Evaluation of a frequency-domain algorithm to detect ventricular fibrillation in the surface electrocardiogram

The authors evaluate a frequency-domain algorithm for use by the CREI-GARD computerized arrhythmia system (F.M. Nolle et al. 1986) to detect ventricular fibrillation (VF) in the surface ECG. This was accomplished using: (1) The American Heart Association (AHA) database of 80 ECG tape recordings (channel 1), including 10 recordings with 11 documented VF episodes, and (2) The CREI-GARD database of 35 single-channel recordings of 35 documented VF episodes. The recordings were analyzed using sequential 4.096-s segments. All 46 episodes of VF were correctly identified. The average time between the onset of VF and the first detection was 3 s (range 0 to 9 s). VF episodes occurring in segments in association with ventricular tachycardia (VT) were all correctly identified. There are 19 false VF detections during other episodes of VT out of a total of 684 VT episodes (2.8%). There were five false VF detections during other rhythms. None occurred during artifact. The algorithm is described in detail