Use of ultrasound imaging to map propagating action potential waves in the heart

Presently, the nature of action potential propagation deep within myocardial tissue is unclear. As a result, a complete understanding of cardiac dynamics remains elusive. Here we present a technique using ultrasound and electromechanical modeling that has the potential to unlock this mystery. We also present information suggesting tension in the heart behaves as a long-range force incapable of being captured through only local observation of myocardial tissue deformation.