Validation of body surface potential mapping during thrombolysis: multi-centre study by means of a communication computer network

In order to assess noninvasively the state of perfusion of the infarct-related coronary artery (IRCA) and the location of myocardial ischemia, body surface potential mapping (BSPM) was applied to patients undergoing thrombolytic therapy for acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Preliminary results have demonstrated that the time course of ST60 shifts is closely related to the various grades of perfusion as angiographically documented. To achieve a comprehensive patient population, a multicenter study was begun using the communication services of a communication computer network. Four centers, distributed over West Germany, use BSPM during thrombolysis in order to assess immediately the recanalization of the IRCA and the location and size of myocardial ischemia. By means of the German Research Network (DFN) each center has direct access to a central database for patient data and to an archive system specifically for BSPM data. The value of the wide area network and communication services is investigated for medical applications using BSPM during thrombolysis as an example