Spotting bio-electrical markers to predict new onset and stage of atrial fibrillation progression

The goals of this project are to 1) develop signal processing algorithms for automatic assessment of electrical profiles by quantifying signal features, 2) establish the effects of patient characteristics, different stages of atrial fibrillation (AF) on invasive electrical signal profiles by utilizing a unique high density atrial mapping approach (golden standard measurements) during cardiac surgery and noninvasive electrical signal profiles consisting of whole-heart body surface electrocardiograms, 3) construct AF Fingerprints, by correlating electrical signal profiles with levels of specific biomarkers related to structural damage in atrial tissue (invasive AF Fingerprint) and blood-based biomarkers (non-invasive AF Fingerprint) 4) design a mapping device for signal acquisition, compatible with the developed algorithmic software, for general use in clinical practice, replacing current available prototypes restricted by a limited number of electrode positions

The AFFIP study has resulted in both electrical and molecular profiles that have the potential to diagnose the stage an AF patient is in and determine its progression. These profiles still need to be validated. In addition, the researchers have developed a measurement method (hardware) with which electrical profiles can be measured.