Synthesised 18-lead ECG: An effective technology for more informative ECG exam

Synthesised 18-lead ECG derives the waveforms of the right chest leads (V3R, V4R, V5R) and back leads (V7, V8, V9) from the standard 12-lead ECG data. The measurement procedure is the same as the standard 12-lead ECG but more information can be obtained. 18-lead synthesised ECG is expected to be useful in detecting right side and posterior infarction.

What is Synthesised ECG ?

Synthesised 18-lead ECG uses the 12-lead ECG waveforms to mathematically derive the waveforms of the right chest leads (V3R, V4R, V5R) and back leads (V7, V8, V9). The measurement procedure is the same as the standard 12-lead ECG but more information can be obtained. 18-lead synthesised ECG is expected to be useful in detecting right side and posterior infarction.

The most common ECG exam is the standard 12-lead ECG. It is simple to measure, has low burden on the body, and observing the heart from these 12 directions provides a lot of information which has a wide range of clinical applications. However, some areas, especially pathological change in the right ventricle and the posterior wall cannot be observed from the 12-lead ECG.

In order to actually measure the right chest (V3R, V4R, V5R) and back (V7, V8, V9) areas, it is necessary to use different electrode positions than the standard 12-lead ECG. In particular, electrodes must also be attached to the patient’s back so that normal suction cup electrodes cannot be used. Also, the patient must be turned over in some cases and in an emergency it is often difficult to use back electrodes. This complicates the exam procedure.

Synthesised 18-lead ECG uses the 12-lead ECG waveforms to mathematically derive the waveforms of the right chest leads (V3R, V4R, V5R) and back leads (V7, V8, V9).