QRS subtraction and the ECG analysis of atrial ectopics

The recognition of the ubiquitous role of short coupled ectopics in the initiation of paroxysmal atrial fibrillation has renewed interest in their localization with the ultimate aim of facilitating their neutralization by catheter ablation. The P-waves resulting from such ectopics are partly or completely concealed by the QRST of the preceding beat and therefore their morphology has been underutilized for localization purposes. Subtraction has been the most commonly used technique for QRST suppression and though an averaged template offers a higher signal-to-noise ratio, the immediately preceding QRST provides the best match between template and target and allows simple, nearly real-time, and accurate subtraction without distorting the underlying P-wave. Algorithms derived from clinical tachycardias as well as pacemapping have permitted a rational analysis and accurate prediction (81%) of the correct pulmonary vein of origin. Other nonpulmonary sources may also be similarly localized, particularly with the help of a catalogue of pacemaps from various sites. Incessant arrhythmia and frequent aberrancy limit the effectiveness of QRST suppression by subtraction. Further improvements in the localizing resolution of the P-wave may depend upon knowledge of the relationship between recording electrodes and the underlying atria.