High-sensitivity imaging of magnetic fields from cardiac apex action potential propagation using superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) microscopy

Abstract

In this dissertation, we explore the magnetic fields associated with action potential propagation in the spiral fiber structure of a rabbit’s cardiac apex. We use optical imaging, SQUID microscopy, monodomain and bidomain modeling to analyze the spiral effect on action potential propagation. We found that the spiral structure gives a distinct magnetic imprint that can be reproduced by monodomain and bidomain modeling. The SQUID microscope has also been improved by implementing a lever mechanism and monolithic SQUID sensors for higher magnetic spatial resolution and sensitivity measurements.