Columbia Technology Ventures

Early detection of irregular heart beats using implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs)

Lead Inventor: Edward J. Ciaccio, Ph.D.

Rapid characterization and classification of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VTA) using ICDs

The technology computes the dominant frequency (DF) and dominant frequency spatial derivative (DFD) of an individual's heart rate, indices useful for measuring the electrical activation of the heart. When an abnormally fast heart rate caused by ventricular tachyarrhythmia (VTA) is detected, the technology will enable the ICD to quickly and accurately classify the heart rate as originating from one of 3 tachycardias: monomorphic re-entrant ventricular tachycardia (MVT), ventricular fibrillation (VF), or polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (PVT). The rapid computation (~3 seconds), allows for improved interventional approaches and patient treatment for those carrying an ICD.

Quick and accurate classification of VTAs can improve patient care and prevent cardiac arrest

Currently, conventional ICD detection of abnormal cardiac rhythm typically takes 5-8 seconds as it measures peak heart rates to determine if an arrhythmia is occurring. A significant drawback of this method is the high rate of false positives and unnecessary shocks administered to the patient by the ICD. This technology described is able to apply an algorithm and calculate the DF and DFD in 3 seconds and characterize the type of arrhythmia occurring with high accuracy. The technology was verified using an infarcted canine heart model and has the potential to improve clinical patient care for those with an ICD.

Applications:
-- Early detection of cardiac arrhythmias with ICDs
-- Protection for patient against cardiac arrest
-- Incorporated to bedside heart rate monitors and detectors at hospitals

Advantages:
-- Improved response time and treatment against VTA
-- New, more accurate algorithm for detecting heart rate dynamics
-- Reduce false positives and unnecessary shocks to patient
-- Algorithm-based technology allows for ease in scalability and implementation to existing ICD hardware


Patent information: N/A

Licensing Status: Available for licensing and sponsored research support

Related Publications:
-- E.J. Ciaccio, J. Coromilas , A.L. Wit, H. Garan. Onset dynamics of ventricular tachyarrhythmias as measured by dominant frequency. Heart Rhythm. Vol. 8, Issue 4, April 2011, pp. 615-623.