Spatial and temporal organization of the dominant frequencies in the fibrillating heart: body surface potential mapping in a rare case of sustained human ventricular fibrillation

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the spatial and temporal variability of dominant fibrillation frequencies in a rare case of sustained human ventricular fibrillation (VF). METHODS AND RESULTS: Body surface potential mapping was performed in a patient with sustained VF and who was supported by a biventricular assist device. Dominant frequencies at 54 body sites were calculated from two recordings obtained 38 days apart. Variability of dominant frequencies between recordings and across body sites was quantified. Median dominant frequencies within recordings varied between 6.1 and 7.2 Hz in recording 1 and 5.6 and 6.6 Hz in recording 2, indicating a significant reduction in dominant frequencies between the recordings (P < 0.0001). Dominant frequencies differed across body sites by a mean (range) of 1.7 (0.4-2.8) Hz. CONCLUSION: In this rare case of sustained VF, there was significant spatial and temporal variability of VF dominant frequencies. These findings should be considered in future ECG studies on VF where the spatial variability of dominant frequency might not otherwise have been considered.