Multi-lead ECG electrode array for clinical application of electrocardiographic inverse problem

Methods for noninvasive imaging of electric function of the heart might become clinical standard procedure the next years. Thus, the overall procedure has to meet clinical requirements as easy and fast application. In this study we propose a new electrode array which improves the information content in the ECG map, considering clinical constraints such as easy to apply and compatibility with routine leads. A major challenge is the development of an electrode array which yields a high information content even for a large interindividual variation in torso shape. For identifying regions of high information content we introduce the concept of a locally applied virtual electrode array. As a result of our analysis we constructed a new electrode array consisting of two L-shaped regular spaced parts and compared it to the electrode array we use for clinical studies upon activation time imaging. We assume that one side effect caused by the regular shape and spacing of the new array be that the reconstruction of electrodes placed on the patients back is simplified. It may be sufficient to record a few characteristic electrode positions and merge them with a model of the posterior array.