An interactive instructional program to promote the understanding of normal and abnormal cardiac activation and its resultant electrocardiograph

• Published in: Journal of electrocardiology 2003-01, Vol.36, p.170-170
• Main Authors: Olson, Charles W, Wagner, Galen, Albano, Alfred, Selvester, Ronald H.S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0022-0736; 1532-8430
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2003.09.049

The instructional program consists of 3D displays of the activation of the right and left ventricles, showing the dipole vectors that are generated in a 12 segment model. These displays are used to visually show the sequence of normal activation as well as the alterations in this sequence caused by MIs in the distributions of the 3 major coronary arteries and their branches. Additional displays are provided to demonstrate the relationship between the myocardial activation and the VCG based on the 3 orthogonal leads and its projection onto the 12 standard ECG leads. The 3D displays may be rotated and inclined so that the student can observe the activation for any direction. Preprogrammed orientations are readily commanded for rapid access to the most informative views. As the activation sequence progresses, it may be stopped and viewed and descriptive text will appear to call attention to pertinent information. At the present time the program consists of a Normal Heart and 4 degrees of Anterior MI, 3 degrees of Posterior MI and 3 degrees of Inferior MI.