Influence of individual torso geometry on inverse solution to 2 dipoles.

Background: The purpose of this study was to observe the influence of variety in individual torso geometries on the results of inverse solution to 2 dipoles.

Methods: The inverse solution to 2 dipoles was computed from the measured data on 8 patients using either standard torso with various shapes and sizes of the heart and lungs in it or using various outer torso geometries with the same inhomogeneities. The vertical position of the heart relative to the fourth intercostal level was kept constant in all models. The results were compared with the reference solution computed in standard torso.

Results: The inverse solution was influenced in 4 of 8 cases by changes of torso geometry and only in 1 of 8 cases by changes of internal inhomogeneities.

Conclusions: The use of individual torso geometry with the knowledge of the true heart position is very important for correct inverse results.