Projecting cardiac-current images onto a 3-D standard heart model

Our aim in this study is to obtain cardiac-current images that include morphological information on the heart. We obtain such images by projecting a two-dimensional (2-D) current-arrow map (CAM), which is calculated from magnetocardiogram (MCG) signals, onto a three-dimensional (3-D) standard heart model. The model is intended to be applicable to all adult subjects. This standard heart model is adjusted to the optimal position for each subject by using information on the heart's position. This information is obtained from MCG signals. The 2-D current-arrow maps (CAMs) for a healthy subject and a patient with angina pectoris (AP) are projected onto the adjusted standard heart model. The projected CAMs (PCAMs) clearly and accurately reflect the respective electrophysiological phases (p-wave, QRS-complex, and T-wave). The maps for the AP patient give us a clear view of the abnormal current area and direction of abnormal current flow in the heart muscle.