Project

Using Topology To Revolutionize Atrial Tachycardia Treatment

Acronym
AT-TOP
Code
41L06724
Duration
01 January 2024 → 30 June 2026
Funding
European funding: framework programme
Principal investigator
Research disciplines
  • Natural sciences
    • Other physical sciences not elsewhere classified
Keywords
tachycardia
Other information
 
Project description

Atrial tachycardia (AT) is a prevalent form of supraventricular tachycardia that can have detrimental impacts on a person's health. The complexity of anatomical reentry patterns and unclear nomenclature hinders precise diagnosis of AT and makes optimal treatment challenging and error prone. Suboptimal treatment can result in severe outcomes such as heart failure, stroke, and pacemaker implantation due to overablation-induced atrial dysfunction. In this proposal, we introduce a diagnostic tool called Directed Graph Mapping (DGM), which offers a unique classification system based on clear and precise mathematical criteria using topological principles, allowing for the accurate diagnosis and differentiation of various types of AT. DGM can automatically analyze a given case of AT, providing consistent and reliable results, paving the way for the optimization of the ablation strategy. DGM can not only diagnose the current AT but also predict hidden slower ATs, which might appear depending on the chosen ablation target. By being able to predict the hidden ATs, we can revolutionize the treatment of ATs, as these hidden ATs can be treated already after the measurement of the first anatomical map. Therefore, our tool holds the potential to significantly expedite the ablation procedure. We propose to conduct a prospective study involving a minimum of 15 hospitals in Belgium that specialize in AT ablations to further validate the effectiveness and sustainability of our proposed solution while involving a broad range of electrophysiologists. We aim to publish our results in a high-impact journal. We secured the intellectual property rights of our proof-of-concept through two patents, and by discussing with electrophysiologists, we learned that their interest in DGM influences mapping systems. If they recognize the value of DGM for treating AT, mapping companies may adopt the technology through a licensing agreement, which is the final goal of this proposal.

 
 
 
Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Council Executive Agency (ERCEA). Neither the European Union nor the authority can be held responsible for them.