Laser Doppler vibrometry as a noncontact method to detect various degrees of atrioventricular block: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: The vibrocardiography (VBCG) is a laser-based technique to monitor the heart rhythm without any contact to the body. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the VBCG is able to detect the vibration patterns of the atria.

METHODS: Simultaneous recordings of the ECG and VBCG in two cohorts were evaluated.

RESULTS: The VBCG delivered a robust vibration pattern of the atrial contraction. A reliable determination of the interval and the different stages of an atrioventricular block was possible.

CONCLUSION: This is the first study that demonstrates the feasibility of a noncontact registration of the atrial vibration pattern. It enables a reliable determination of the atrioventricular interval. The VBCG can, therefore, serve as full noncontact monitoring.