VirtuaLife

The ultimate goal of the VirtuaLife project is the creation of an important evolution of the Cardiac Navigation Systems (CNS), consisting of a browser with a module for space-time processing of bioelectrical signals, naturally intertwined with a virtual reality module to support cardiology procedures. The system will integrate and analyze electrical anatomical and functional information from commonly used sensors, vibro-tactile patches, or medical images, and will allow qualitative and quantitative analysis and the subsequent presentation of results through a front-end of clinical utility in real time, in addition to proposing an evolution of the acquisition system.

The development of this solution requires breaking down the current barriers and limitations of existing SNCs, and overcoming a series of technological challenges, and involves responding to the following needs:

• Development of a new Big Data system for the collection and use of data collected by catheters during cardiac ablation processes. Current systems have up to 5,000 measurement points in an hour, but most of that information is discarded due to the low processing capacity of current systems. With the VirtuaLife solution, this information will be processed and may serve not only the process itself, but also subsequent studies.

• Design and development of a new visualization tool for electro-anatomical maps based on virtual reality that allow space to be observed in 3D-t, so that the exploration and the process itself are carried out safely and efficiently. The management of the data and its representation requires an investment of time, and an extreme simplification of the same, however, VirtuaLife will allow the creation of a visualization tool that will allow the data to be seen in quasi real time and having all the variables represented, offering information extensively, and allowing better guidance.

• Carry out important research on a new algorithm that allows the representation of all cardiac signals in the new electroanatomic maps. In order to achieve the objectives, a significant effort will be necessary in the research and creation of a new non-inverse algorithm, which allows better use of the acquired data and feeds the visualization system, as opposed to the one used by current systems.

• Carry out the feasibility study and design of new systems based on the developed browser, which allow new non-invasive ablation planning processes and the making of electro-anatomical maps without the need to use catheters.

Fundings

This work was supported by CDTI-CIEN-CERVERA IDI-20190624.