Detection of Ischemic ST-Segment Changes Using a Novel Handheld ECG Device in a Porcine Model

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Medical Devices
• Ischemic Heart Disease

Background:

• Smartphone-sized electrocardiography (ECG) offers potential for early detection of acute cardiac ischemia.
• A portable, multi-lead precordial ECG device (miniECG 1.0) was developed at UMC Utrecht.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the miniECG's capability in detecting ischemic ECG changes.
• To assess performance in a porcine model of coronary artery occlusion.

Main Methods:

• Antero-septal myocardial infarction was induced in 8 animals via left anterior descending artery occlusion.
• Simultaneous miniECG and 12-lead ECG recordings were obtained before, during, and after occlusion.
• ST-segment deviation was analyzed to quantify ischemic changes.

Main Results:

• The miniECG detected significant ST-segment deviation during occlusion and reperfusion, surpassing 12-lead ECG.
• Ischemic changes were observed within 1 minute in most animals using miniECG.
• miniECG identified ischemia for 99.7% of occlusion time, compared to 79.8% for 12-lead ECG (P=0.018).

Conclusions:

• The miniECG demonstrated early and substantial ST-segment deviation during induced myocardial infarction.
• The device was effective in detecting ischemia throughout the occlusion period in the porcine model.
• The miniECG shows potential as a valuable tool for cardiac ischemia detection, warranting further clinical investigation.