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Stoks J, Patel KHK, van Rees B, Nguyen UC, Mihl C, Deissler PM, ter Bekke RMA, Peeters R, Vijgen J, Dendale P, Ng FS, Cluitmans MJM, Volders PGA. Variant patterns of electrical activation and recovery in normal human hearts revealed by noninvasive electrocardiographic imaging. Europace 2024; 26:euae172. [PMID: 38970395 PMCID: PMC11226755 DOI: 10.1093/europace/euae172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS Although electrical activity of the normal human heart is well characterized by the electrocardiogram, detailed insights into within-subject and between-subject variations of ventricular activation and recovery by noninvasive electroanatomic mapping are lacking. We characterized human epicardial activation and recovery within and between normal subjects using non-invasive electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) as a basis to better understand pathology. METHODS AND RESULTS Epicardial activation and recovery were assessed by ECGI in 22 normal subjects, 4 subjects with bundle branch block (BBB) and 4 with long-QT syndrome (LQTS). We compared characteristics between the ventricles [left ventricle (LV) and right ventricle (RV)], sexes, and age groups (<50/≥50years). Pearson's correlation coefficient (CC) was used for within-subject and between-subject comparisons. Age of normal subjects averaged 49 ± 14 years, 6/22 were male, and no structural/electrical heart disease was present. The average activation time was longer in LV than in RV, but not different by sex or age. Electrical recovery was similar for the ventricles, but started earlier and was on average shorter in males. Median CCs of between-subject comparisons of the ECG signals, activation, and recovery patterns were 0.61, 0.32, and 0.19, respectively. Within-subject beat-to-beat comparisons yielded higher CCs (0.98, 0.89, and 0.82, respectively). Activation and/or recovery patterns of patients with BBB or LQTS contrasted significantly with those found in the normal population. CONCLUSION Activation and recovery patterns vary profoundly between normal subjects, but are stable individually beat to beat, with a male preponderance to shorter recovery. Individual characterization by ECGI at baseline serves as reference to better understand the emergence, progression, and treatment of electrical heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Job Stoks
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, UHasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Hartcentrum, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | | | - Bianca van Rees
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Uyen Chau Nguyen
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Casper Mihl
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter M Deissler
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel M A ter Bekke
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ralf Peeters
- Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Vijgen
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, UHasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Hartcentrum, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Paul Dendale
- Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, UHasselt, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Cardiology, Hartcentrum, Jessa Hospital, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Fu Siong Ng
- National Heart and Lung Institute (NHLI), Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matthijs J M Cluitmans
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul G A Volders
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Jaffery OA, Melki L, Slabaugh G, Good WW, Roney CH. A Review of Personalised Cardiac Computational Modelling Using Electroanatomical Mapping Data. Arrhythm Electrophysiol Rev 2024; 13:e08. [PMID: 38807744 PMCID: PMC11131150 DOI: 10.15420/aer.2023.25] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Computational models of cardiac electrophysiology have gradually matured during the past few decades and are now being personalised to provide patient-specific therapy guidance for improving suboptimal treatment outcomes. The predictive features of these personalised electrophysiology models hold the promise of providing optimal treatment planning, which is currently limited in the clinic owing to reliance on a population-based or average patient approach. The generation of a personalised electrophysiology model entails a sequence of steps for which a range of activation mapping, calibration methods and therapy simulation pipelines have been suggested. However, the optimal methods that can potentially constitute a clinically relevant in silico treatment are still being investigated and face limitations, such as uncertainty of electroanatomical data recordings, generation and calibration of models within clinical timelines and requirements to validate or benchmark the recovered tissue parameters. This paper is aimed at reporting techniques on the personalisation of cardiac computational models, with a focus on calibrating cardiac tissue conductivity based on electroanatomical mapping data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ovais A Jaffery
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
| | - Lea Melki
- R&D Algorithms, Acutus Medical Carlsbad, CA, US
| | - Gregory Slabaugh
- Digital Environment Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
| | | | - Caroline H Roney
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
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van der Waal J, Meijborg V, Coronel R, Dubois R, Oostendorp T. Basis and applicability of noninvasive inverse electrocardiography: a comparison between cardiac source models. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1295103. [PMID: 38152249 PMCID: PMC10752226 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1295103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The body surface electrocardiogram (ECG) is a direct result of electrical activity generated by the myocardium. Using the body surface ECGs to reconstruct cardiac electrical activity is called the inverse problem of electrocardiography. The method to solve the inverse problem depends on the chosen cardiac source model to describe cardiac electrical activity. In this paper, we describe the theoretical basis of two inverse methods based on the most commonly used cardiac source models: the epicardial potential model and the equivalent dipole layer model. We discuss similarities and differences in applicability, strengths and weaknesses and sketch a road towards improved inverse solutions by targeted use, sequential application or a combination of the two methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanne van der Waal
