Interactive graphics system for locating plunge electrodes in cardiac MRI images

摘要

Abstract: Understanding the mechanisms of ventricular fibrillation and defibrillation requires analysis of epicardial and endocardial potentials throughout the heart. Plunge electrodes permit recording of cardiac potentials at epicardial and endocardial sites, and allow determination of electrical gradients. They also enable us to determine the arrhythmia recurrence sites following failed defibrillation; these sites may be epicardial or endocardial. Therefore, it is necessary to relate the position of the plunge electrodes to the cardiac geometry. We have developed an interactive, computer graphics based system that allows us to locate plunge electrodes on digitized MRI slices of a heart. The system, which can work with any type of image, allows us to identify the epicardial and endocardial points of each plunge electrode on the different MRI slices. Up to 128 different plunge electrodes may be identified to the system. Normalized 3-D coordinates for each epicardial and endocardial electrode point are computed and stored in data files on the computer. Geometry information obtained from this system permits a more thorough understanding of the electrical signals recorded by the plunge electrodes. This information can be used in the study of cardiac excitation and arrhythmias and could help in the development of a more effective lead system for ventricular defibrillation. !