Detection of reentry currents in atrial flutter by magnetocardiography

The magnetic signal produced by atrial flutter induced in isolated rabbit hearts has been detected. A simple model describing a circus reentry path is discussed and fitted to the experimental data. Agreement between the simulated magnetic field obtained using the model and animal experimental results suggests that, at least in the preparation used, the presence of a reentry current can be checked and described in a zero-order approximation by the circular motion of a constant-intensity current dipole. It appears that magnetocardiography can be used as a noninvasive technique to locate and to provide information about the radius of the circuit of such reentry currents.<>