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Veronique Meijborg
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Ruben Coronel
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Rémi Dubois
- IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux Université, Pessac, France
| | - Thom Oostendorp
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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Bear LR, Bergquist JA, Abell E, Cochet H, MacLeod RS, Dubois R, Serinagaoglu Y. Investigation into the importance of using natural PVCs and pathological models for potential-based ECGI validation. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1198002. [PMID: 37275229 PMCID: PMC10232953 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1198002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are one of the most commonly targeted pathologies for ECGI validation, often through ventricular stimulation to mimic the ectopic beat. However, it remains unclear if such stimulated beats faithfully reproduce spontaneously occurring PVCs, particularly in the case of the R-on-T phenomenon. The objective of this study was to determine the differences in ECGI accuracy when reconstructing spontaneous PVCs as compared to ventricular-stimulated beats and to explore the impact of pathophysiological perturbation on this reconstruction accuracy. Methods: Langendorff-perfused pig hearts (n = 3) were suspended in a human torso-shaped tank, and local hyperkalemia was induced through perfusion of a high-K+ solution (8 mM) into the LAD. Recordings were taken simultaneously from the heart and tank surfaces during ventricular pacing and during spontaneous PVCs (including R-on-T), both at baseline and high K+. Epicardial potentials were reconstructed from torso potentials using ECGI. Results: Spontaneously occurring PVCs were better reconstructed than stimulated beats at baseline in terms of electrogram morphology [correlation coefficient (CC) = 0.74 ± 0.05 vs. CC = 0.60 ± 0.10], potential maps (CC = 0.61 ± 0.06 vs. CC = 0.51 ± 0.12), and activation time maps (CC = 0.86 ± 0.07 vs. 0.76 ± 0.10), though there was no difference in the localization error (LE) of epicardial origin (LE = 14 ± 6 vs. 15 ± 11 mm). High K+ perfusion reduced the accuracy of ECGI reconstructions in terms of electrogram morphology (CC = 0.68 ± 0.10) and AT maps (CC = 0.70 ± 0.12 and 0.59 ± 0.23) for isolated PVCs and paced beats, respectively. LE trended worse, but the change was not significant (LE = 17 ± 9 and 20 ± 12 mm). Spontaneous PVCs were less well when the R-on-T phenomenon occurred and the activation wavefronts encountered a line of block. Conclusion: This study demonstrates the differences in ECGI accuracy between spontaneous PVCs and ventricular-paced beats. We also observed a reduction in this accuracy near regions of electrically inactive tissue. These results highlight the need for more physiologically realistic experimental models when evaluating the accuracy of ECGI methods. In particular, reconstruction accuracy needs to be further evaluated in the presence of R-on-T or isolated PVCs, particularly when encountering obstacles (functional or anatomical) which cause line of block and re-entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura R. Bear
- IHU-Liryc, Heart Rhythm Disease Institute, Foundation Bordeaux Université, Bordeaux, France
- University Bordeaux, CRCTB, Bordeaux, France
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jake A. Bergquist
- Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt LakeCity, UT, United States
- Norra Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah, Salt LakeCity, UT, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt LakeCity, UT, United States
| | - Emma Abell
- IHU-Liryc, Heart Rhythm Disease Institute, Foundation Bordeaux Université, Bordeaux, France
- University Bordeaux, CRCTB, Bordeaux, France
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hubert Cochet
- IHU-Liryc, Heart Rhythm Disease Institute, Foundation Bordeaux Université, Bordeaux, France
- University Bordeaux, CRCTB, Bordeaux, France
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU), Pessac, France
| | - Rob S. MacLeod
- Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt LakeCity, UT, United States
- Norra Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (CVRTI), University of Utah, Salt LakeCity, UT, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Utah, Salt LakeCity, UT, United States
| | - Remi Dubois
- IHU-Liryc, Heart Rhythm Disease Institute, Foundation Bordeaux Université, Bordeaux, France
- University Bordeaux, CRCTB, Bordeaux, France
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Yesim Serinagaoglu
- Electrical-Electronics Engineering Department, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Türkiye
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Hernández-Romero I, Molero R, Fambuena-Santos C, Herrero-Martín C, Climent AM, Guillem MS. Electrocardiographic imaging in the atria. Med Biol Eng Comput 2023; 61:879-896. [PMID: 36370321 PMCID: PMC9988819 DOI: 10.1007/s11517-022-02709-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The inverse problem of electrocardiography or electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI) is a technique for reconstructing electrical information about cardiac surfaces from noninvasive or non-contact recordings. ECGI has been used to characterize atrial and ventricular arrhythmias. Although it is a technology with years of progress, its development to characterize atrial arrhythmias is challenging. Complications can arise when trying to describe the atrial mechanisms that lead to abnormal propagation patterns, premature or tachycardic beats, and reentrant arrhythmias. This review addresses the various ECGI methodologies, regularization methods, and post-processing techniques used in the atria, as well as the context in which they are used. The current advantages and limitations of ECGI in the fields of research and clinical diagnosis of atrial arrhythmias are outlined. In addition, areas where ECGI efforts should be concentrated to address the associated unsatisfied needs from the atrial perspective are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rubén Molero
- ITACA, Universitat Politècnica de València, Valencia, Spain
