A groundbreaking method developed by researchers at the Universitat Politècnica de València (UPV) is set to transform how cardiac arrhythmias are diagnosed. This novel approach combines electrocardiographic imaging with advanced digital simulations of the heart, allowing for more precise identification of arrhythmia origins. The technique focuses on premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), a common type of arrhythmia affecting millions globally, including over a million people in Spain alone. By leveraging personalized heart models, the new system promises greater accuracy than traditional methods.

Innovative technology lies at the core of this advancement. Using detailed anatomical models and computational algorithms, the team created a database containing over 600 simulations of arrhythmias. These simulations enable an algorithm to pinpoint the source of irregular heartbeats with an average precision of 7.8 mm, significantly surpassing the typical error margin of around 30 mm seen in conventional techniques. Additionally, the method was successfully tested in a real clinical scenario, demonstrating its potential to enhance treatment planning. Clinicians like Jorge Sánchez emphasize that integrating this approach into preoperative strategies could streamline interventions such as catheter ablation while minimizing invasiveness.

This development marks just the beginning of broader applications envisioned through the EPICA+ project. Led by the COR-ITACA group, this initiative seeks to expand the scope of the new diagnostic tool beyond PVCs to address various other types of arrhythmias. Combining electrocardiographic imaging with artificial intelligence and digital twins, the project aims to refine both diagnosis and treatment protocols. With support from a multidisciplinary team and extensive patient data, EPICA+ holds promise for not only enhancing medical outcomes but also reducing healthcare costs. Such advancements underscore the transformative power of integrating cutting-edge technologies into cardiovascular medicine, offering hope for improved patient care worldwide.