A simulation tool for visualizing and studying the effects of electrode misplacement on the 12-lead electrocardiogram

Abstract

Introduction Studies have shown that between 0.4% and 4% of all 12-lead electrocardiograms (ECGs) are recorded using incorrect electrode positions. Electrode misplacement can cause a misdiagnosis either by concealing a pathology or, on the contrary, by emulating a pathology. Irrespective of this fact, ECG textbooks contain little or no information regarding the effects of electrode misplacement. Moreover, current pedagogic tools, which include physical mannequins, do not allow for the free positioning of electrodes to demonstrate these effects. In recognition of this, an electrode misplacement simulator (EMS) has been developed in this study. Methods The EMS is a Web-based simulation developed using the Adobe Flash technology. The software allows the user to position the electrodes anywhere on the torso while rendering the corresponding ECG leads using body surface potential maps. A beta version of the EMS has been made available on the Internet. Results The EMS has been briefly evaluated by a random selection of delegates (n = 17) from the 37th Annual Conference on Computing in Cardiology. After completing representative tasks and using the EMS for approximately 30 minutes, all 17 participants completed a questionnaire. Overall, the responsiveness of the EMS was rated between 4 and 5 on a Likert scale, 94% of participants rated the “ease of use” between 4 and 5, and 88% of participants also rated the “look and feel” between 4 and 5 on a Likert scale. Conclusion The EMS has the potential to be used to support researchers in enhancing criteria currently used for detecting electrode misplacement. It could also be used to assist academic staff in teaching the effects of electrode misplacement. In this respect, it is currently being used as part of an undergraduate “Clinical Physiology” degree program at the University of Ulster.