Solving the inverse problem in magnetocardiography

Biomagnetic methods have proven to be valuable as research tools in obtaining functional information that is difficult to gain by conventional clinical imaging methods. Still, the magnetocardiographic localization method has to compete with corresponding bioelectric measurements and other noninvasive methods, such as two-dimensional echocardiography, magnetic resonance imaging, and gated X-ray and radionuclide imaging. All of these methods have their limitations, and the later ones may, in certain cases, afford some risk to the patient. So far, the must successful application of biomagnetic methods has been the localization of bioelectric sources in the body. Promising results have been reported, with accuracies comparable to the localization results obtained by invasive clinical methods. Considering the possible clinical use of magnetocardiographs, the localization of arrhythmogenic regions as well as selection of patients with high risk of arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death are important. Theoretically, the advantage of biomagnetic measurements over corresponding bioelectric surface potential studies is still controversial. However, in practice, the spatial resolution capability of biomagnetic methods seems to be better. In various studies, the combination of both magnetic and electric data can bring improvements in the inverse solution.<>