Patient-specific identification of optimal ubiquitous electrocardiogram (U-ECG) placement using a three-dimensional model of cardiac electrophysiology.

A bipolar mini-ECG for ubiquitous healthcare (U-ECG) has been introduced, and various studies using the U-ECG device are in progress. Because it uses two electrodes within a small torso surface area, the design of the U-ECG must be suitable for detecting ECG signals. Using a 3-D model of cardiac electrophysiology, we have developed a simulation method for identifying the optimal placement of U-ECG electrodes on the torso surface. We simulated the heart-torso model to obtain a body surface potential map and ECG waveforms, which were compared with the empirical data. Using this model, we determined the optimal placement of the two U-ECG electrodes, spaced 5 cm apart, for detecting the P, R, and T waves. The ECG data, obtained using the optimal U-ECG placement for a specific wave, showed a clear shape for the target wave, but equivocal shapes for the other waves. The present study provides an efficient simulation method to identify the optimal attachment position and direction of the U-ECG electrodes on the surface of the torso.