Translational Research

ELECTROCARDIOMATRIX (ECM)

To visualize the beat-to-beat features of cardiac signals monitored over a long period, we developed a new method of displaying long streams of EKG signals, called the electrocardiomatrix (ECM). The ECM graphs two or more consecutive P-QRS-T waves on the y axis, the numbers of heartbeats or time lapsed on the x axis, and signal intensity of heartbeats on the z axis. This display method preserves all features of cardiac electrical signals decipherable from raw EKG data in a compact manner and permits a single-glance view of time-dependent changes of heart rate and the occurrence of cardiac arrhythmias.

The ECM method appears to offer superior sensitivity and specificity for cardiac arrhythmia detection compared with manual detection (Li et al., 2015b) as well as automated arrhythmia detection (manuscripts in preparation) and is predicted to improve diagnosis of cardiac diseases. Currently, we are collaborating with a number of physicians and engineers to further develop this technology and plan to conduct clinical trials to test the sensitivity and specificity of ECM approach for cardiac arrhythmia detection at the University of Michigan Hospital.