Key result
The novel phase windowing framework enabled accurate recapitulation of repetitive behavior and provided spatially coherent activation patterns during complex dynamic events compared to fixed windows.
Why the study?
High pacing frequency or irregular arrhythmic activity creates complex optical mapping signals that challenge processing, prompting the development of an automated analytical framework.
A novel analytical framework using phase windowing improves the quantitative assessment and visualization of complex electrical behavior in cardiac optical mapping compared to traditional fixed-window methods.
May refine preclinical optical mapping analyses; leaves open clinical translation and validation.
Introduction: High pacing frequency or irregular activity due to arrhythmia produces complex optical mapping signals and challenges for processing. The objective is to establish an automated activation time-based analytical framework applicable to optical mapping images of complex electrical behavior. Methods: Optical mapping signals with varying complexity from sheep ( N = 7) ventricular preparations were examined. Windows of activation centered on each action potential upstroke were derived using Hilbert transform phase. Upstroke morphology was evaluated for potential multiple activation components and peaks of upstroke signal derivatives defined activation time. Spatially and temporally clustered activation time points were grouped in to wave fronts for individual processing. Each activation time point was evaluated for corresponding repolarization times. Each wave front was subsequently classified based on repetitive or non-repetitive events. Wave fronts were evaluated for activation time minima defining sites of wave front origin. A visualization tool was further developed to probe dynamically the ensemble activation sequence. Results: Our framework facilitated activation time mapping during complex dynamic events including transitions to rotor-like reentry and ventricular fibrillation. We showed that using fixed AT windows to extract AT maps can impair interpretation of the activation sequence. However, the phase windowing of action potential upstrokes enabled accurate recapitulation of repetitive behavior, providing spatially coherent activation patterns. We further demonstrate that grouping the spatio-temporal distribution of AT points in to coherent wave fronts, facilitated interpretation of isolated conduction events, such as conduction slowing, and to derive dynamic changes in repolarization properties. Focal origins precisely detected sites of stimulation origin and breakthrough for individual wave fronts. Furthermore, a visualization tool to dynamically probe activation time windows during reentry revealed a critical single static line of conduction slowing associated with the rotation core. Conclusion: This comprehensive analytical framework enables detailed quantitative assessment and visualization of complex electrical behavior.
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Ramlugun et al. (2023) studied Ventricular arrhythmia (experimental model) (n=8). Phase windowing of action potential upstrokes (pAT mapping framework) vs. Fixed activation time (uAT) windows was evaluated on Recapitulation of circuitous activation sequence during reentry. The novel phase windowing framework enabled accurate recapitulation of repetitive behavior and provided spatially coherent activation patterns during complex dynamic events compared to fixed windows.
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