Simultaneous High-Resolution Electrical Imaging of Endocardial, Epicardial and Torso-Tank Surfaces Under Varying Cardiac Metabolic Load and Coronary Flow

摘要

We present an experimental preparation that allows simultaneous, high resolution mapping of endocardial, epicardial and torso tank surfaces from an isolated canine heart. The preparation additionally permits control over blood flow rate through a targeted region of the cardiac tissue, the heart rate and the mechanical load on the left ventricle. Adjustment of heart rate and left-ventricular load through a fluid-filled balloon inserted into the left ventricle allow control of metabolic demand. Cardiac potential measurements occur by means of flexible sock-mounted electrode arrays applied to the epicardium and the intraventricular balloon. A preliminary study using this preparation suggests the existence of a heterogenous response of the myocardium to ischemia. Such an experimental model is a useful testbed for many studies, including validation of forward and inverse solutions.