2022 Quality Summit ePosters (Non-CE) - EP Device Implant Registry-1. A New Electrode Placement Method For Obtaining A 12-Lead ECG

1. A New Electrode Placement Method For Obtaining A 12-Lead ECG

Pdf Summary

This research poster presentation introduces an alternative method of ECG lead placement for obtaining a 12-lead ECG. The traditional wrist-ankle lead placement method is challenging for polytrauma patients, amputees, and individuals with anxiety and limb tremors, resulting in poor quality ECGs. The aim of the study was to develop a lead placement alternative that is easy to obtain, reduces artifacts, and does not significantly alter clinical diagnosis compared to the traditional method.<br /><br />In the new method, upper limb leads were placed 2 inches above the elbow over the lateral aspect of the biceps brachii, and lower limb leads were placed on the torso between the umbilicus and anterior superior iliac spine. The results showed a mean increase in R-wave amplitude, but this did not change the clinical diagnosis of patients with ischemic heart disease. The difference in the ECG axis between the two groups was minimal and would not impact clinical diagnosis based on axis deviation.<br /><br />The findings suggest that the new method provides good quality ECGs without altering clinical diagnosis and allows for faster acquisition of ECGs by not having to remove leg garments. This alternative method could be beneficial in emergency settings and for patients where traditional lead placement is not possible, such as those with amputations, tremors, severe pain, or polytrauma.<br /><br />The study references previous research on alternative limb lead systems and torso-mounted electrodes for ECGs. The subjects included 150 individuals randomly selected from a tertiary healthcare center in India, with an age range of 18-90 years.<br /><br />Overall, the new electrode placement method for obtaining a 12-lead ECG proved to be a reliable alternative to the standard method, with fewer artifacts and potential benefits for specific patient populations.

Keywords

ECG lead placement

alternative method

12-lead ECG

polytrauma patients

amputees

anxiety

limb tremors

clinical diagnosis

R-wave amplitude

ECG axis