LumaVision’s mission is to enhance success rates in catheter ablation procedures by addressing one of the most critical challenges in cardiac care: real-time imaging precision.
The Challenge
Atrial Fibrillation and the Complexity of Catheter Ablation
Catheter ablation is a relatively new approach to treating Atrial Fibrillation (AF), with the first procedure carried out just over 25 years ago. Since then, technological advancements have introduced innovative solutions like cryo and pulse-field catheters. However, one core problem persists: inadequate visibility of the heart’s interior anatomy and real time catheter placement during the procedure.
For EPs to achieve successful outcomes, precise energy delivery is essential. Limited imaging accuracy often leads to procedural failure, requiring second or even third treatments—an outcome that increases risk, cost, and recovery time for patients.
Our Approach
Phase 1: Contextual Research
We began with detailed contextual research to understand the specific needs, pain points, and workflow of EPs performing catheter ablation.
- Conducted interviews with EPs to explore their procedural challenges.
- Observed surgical procedures to analyse real-world user interaction.
- Mapped existing workflows to identify inefficiencies in imaging and data usage.
Phase 2: Conceptual Visualisation
Armed with research insights, we designed interactive visualisation concepts that focused on enhancing real-time imaging. Our solutions prioritized:
- Seamless integration of 3D imaging overlays.
- Customisable interfaces to allow EPs to adapt visual data to their procedural needs.
- Real-time feedback loops to enable precise energy delivery and instant adjustments.
Phase 3: Prototype Development and Testing
To validate our designs, we collaborated with LumaVision to build early-stage prototype simulations for clinical testing.
- Prototypes replicated the live surgical environment to ensure accurate usability feedback.
- Simulated procedures allowed EPs to interact with the imaging system and provide real-time suggestions for improvement.
- Iterative testing refined the interface for optimal usability and efficiency.
Key Features Delivered
- Real-Time 3D Imaging: LumaVision’s imaging catheter captures real-time ultrasound data in 3D, offering an unprecedented view of the heart’s interior.
- Intuitive Interface Design: Interactive workflows facilitate quick navigation and custom visualisations, reducing cognitive load for EPs.
- Dynamic Calibration and Feedback: Calibration routines establish benchmarks and automatically adjust difficulty levels to ensure accurate energy delivery.
- Template-Based Planning: Therapy templates allow EPs to quickly plan procedures and address common AF-related issues.
The Impact
By integrating 3D real-time imaging with user-centric design, LumaVision’s catheter solution offers significant improvements:
- Increased First-Time Success Rates: Improved visibility reduces the need for repeat procedures.
- Enhanced Procedural Efficiency: The intuitive interface and tailored workflows streamline decision-making.
- Better Patient Outcomes: More precise energy delivery means fewer complications and faster recovery times.
- Scalable Innovation: Early-stage prototypes enable iterative improvements and faster integration into clinical practice.
“Frontend has worked with us to define how surgeons will use the next generation of real-time dynamic intra-cardiac imaging, and they have supported us from early user research through the implementation of designs into our products.”
Christoph Hennersperger, CTO & Co-Founder, LumaVision
This collaboration between LumaVision and Frontend demonstrates how user-centred design, combined with cutting-edge imaging technology, can drive impactful innovation in medical procedures. By addressing visibility challenges with intuitive 3D imaging, we’ve helped unlock the potential for safer, faster, and more successful AF treatments.
Get in touch
Our multidisciplinary software design team is based in our studio in Dublin, Ireland. Unlike most design consultancies, our research is conducted by professional researchers while our design team have over two decades of experience in complex systems, software programmes, usability, psychology, data visualisation, computer science and business process improvement. We engage with all stakeholders, understanding their environments and creating solutions that work at every touchpoint. Contact us to collaborate on your upcoming software project.