ElectroMap: High-throughput open-source software for analysis and mapping of cardiac electrophysiology

Abstract

The ability to record and analyse electrical behaviour across the heart using optical and electrode mapping has revolutionised cardiac research. However, wider uptake of these technologies is constrained by the lack of multi-functional and robustly characterised analysis and mapping software. We present ElectroMap, an adaptable, high-throughput, open-source software for processing, analysis and mapping of complex electrophysiology datasets from diverse experimental models and acquisition modalities. Key innovation is development of standalone module for quantification of conduction velocity, employing multiple methodologies, currently not widely available to researchers. ElectroMap has also been designed to support multiple methodologies for accurate calculation of activation, repolarisation, arrhythmia detection, calcium handling and beat-to-beat heterogeneity. ElectroMap implements automated signal segmentation, ensemble averaging and integrates optogenetic approaches. Here we employ ElectroMap for analysis, mapping and detection of pro-arrhythmic phenomena in silico, in cellulo, animal model and in vivo patient datasets. We anticipate that ElectroMap will accelerate innovative cardiac research and enhance the uptake, application and interpretation of mapping technologies leading to novel approaches for arrhythmia prevention.

Optocardiography and Electrophysiology Studies of Ex Vivo Langendorff-perfused Hearts

“…6. After temporal parameters are calculated, generate isochronal maps to depict aspects of a single action potential or calcium transient across the entire imaged epicardial surface using custom algorithms23,33,43,45,46…”

Adrenergic supersensitivity and impaired neural control of cardiac electrophysiology following regional cardiac sympathetic nerve loss

“…Two analysis programs ( Optiq , Cairn Research Ltd, UK & Electromap 53 ) were utilized to analyze and interpret optical mapping data. A spatial Gaussian filter (3 × 3 pixels) was used to post-process all fluorescent signals.…”

“…APD dispersion (APDD) was calculated as the inner 5th to 95th percentile of APDs in the field of view divided by the median APD. Average conduction velocity (CV) was calculated along a gradient vector of the surface from base to apex using a polynomial fitting algorithm to measure activation times as described by O’Shea et al 53 . Diastolic Ca 2+ elevation was measured as the percent increase in diastolic Ca 2+ relative to the last paced beat in a rapid pacing train.…”

3D bioprinting of high cell-density heterogeneous tissue models through spheroid fusion within self-healing hydrogels

“…The high-throughput and open-source software package ElectoMap was used to perform quantitative measurements on the acquired fluorescent calcium videos 65 . Activation maps were produced using the isochronal module using a spatial (2 pixels, sigma 1.5) and temporal (Savitsky-Goaly) filter, and the activation measure was defined as the activation midpoint.…”