Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 16, 2026
10:17
Real-Time Cardiac Mapping with a Noninvasive Imageless Electrocardiographic Imaging System
Published on: April 11, 2025
Electrocardiogram interference: a thing of the past?
Luis A Melendez1, Richard M Pino
1Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA. lmelendez@partners.org
Biomedical Instrumentation & Technology
|November 23, 2012
Summary
High electrode-skin impedance can alter electrocardiogram (ECG) readings. Consistent skin preparation and impedance monitoring effectively reduced ECG interference in clinical settings.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Clinical Monitoring
- Cardiovascular Physiology
Background:
- Electrode-skin impedance significantly impacts electrocardiogram (ECG) morphology.
- This issue is particularly problematic during procedures like cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.
- Understanding the root causes of impedance variations is crucial for accurate ECG monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of high and imbalanced electrode-skin impedances on ECG morphology.
- To identify the causes of ECG interference observed during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.
- To develop and apply strategies for reducing ECG interference in clinical practice.
Main Methods:
- Reproducing ECG interference in a controlled laboratory setting.
- Analyzing the relationship between electrode-skin impedance and ECG signal quality.
- Implementing electrode impedance meters and standardized skin preparation protocols in clinical environments.
Main Results:
- High and imbalanced electrode-skin impedances were confirmed to alter ECG morphology.
- The study successfully identified the causes of ECG interference.
- Significant reduction in ECG interference was achieved using electrode impedance meters and consistent skin preparation.
Conclusions:
- Electrode-skin impedance is a critical factor affecting ECG accuracy.
- Standardized skin preparation and impedance monitoring are effective interventions.
- These methods improve ECG signal quality in clinical settings, especially during cardiac surgery.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Electrocardiogram
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a critical diagnostic tool that records the electrical signals produced by the heart during each heartbeat. This recording is achieved through electrodes placed strategically on the arms, legs, and chest. The electrocardiograph amplifies these signals and produces 12 distinct tracings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the heart's electrical activity.
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...
Three major waveforms are present in a typical ECG recording: the P wave, the QRS complex, and the T...
01:28Electrocardiogram Fundamentals
Introduction
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin to...
An electrocardiogram (ECG) is a diagnostic tool for identifying cardiac conditions such as arrhythmias, conduction abnormalities, and myocardial ischemia.
Definition
An electrocardiogram (ECG) visualizes the heart's electrical activity by tracing the electrical movement associated with each heartbeat on a graph or monitor. As the heart beats, an electrical wave passes through it, correlating with the cardiac cycle events.
Parts of an ECG
An ECG utilizes electrodes on the skin to...
01:25Instrumentation Amplifier
An electrocardiography (ECG) machine is an essential piece of medical equipment used to monitor the electrical activity of the heart. It operates by detecting small electrical changes on the skin that result from the depolarization of the heart muscle during each heartbeat. However, these signals are in the microvolt range and can be easily overwhelmed by noise or interference.
To overcome this challenge, an ECG machine utilizes an instrumentation amplifier. This specialized amplifier is...
To overcome this challenge, an ECG machine utilizes an instrumentation amplifier. This specialized amplifier is...
01:30Cardiac Action Potential
Cardiac action potentials are essential for proper heart function, enabling the rhythmic contractions needed for adequate blood circulation. Nodal cells and Purkinje fibers, specialized for electrical conduction, generate these action potentials.
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials
The cardiac action potential process involves a series of phases characterized by the movement of ions across the cardiac cell membranes, leading to the depolarization and repolarization of the cardiac myocytes.
Ionic Basis of Cardiac Action Potentials
01:25Correlation between ECG and Cardiac Cycle
The electrical signals recorded on an electrocardiogram (ECG) occur before the mechanical processes of contraction and relaxation during the cardiac cycle.
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
A cardiac action potential originates in the SA node and spreads throughout the atria and the AV node in approximately 0.03 seconds. This results in the P wave in an ECG and triggers atrial contraction. The action potential is then briefly slowed at the AV node, allowing the atria to contract and fill the ventricles with blood before...
01:23Holter Monitor: 24-Hour Monitoring
Holter monitoring is a continuous electrocardiography (ECG) recording that tracks the heart's electrical activity over an extended period, generally 24 to 48 hours. This noninvasive diagnostic tool detects irregular heart rhythms that may not be captured during a standard ECG performed in a clinical setting.DeviceThe Holter monitor is a portable, small device connected to several electrodes on the patient's chest. These electrodes detect the heart's electrical signals and transmit them to the...