Non-linear energy operator for the analysis of intracardial electrograms

Abstract

The curative therapy of atrial fibrillation (AF) is still challenging. Although the electrophysiologists know many strategies to cure AF, the underlying mechanisms are still mostly unknown. Also the optimal ablation strategy for paroxysmal and long-lasting persistent AF is not known. Complex fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAEs) are becoming more and more important in the ablation strategies, especially for long-lasting persistant AF. Automated detection and signal analysis of CFAEs is essential in supporting the physicians during the ablation procedure. The robust algorithm to locate CFAEs presented in the contribution by Nguyen, Schilling and Dössel delivers a good bases for postprocessing and signal analysis of CFAEs. It is employing a non-linear energy operator combined with thresholding. In this paper this new algorithm is tested on clinical data and compared to clinically accepted algorithms.