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Stoks J, Bear LR, Vijgen J, Dendale P, Peeters R, Volders PGA, Cluitmans MJM. Understanding repolarization in the intracardiac unipolar electrogram: A long-lasting controversy revisited. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1158003. [PMID: 37089414 PMCID: PMC10119409 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1158003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The optimal way to determine repolarization time (RT) from the intracardiac unipolar electrogram (UEG) has been a topic of debate for decades. RT is typically determined by either the Wyatt method or the "alternative method," which both consider UEG T-wave slope, but differently. Objective: To determine the optimal method to measure RT on the UEG. Methods: Seven pig hearts surrounded by an epicardial sock with 100 electrodes were Langendorff-perfused with selective cannulation of the left anterior descending (LAD) coronary artery and submersed in a torso-shaped tank containing 256 electrodes on the torso surface. Repolarization was prolonged in the non-LAD-regions by infusing dofetilide and shortened in the LAD-region using pinacidil. RT was determined by the Wyatt (tWyatt) and alternative (tAlt) methods, in both invasive (recorded with epicardial electrodes) and in non-invasive UEGs (reconstructed with electrocardiographic imaging). tWyatt and tAlt were compared to local effective refractory period (ERP). Results: With contact mapping, mean absolute error (MAE) of tWyatt and tAlt vs. ERP were 21 ms and 71 ms, respectively. Positive T-waves typically had an earlier ERP than negative T-waves, in line with theory. tWyatt -but not tAlt-shortened by local infusion of pinacidil. Similar results were found for the non-invasive UEGs (MAE of tWyatt and tAlt vs. ERP were 30 ms and 92 ms, respectively). Conclusion: The Wyatt method is the most accurate to determine RT from (non) invasive UEGs, based on novel and historical analyses. Using it to determine RT could unify and facilitate repolarization assessment and amplify its role in cardiac electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Job Stoks
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Laura R. Bear
- IHU Liryc, Electrophysiology and Heart Modeling Institute, Fondation Bordeaux Université, Bordeaux, France
| | - Johan Vijgen
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Paul Dendale
- Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ralf Peeters
- Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Paul G. A. Volders
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Matthijs J. M. Cluitmans
- Department of Cardiology, CARIM, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
- *Correspondence: Matthijs J. M. Cluitmans,
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Stoks J, Hermans BJM, Boukens BJD, Holtackers RJ, Gommers S, Kaya YS, Vernooy K, Cluitmans MJM, Volders PGA, Ter Bekke RMA. High-resolution structural-functional substrate-trigger characterization: Future roadmap for catheter ablation of ventricular tachycardia. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 10:1112980. [PMID: 36873402 PMCID: PMC9978225 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2023.1112980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Patients with ventricular tachyarrhythmias (VT) are at high risk of sudden cardiac death. When appropriate, catheter ablation is modestly effective, with relatively high VT recurrence and complication rates. Personalized models that incorporate imaging and computational approaches have advanced VT management. However, 3D patient-specific functional electrical information is typically not considered. We hypothesize that incorporating non-invasive 3D electrical and structural characterization in a patient-specific model improves VT-substrate recognition and ablation targeting. Materials and methods In a 53-year-old male with ischemic cardiomyopathy and recurrent monomorphic VT, we built a structural-functional model based on high-resolution 3D late-gadolinium enhancement (LGE) cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (3D-LGE CMR), multi-detector computed tomography (CT), and electrocardiographic imaging (ECGI). Invasive data from high-density contact and pace mapping obtained during endocardial VT-substrate modification were also incorporated. The integrated 3D electro-anatomic model was analyzed off-line. Results Merging the invasive voltage maps and 3D-LGE CMR endocardial geometry led to a mean Euclidean node-to-node distance of 5 ± 2 mm. Inferolateral and apical areas of low bipolar voltage (<1.5 mV) were associated with high 3D-LGE CMR signal intensity (>0.4) and with higher transmurality of fibrosis. Areas of functional conduction delay or block (evoked delayed potentials, EDPs) were in close proximity to 3D-LGE CMR-derived heterogeneous tissue corridors. ECGI pinpointed the epicardial VT exit at ∼10 mm from the endocardial site of origin, both juxtaposed to the distal ends of two heterogeneous tissue corridors in the inferobasal left ventricle. Radiofrequency ablation at the entrances of these corridors, eliminating all EDPs, and at the VT site of origin rendered the patient non-inducible and arrhythmia-free until the present day (20 months follow-up). Off-line analysis in our model uncovered dynamic electrical instability of the LV inferolateral heterogeneous scar region which set the stage for an evolving VT circuit. Discussion and conclusion We developed a personalized 3D model that integrates high-resolution structural and electrical information and allows the investigation of their dynamic interaction during arrhythmia formation. This model enhances our mechanistic understanding of scar-related VT and provides an advanced, non-invasive roadmap for catheter ablation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Job Stoks
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Advanced Computing Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Ben J M Hermans
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Bas J D Boukens
- Department of Physiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC), Amsterdam Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Robert J Holtackers
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Suzanne Gommers
- Department of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Yesim S Kaya
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Kevin Vernooy
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Matthijs J M Cluitmans
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Philips Research, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Paul G A Volders
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Rachel M A Ter Bekke
- Department of Cardiology, Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
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