Equipment

Question 1

What happens when you click the small “A” next to the clock?

Answer 1

If you have an ablation event highlighted in the log, this button is activated. Clicking it will reveal the thermodynamics for that lesion.

Question 2

What does this component do?

Answer 2

This is the patient data module (PDM) and recieves the input from patient monitors (HR, BP, O2 sats) and transmits to CardioLab

Question 3

What does the CardioLab amplifier do?

Answer 3

Collects and amplifies signals in invasive BP data for CardioLab. It also routes pacing energy from the stimulator to the patient.

Question 4

If CardioLab goes down, how can you still pace if needed?

Answer 4

Each catheter input module (CIM) contains Direct Stimulator Connection inputs that route directly to the stimulator

Question 5

Identify the connections 1-7 on the CardioLab Amplifier.

Answer 5

1. invasive BP inputs
2. Catheter Input Module (CIM) connections
3. Auxillary connection
4. Communication indicators for troubleshooting
5. Power indicator
6. Stimulator input
7. ECG input

Question 6

What do the letters A-G indicate on the Catheter Input Module (CIM)

Answer 6

The amplifier channel into which the CIM is connected.

Question 7

Though low CF (1-4 g) may work well for mapping, according to a study of CF in AFib ablation, good RF lesions require how much contact force?

Answer 7

According to a study out of Japan published in HR vol 12, 2015, markers of an effective lesion (impedance drop > 10 ohms, signal reduction correlated with a CF of > 11 g

Question 8

An area of a CARTO map shows a rapid transition of colors. Does this region represent an area of rapid or slow conduction?

Answer 8

Each color shift represents a temporal fraction of the entire
tachycardia cycle length. Thus, multiple colors evident over a
small distance in the heart suggest a region of slow
conduction.

Question 9

An area of a CARTO map shows a a solid color over a broad region. Does this region represent an area of rapid or slow conduction?

Answer 9

Each color shift represents a temporal fraction of the entire
tachycardia cycle length. Thus, a single color evident over a
broad region in the heart suggest a region of rapid conduction.

Question 10

Describe the transseptal needle and sheaths (brand, model, length)

used in Thomas Paul’s study of transbaffle puncture (Europace 2015). Why won’t the sheaths work for you?

Answer 10

They used a 71 cm SJM Brockenbrough BRK-1 needle along with a 63 cm, 8Fr, SJM SR-0 or SL-1 sheath or a Mullins Fast-cath, 7F, St Jude Medical. Remember these sheaths are too small for SmarTouch which requires an 8.5 Fr.