Can we hear ventricle dyssynchrony? Yes, we can

Annu Int Conf IEEE Eng Med Biol Soc. 2015:2015:6527-30. doi: 10.1109/EMBC.2015.7319888.

Abstract

This study introduces a method for detection of ventricular depolarization activity and the transfer of this activity into an audible stereo audio signal. Heart potentials are measured by an ultra-high-frequency high-dynamic-range electrocardiograph (UHF-ECG) with a 25-kHz sampling rate. Averaged and prolonged UHF amplitude envelopes of V1-3 and V4-6 leads at a frequency range of 500-1000 Hz are used as a modulating function for two carrier audio frequencies. The right speaker makes it possible to listen to the depolarization of the septum and right ventricle (V1-3) and the left speaker the left ventricle lateral wall (V4-6). In the healthy heart, both speakers can be heard simultaneously. A delayed L or R speaker represents the dyssynchronous electrical activation of the ventricles. Examples of the normal heart, right bundle branch block and left bundle branch block can be heard at www.medisig.com/uhfecg.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Bundle-Branch Block / physiopathology
  • Electrocardiography / methods*
  • Heart Conduction System
  • Heart Ventricles / physiopathology*
  • Humans
  • Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted*
  • Ventricular Function / physiology*