Yochai Birnbaum
Baylor College of Medicine, USA
Title: Interpretation of ECGs of patients with pacemakers and ICDs
Biography
Biography: Yochai Birnbaum
Abstract
Clinicians rely more and more on the computerized interpretation of the 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). However, the current computerized algorithms are deficient for interpretation of ECGs of patients with implantable devices such as permanent pacemakers and defibrillators. Misinterpretation of the ECGs could lead to significant delays in recognizing device malfunction or underlying serious medical conditions, including arrhythmia. Systematic approach that includes understanding the basic principles of ECG interpretation, the common timings and algorithms of the devices can improve ECG interpretation and patient care. One common problem is missing underlying atrial fibrillation of flutter. As the heart rate of patients with underlying atrial flutter can be regular in patients with pacemaker, missing this diagnosis on ECG interpretation can lead to significant delay in initiation of anti-coagulation therapy for prevention of stroke. In the presentation we will show a series of ECGs of patients with devices and discuss the approach to interpretation.