Understanding Intracardiac EGMs and ECGs

Book excerpt: Although the electrocardiogram (ECG) is accepted as a standard clinical tool, electrograms (EGMs) recorded during electrophysiology studies are considered complex and confusing. In this brief paperback, an award-winning teacher provides the newcomer with an introductory guide to electrophysiology studies and the interpretation of electrograms. Dr. Kusumoto divides the 15 chapters into two main sections, Electrophysiology Concepts and Specific Arrhythmias. First, he reviews the basics of electrophysiology testing and the diagnostic evaluation of general types of arrhythmias. From that foundation, he proceeds to discuss specific arrhythmia types and techniques for evaluation and ablation: • Accessory pathways • AV node reentry • Focal atrial tachycardia • Atrial flutter • Atrial fibrillation • Ventricular tachycardia The final chapter considers implantable cardiac devices as they relate to ECGs and electrograms. Each short chapter includes a bullet-point summary and helpful review questions. Plentiful ECG and EGM tracings illustrate the text. Cardiology and electrophysiology fellows, allied professionals working in the electrophysiology laboratory, and all professionals interested in beginning a study of heart rhythms and electrophysiology will want to keep Understanding Intracardiac EGMs and ECGs close at hand for frequent reference. Titles of Related Interest Taylor, 150 Practice ECGs: Interpretation and Review, 3rd Edition ISBN: 978-1-4051-0483-8 Fogoros, Antiarrhythmic Drugs: A Practical Guide, 2nd Edition ISBN: 978-1-4051-6351-4 Stouffer, Practical ECG Interpretation: Clues to Heart Disease in Young Adults ISBN: 978-1-4051-7928-7 Abedin, ECG Interpretation: The Self-Assessment Approach, 2nd Edition ISBN: 978-1-4051-6749-9