fluid through the drainage lumen. Alternatively, a feedback controller can be used to monitor parameters, such as impedance, pressure, ablation time, and/or irrigant volume, and control based thereon the rate at which the pump extracts fluid.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems to differentiate adipose tissue from scar tissue are disclosed. One or more electrophysiology data points, each of which includes an electrophysiological signal associated with a tissue location that possesses certain signal characteristics, can be collected. An adipose tissue probability and/or a scar tissue probability can be computed using the characteristics of the electrophysiological signal, such as signal duration, signal amplitude, signal fractionation, and/or late potentials. The probability computation can also utilize dielectric properties, such as tissue impedance, tissue conductivity, and/or tissue permittivity, measured at the tissue location. Graphical representations of the adipose tissue probability and/or scar tissue probability can also be output.

Abstract: A method of mapping arrhythmic activity, such as premature ventricular contraction (“PVC”) activity, using an electroanatomical mapping system includes defining at least two arrhythmia template signals. Electrophysiology data points, each including an electrophysiological signal, are collected. A morphological similarity between the electrophysiological signal and a first arrhythmia template signal is computed; if this exceeds a preset threshold, then the electrophysiology data point is added to a corresponding arrhythmia map. If it does not, a morphological similarity between the electrophysiological signal and a second arrhythmia template signal is computed. If this exceeds the preset threshold, then the electrophysiology data point is added to a corresponding arrhythmia map. If neither exceeds the preset threshold, then the electrophysiology data point can be used to establish an additional arrhythmia map by defining an additional arrhythmia template signal.

Abstract: A method of generating an electrophysiology map of a portion of a patient's anatomy includes receiving a plurality of electrophysiology data points, each including an associated electrophysiological signal. A template electrophysiology data point and one or more unwanted electrophysiology data points are selected from the plurality of electrophysiology data points. The electrophysiological signal associated with the template electrophysiology data point is defined as a template electrophysiological signal, while the electrophysiological signal(s) associated with the unwanted electrophysiology data point(s) is/are defined as unwanted electrophysiological signal(s). For any given electrophysiology data point, if the morphology of its associated electrophysiological signal is more similar to the morphology of an unwanted electrophysiological signal than to the morphology of the template electrophysiological signal, the given electrophysiology data point is rejected/excluded from an electrophysiology map.

Abstract: A method of performing a cardiac electrophysiology procedure includes using a magnetically-localizable catheter to generate a cardiac model and then removing the catheter from the patient's heart. An electrophysiology catheter, such as a multi-electrode, non-contact mapping catheter, is then inserted into the heart. The electrophysiology catheter is also magnetically-localizable, and therefore can be localized within the model. The electrophysiology catheter is used to perform the electrophysiology procedure, such as electrophysiological mapping or ablation. Advantageously, because the electrophysiology catheter is magnetically-localizable, it can move during the electrophysiology procedure, either deliberately or inadvertently, without invalidating any previously-collected data or requiring recreation of the cardiac model.

Abstract: A handpiece arrangement for a tool having a retaining member configured to receive a portion of the tool in a secure position, a guard configured to cover a portion of the tool, at least one mounting member configured to receive a portion of a tracking system and an actuator mounted to the handpiece. The actuator may be configured to control the exposure of the tool. A navigated surgery kit is also provided including a tracking system, a tool in communication with the tracking system, a platform in communication with the tracking system and the tool. The platform may have a processor, a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code configured to selectively control shaping of an object with the tool via at least one hidden object associated with a predetermined navigated surgical operation.

Abstract: A handpiece arrangement for a tool having a retaining member configured to receive a portion of the tool in a secure position, a guard configured to cover a portion of the tool, at least one mounting member configured to receive a portion of a tracking system and an actuator mounted to the handpiece. The actuator may be configured to control the exposure of the tool. A navigated surgery kit is also provided including a tracking system, a tool in communication with the tracking system, a platform in communication with the tracking system and the tool. The platform may have a processor, a computer readable storage medium having computer readable program code configured to selectively control shaping of an object with the tool via at least one hidden object associated with a predetermined navigated surgical operation.

Abstract: A method and system for sending, receiving and managing the exchange of messages between an intranet and multiple external users using a secure server as an intermediary interface for Internet communications. In one form, the secure server operates in a replication mode with a Lotus Domino server wherein secure transmissions are designated by an @secure URL. In another form, secure transmissions are implemented by establishing a secure connection to the secure server using a browser addressing the server URL. The server operating system interfaces with the intranet so that the intranet user can use standard groupware, such as Lotus Notes, to create, send and receive secure documents. External users are notified by normal e-mail of the presence of secure documents at the server and must connect to the server in a secure mode to retrieve documents. Responses to documents are automatically returned to the sender's e-mail server using secure transmission.