A new approach for TU complex characterization

Presents a new TU complex detection and characterization algorithm that consists of two stages; the first is a mathematical modeling of the electrocardiographic segment after QRS complex; the second uses classic threshold comparison techniques, over the signal and its first and second derivatives, to determine the significant points of each wave. Later, both T and U waves are morphologically classified. Amongst the principal innovations of this algorithm is the inclusion of U-wave characterization and a mathematical modeling stage, that avoids many of the problems of classic techniques when there is a low signal-to-noise ratio or when wave morphology is atypical. The results of the algorithm validation with the recently appeared QT database are also shown. For T waves these results are better when compared to other existing algorithms. U-wave results cannot be contrasted with other algorithms as, to the authors´ knowledge, none are available. Examples showing the causes of principal discrepancies between the authors´ algorithm and the QT database annotations are also given, and some ways of attempting to improve and benefit from the proposed algorithm are suggested.