New Standard of Technology Improves Detection of Heart Disease

A new cardiograph with an advanced electrocardiogram (ECG) algorithm technology may help diagnose hidden myocardial infarction (MI).

The Philips PageWriter TC70 cardiograph features a unique16-lead ECG algorithm called DXL that uses four additional electrodes to provide incremental capabilities not available with previous (12-lead) analysis programs. While limb and chest leads have been traditional components of the 12-lead ECG, the additional electrodes provide information from the right side of the patient's chest, an area that has been a blind spot that limits the ability to detect right ventricular MI. This additional data may help clinicians deliver faster diagnosis and treatment during heart attacks, while also supporting door-to-balloon and hospital quality initiatives.

An additional innovation of the DXL algorithm applies new gender, age, and lead-specific STEMI (ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction) criteria to detect acute MI in women, who may present symptoms differently than men. A widespread pattern of ST depression often reflects global ischemia due to left main coronary obstruction, multi-vessel obstructions, or microvascular disease, which is more prevalent in women. The DXL algorithm incorporates new criteria for these conditions and provides a critical value of "global ischemia" to highlight that prompt intervention may be needed. The algorithm also examines the lead distribution of ST elevation to determine the artery that is most likely to harbor an obstruction. Patented ST maps, which show the spatial orientation of STEMI provide an easier perception of the ischemic areas. The PageWriter TC70 cardiograph is a product of Royal Philips Electronics (Amsterdam, The Netherlands).

"Philips is committed to simplifying cardiac care with advanced technology to help clinicians improve diagnosis, treatment and monitoring of patients - whether they are receiving care in the hospital or at home," said Joris van den Hurk, vice president of cardiology programs for Philips Healthcare. "Enabling faster diagnosis aids in identifying and triaging patients that require urgent care, supporting hospital staff when time is critical for patient therapy."

The PageWriter TC70 cardiograph also improves workflow and enables faster clinical decision making, since the ECG reports are quickly transferred from the cardiograph to the Philips TraceMasterVue ECG management system with the click of a button, allowing for immediate bedside clinical serial ECG comparison.

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