Interpolation error arising from missing information in electrocardiographic body surface maps

The interpolation of information missing from specific electrode sites in Electrocardiographic Body Surface Maps (BSMs) is evaluated using several common methods. Although some of these methods frequently provide an accurate reproduction of the original signal, a large error can occur in areas of the torso where the heart´s electrical field exhibits a large potential gradient. This error has been shown to be a source of considerable variation in the location of isopotential map features. To ensure valid measurement of interpolation effects, comparison of maps is performed using appropriate parameters. The results obtained demonstrate that simple neighbourhood interpolation introduces unacceptable error into BSMs for use by a real time feature based diagnostic system. The results also show that isointegral maps can be considerably altered by simple surrounding electrode interpolation