The sock electrode array: a tool for determining global epicardial activation during unstable arrhythmias

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Electrophysiology
• Medical Device Engineering

Background:

• Conventional epicardial mapping is time-consuming (5-15 min for 50+ sites).
• This method is insufficient for transient or beat-to-beat varying arrhythmias.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a "sock electrode array" for rapid, simultaneous epicardial mapping.
• To overcome limitations of traditional hand-held electrode techniques.

Main Methods:

• A contour-fitting sock with 26 or 52 electrodes was developed.
• Simultaneous recording of epicardial potentials and computer-generated isochronous maps.
• Comparison with hand-held electrode technique in six normal dogs.

Main Results:

• Sock electrode array allowed simultaneous recording from 26 electrodes in one cardiac cycle.
• Isochronous maps generated within 10 minutes, comparable to conventional methods.
• Hand-held technique required 25-45 minutes for data acquisition and analysis.

Conclusions:

• The sock electrode array provides rapid and accurate epicardial mapping.
• This method is suitable for intraoperative studies of ventricular tachyarrhythmias.
• Enables timely analysis of epicardial electrical phenomena during surgery.