XR for Improving Cardiac Electrophysiology Training

Abstract

Arrhythmia refers to abnormalities of heart rhythm, and the catheter ablation procedure provides the best therapeutic outcomes to cure this life-threatening pathology. Electrophysiologists perform the catheter ablation procedure, which is a minimally invasive procedure involving catheter navigation into the heart’s chambers through peripheral blood vessels. The electrophysiology study identifies regions of the heart that cause the arrhythmia, which is then ablated, restoring a healthy heart rhythm. Electrophysiologists must possess a comprehensive understanding of cardiac electrophysiology and precise instrument handling due to the sensitivity of the procedure. In the conventional approach, electroanatomical mapping systems and fluoroscopic visualizations are utilized to assist the procedure; however, their limitations reduce the procedure’s effectiveness. In order to improve the procedure outcome, two main scenarios have been identified: intraoperative guidance and procedural training. This study aims to examine how extended reality technologies (eg. AR/VR) can be used to improve the cardiac catheter ablation procedure.