Three Dimensional Panoramic Fast Flourescence Imaging of Cardiac Arryhtymias in the Rabbit Heart

Cardiac high spatio-temporal optical mapping provides a unique opportunity to investigate the dynamics of propagating waves of excitation during ventricular arrhythmia and defibrillation. However, studies using single camera imaging systems are hampered by the inability to monitor electrical activity from the entire surface of the heart. We have developed a three dimensional panoramic imaging system which allows high-resolution and high-dynamic-range optical mapping from the entire surface of the heart. Rabbit hearts (n=4) were Langendorff perfused and imaged by the system during sinus rhythm, epicardial pacing, and arrhythmias. The reconstructed 3D electrical activity provides us with a powerful tool to investigate fundamental mechanisms of arrhythmia and antiarrhythmia therapy in normal and diseased hearts