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In cardiac electrophysiology, cardiac electrical and optical mapping techniques have advanced our understanding of the electrical function of the heart. The idea behind mapping is to pinpoint the exact area of diseased tissue/cells (eg, whole hearts, cardiac slices and iPSC-CM) with abnormal electrical conductivity. The applications include arrhythmia (atrial/ventricular fibrillation), cardiotoxicity screening, myocardial infarction, cardiac regeneration, and more.

In essence, electrical mapping employs microelectrode arrays (MEAs) to efficiently measure electrical activities in a minimally invasive manner. Conversely, optical mapping utilizes fluorescence-based imaging and dyes to accurately track the rapidly propagating excitation wavefronts at high spatiotemporal resolution (e.g., electrical activation, repolarization, and calcium handling). Both mapping techniques possess unique characteristics and advantages.

During the seminar, we will focus on these mapping techniques and their applications in pre-clinical studies. Additionally, we will explore how the mapping data can be translated into meaningful cardiac electrophysiology parameters, providing valuable insights into cardiac electrophysiology in both health and disease.