New publication: CineECG: A novel method to image the average activation sequence in the heart from the 12-lead ECG

The 12-lead ECG is one of the fundamental diagnostic tools in clinical practice to gain insight into cardiovascular abnormalities and arrhythmias. However, the interpretation of the ECG requires training and clinical expertise and is subject to considerable inter- and intra-clinician variability. Additionally, the diagnostic value of the standard 12-lead ECG is limited by the difficulty of linking it directly to cardiac anatomy. The 12-lead ECG is also susceptible to human errors such as variability in electrode positioning, which can significantly affect recorded ECG waveforms and consequently their interpretation by a clinician.
One approach towards addressing the limitations of ECG interpretation is through the use of computerized modelling of a person’s heart activation. In this technology ECG Imaging software reconstructs a complete characterization of cardiac electrical activity from body surface potential measurements. But to this properly you need data on the ECG electrode positions on the skin and the position and rotation of the heart within the torso of the person. ECG Imaging makes it possible to see far more details regarding the heart performance and thus boost the diagnostic value of the Electrocardiogram. Unfortunately, ECGI requires far more ECG electrodes and a CT or MRI scan to do the analysis properly. This has limited the increase in cardiac diagnostic possibilities for the past century.
With CineECG, a lightweight and less complex alternative to ECGImaging is provided as 1) the additional physical burden on electrode number and placement is minimized and 2) the use of sophisticated and computationally expensive numerical techniques is not required. 
For the average ECG reader, CineECG provides a fast way to gain insight into the direct relation between cardiac electrical activity and anatomy, thereby aiding interpretation of the 12-lead ECG. Furthermore, for example in the emergency department, subtle changes in cardiac electrical activity may be recognized earlier using CineECG to prevent serious acute cardiac deterioration. For the more experienced ECG reader, CineECG can provide a way to identify subtle signs of disease.
More information on the technology behind CineECG can be found in this recent article: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compbiomed.2021.105128