From channel protein to surface ECG: Quantitative assessment of multi channel ECG variations in patients with Long QT syndrome by computer models of the heart in conjunction with MRI

• Applicant: Dr.-Ing. Gunnar Seemann
• Subject Area: Automation, Mechatronics, Control Systems, Intelligent Technical Systems, Robotics
• Term: from 2006 to 2008
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 33278818

In this research project, a multi modal imaging system is proposed composed of multi channel ECG combined with MRI and complex mathematical models of the heart to identify the interdependence of ionic processes on protein level and ECG waveforms. The identification of a mutation called Long QT (LQT) syndrome in ECG data is in a special focus of this project. Up to now, the various types of LQT syndrome can only be distinguished by DNA analysis. A geometrical dataset of the thorax and the heart of a patient suffering from LQT2 syndrome and a healthy subject of his family are constructed based on 3D MRI data. This data is combined with a 64 channel ECG recording. Detailed electrophysiological models of cardiac cells are combined with a model of excitation conduction on individual cardiac geometry to simulate the physiological electrical activity. Based on this activity, the electrical potential distribution is calculated on the thoracic geometry and compared to ECG data of the healthy subject. Parameters of the models are adapted until simulated and measured ECGs correlate. The mutation is included in the model and the ECG of the LQT2 patient is calculated. By varying heart rate and identifying optimal electrode positions in the model of different LQT types, an ECG measurement protocol is developed enabling the determination of these mutations. This protocol is validated exemplary with the ECG data of LQT2 patients and compared to LQT1 and LQT3.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants