The EASI (TM) lead system uses a 5 cable connector to estimate a 12 lead ECGElectrocardiogram; also called an EKG; a representation of electrical voltage measured across the chest over a period of time. 1. Six Second ECG Guidebook (2012), T Barill, p. 196.
In an effort to reap the advantages of 12 lead viewsLocating the positive electrode is crucial to determining which area of the heart is viewed electrically. Metaphorically, the positive electrode serves as a mini-video camera aimed at the heart in the direction of the negative electrode. These leads and their... while keeping the monitoring system practical, reduced-lead set technologies have been developed using five or six lead wires. Phillips Medical Systems developed the EASI (TM) lead system using a 5-cable system to estimate a 12 lead ECG. General Electric Medical Systems developed the Interpolated 12 lead system using a 6-cable system.
The EASI (TM) lead system uses a 5 cable connector. The electrodes are configured as follows:
– the brown electrode (labelled E on the electrode) is located along the sternum between the white and red electrodes, horizontal with the 5th ICS;
– the red electrode (labelled A on the electrode) is located opposite the white electrode, at the left mid-axillary line at the 5th ICS;
– the black electrode (labelled S on the electrode) is located along the upper sternum below the sternal angle;
– the white electrode (labelled I on the electrode) is located at the right mid-axillary line at the 5th ICS;
– the green or ground electrode can be positioned at a convenient location anywhere on the torso.
The EASI (TM) lead system has a well established track record, being utilized by the Zymed and Agilent cardiac monitors among others.
Regardless of the ECG lead system used, effective dysrhythmiaUsed interchangeably with arrhythmia, refers to any abnormal rhythm – not normal sinus rhythm or sinus tachycardia. 1. Six Second ECG Guidebook (2012), T Barill, p. 196 and ischemiaInsufficient supply of oxygen to meet the oxygen demands of tissue. Anaerobic metabolism becomes increasingly important during periods of ischemia. Ischemia results from an inadequate blood flow that fails to meet the oxygen demands (energy demands) of tissues. If tissues... monitoring is possible only with quality ECG tracings. The use of fresh electrodes and the preparation of the patient’s skin are all important steps to reduce motion artifactElectrocardiograms typically measure electrical activity across the heart. Occasionally additional electrical activity can show up on an ECG. This includes electrical activity of other muscles (movement artifact). ie. brushing with a non-electric toothbrush can produce a rhythmic rapid series of.... Accurate placement of the ECG electrodes ensure consistent ECG readings that are worthy of comparison.
If at all possible, take advantage of multiple lead views including lead V1. Multiple lead views, particularly the reduced-lead set 12 lead ECG, are superior to a single lead view whatever the purpose of ECG monitoring. Before moving ahead, challenge yourself to a flash quizAn opportunity to practice or challenge a knowledge set. We use quiz, test, exam interchangeably. on the cardiac monitoring system.
Figure 4.6 illustrates the EASI (TM) lead system. The electrodes which are labelled according to the acronym EASI are colored as shown:
B-black
Br-brown
W-white
R-red
G-green
1. Six Second ECG GuidebookA Practice Guide to Basic and 12 Lead ECG Interpretation, written by Tracy Barill, 2012 Introduction The ability to correctly interpret an electrocardiogram (ECG), be it a simple six second strip or a 12 lead ECG, is a vital skill... (2012), T Barill, p. 71-73