Trace Mapping: A New Visualization Technique for Analyzing Gastrointestinal High-Resolution Electrical Mapping Data.

Abstract

Visualization techniques are an important tool for understanding high-resolution mapping data in gastric electrophysiology. Isochronal maps and animations provide excellent depictions of spatial propagation patterns, but fail to capture temporal features of electrical activity. In this work, 'trace mapping' was developed and validated as a method for visualizing high-resolution mapping data. A combination of dots and lines represent events and temporal groups, respectively, creating patterns that can be quickly and efficiently interpreted. This work outlines trace mapping methods and introduces a shape-based pattern recognition method for efficient interpretation of trace maps. These methods provide a new perspective for understanding and evaluating gastric electrophysiology.Clinical Relevance-This work provides new visualization methods that can help clinicians interpret and diagnose gastric electrical abnormalities in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders.