Author(s)

P.R. Johnston & D. Kilpatrick

Abstract

The forward problem of electro cardiology incorporating detailed heart anatomy P.R. Johnston k D. Kilpatrick Department of Medicine, University of Tasmania, 43 Collins St., Hobart, Tasmania 7000, Australia ABSTRACT The forward problem of Electrocardiology is the determination of the body surface potential distribution given a specified potential distribution on the surface of the heart. The governing equation for the electric potential dis- tribution inside a realistic torso containing the internal heart chambers ,s solved using the boundary element method (employing techniques using discontinuous elements). The aim of developing this model is to gain an understanding of current flow within the thorax due to various conditions affecting the heart and to correlate these conditions with observed changes in the body surface electrocardiogram. INTRODUCTION The electrocardiogram is an essential tool in medical practice. It reflects the body surface potential

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