Abstract
The epicardial mapping, which draws the conduction equi-time lines based on the measured epicardial potentials, is useful for the intraoperative diagnosis in ventricular arrhythmia, WPW syndrome and surgical conduction disturbances. However, since the present mapping procedures are processed by manual operation, it takes many minutes and moreover requires a great deal of trouble, disturbing the surgical operation.
A newly developed epicardial mapping system is described in this paper. This system is mainly designed for the intraoperative use, and has the following features :
(1) Display of the epicardial map is processed on line in parallel with the measurement of epicardial potentials so that the operator could observe the process of the mapping. The mapping also is almost completed at the end of the measurements.
(2) The conduction equi-time lines are drawn in color at every 5 or 10 msec interval. The earliest excitation portion is displayed red and blue so that the epicardial conduction pattern could be recognized at a glance.
(3) The use of a microcomputer makes the system size smaller so that the equipment can be carried into the operating room. The description of the system as well as the results of testing the system with dog experiments are presented.
