The 13th multiuse ECG lead: shouldn't we use it more often, and on the same hard copy or computer screen, as the other 12 leads?
Although the ECG diagnosis of cardiac pathology is well served by the employment of the standard 12 ECG leads, an occasional need arises that additional leads might provide a diagnostic advantage. To this effect it is proposed that a space is provided in the standard 12-lead ECG printed report for a "13th multiuse ECG lead"; such a lead, which will be referenced to the "central Wilson's terminal," would provide additional information from various chest wall locations (V3R-V6R, posterior [left parascapular]) or other regions. Also such a lead could provide intracardiac electrograms via intracardiac recording wires or metallic or normal saline-filled catheters.
Mount Sinai School of Medicine of the New York University, New York, NY, USA. madiasj@nychhc.org
John E
JE
Madias
D004562:Electrocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D004566:Electrodes; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans