Using the MPVS Ultra system with a PowerLab, users can record either:
- a surface ECG (external ECG) via a Bioamp and appropriate lead-wires and electrodes, OR
- an internal ECG (iECG) signal acquired using a standard PV catheter.
Note that in the case of internal ECG, the catheter acquires the ECG signal while also acquiring the volume data. The input to the internal ECG signal are the electrodes that are also used to produce the primary excitation field. This ensures that the distance between the ECG electrodes is as wide as possible for a maximal signal.
Because the catheter electrodes are placed within a ventricle, the source of the R wave R waves recorded via iECG are much larger than the other aspects of the ECG signal. While this may not provide all of the detailed waveform information required for an ECG analysis (depending on the study), the iECG signal is ideal for timing calculations (such as heart rate variability etc.).
When measuring the iECG, the ECG output on the MPVS Ultra is a single-channel BNC connector located on the front panel. This should be connected to an input on the PowerLab or Instrument Interface. The control software should be set accordingly to represent the iECG.
Note:The MPVS unit also has an input for an external ECG cable, however, there are no commercially available cables for this input so the ADInstruments Bioamp is the preferred option for the surface ECG.
For further technical assistance with this or any other issue, please contact ADInstruments Technical Support by clicking HERE