One of the greatest challenges in analysis of the atrial rhythm from the ECG is to distinguish the atrial component from the large ventricular components. Our aim was to compare three techniques of atrial rhythm extraction from three groups working on this problem. 12-lead ECG data from 7 patients in atrial fibrillation were analysed. For extraction of the atrial rhythm, spatiotemporal QRST cancellation was performed by the Lund group, blind source separation by the Valencia group, and principal component analysis by the Newcastle group. Peak atrial frequency was determined by Fourier transform of the signal with the largest atrial cavity. All algorithms were successful in distinguishing the atrial rhythm from the low frequency ventricular rhythm. The mean (range) atrial frequency was 6.5 (5.9 - 7.6) Hz (Lund), 6.7 (5.7 - 7.9) Hz (Valencia) and 6.5 (5.9 - 8.2) Hz (Newcastle). There were no significant differences between the atrial frequencies estimated by each of the techniques.
Langley P, Stridh M, Rieta JJ, Sornmo L, Millet-Roig J, Murray A. Comparison of atrial rhythm extraction techniques for the estimation of the main atrial frequency from the 12-lead electrocardiogram in atrial fibrillation. Computers in Cardiology 2002; 29: 29-32.
Dr. Philip Langley, Freeman Unit, Newcastle upon Tyne. Tel: +44 (0)191-223-1370.
Regional Medical Physics Department, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 6BE, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)191-233-6161 Fax: +44 (0)191-226-0970 E-mail: webmaster@rmpd.org.uk Web: http://www.rmpd.org.uk
By using this site you agree to our Terms and Conditions of Use. Please read our legal page.
Regional Medical Physics Department, a Clinical Directorate of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Copyright ©1999-2008 All Rights Reserved. Revised 28 April, 2008.
