Open AccessR‐Wave Detection by Subcutaneous ECG. Possible Use for Analyzing R‐R Variability
Author(s) -
Fotuhi Parwis,
Combs William,
Condie Cathy,
Theres Heinz,
Schneider Tino,
Stangl Karl,
Baumann Gert
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
annals of noninvasive electrocardiology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.494
H-Index - 48
eISSN - 1542-474X
pISSN - 1082-720X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1542-474x.2001.tb00081.x
Subject(s) - medicine , cardiology , qt interval , electrocardiography , amplitude , biomedical engineering , optics , physics
Background: Atrial arrhythmia (AA) discrimination remains a technological challenge for implanted cardiac devices. We examined the feasibility of R‐wave detection by a subcutaneous far field ECG (SFFECG) and analysis of these signals for R to R variability as an indicator of atrial arrhythmia (AA). Methods: Surface ECG and SFFECG (from the pacemaker pocket) were recorded in sixteen patients (61.5 ± 11.4 years) with AA. The SFFECG was recorded with a pacemaker sized four electrode array acutely placed in the pacemaker pocket during implantation. The signals were analyzed to obtain peak‐to‐peak R wave amplitude and R to R interval variability (indicative of AAs). Results: In sixteen patients R waves were visually discernible in all recordings. The percentage over and under detection for automatic R wave recognition SFFECG was 3 and 9%, respectively. R to R variability analysis using the SFFECG produced results concordant to those using the surface ECG. Conclusion: SFFECG might be a helpful adjunct in implantable device systems for detection of R waves and may be used for measurement of R to R variability. A.N.E. 2001;6(1):18–23