ECG variable cine: computer program for presentation of temporal changes in ECG variables over different number of ECG leads.

The analysis of exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) is based on the alteration of the measured variables in the detection of coronary artery disease (CAD). In its existing form the analysis of the exercise ECG is laborious and requires much time. The temporal analysis of the ECG variable and the comparison between different phases of the exercise test is difficult and time consuming, especially the simultaneous examination of the variables over several leads. In this article we present a computer program, ECG Variable Cine, for the visualization of the temporal changes of values of exercise ECG variables over the selected ECG lead system. The program includes the stationary 3-D presentation for the variables' alteration simultaneously in all selected leads over the time of exercise test. In addition, the program determines two parameters; the average value of the variable over the selected leads at every sample moment, and the chronotropic index, a parameter that indicates heart rate response to exercise. According to the results the average value of ST-segment deviation at the end of the exercise over the leads and chronotropic index are clinically more competent than the maximum value of ST-segment depression in the detection of CAD.

Windows software for cardiac electrophysiology studies and ablation monitoring.

A system for cardiac electrophysiology (EP) studies consisting of a Windows software package, a standard 120 MHz Pentium PC with a high-performance video card and a data acquisition card has been developed during this study. The system is capable of real time data acquisition and storage of 24 channels with simultaneous display of 1-16 arbitrarily chosen channels at a sampling rate of 500 Hz. It can be used clinically in electrophysiology studies and during catheter radio-frequency ablation treatment for monitoring the ablation and its effects. The built-in ablation monitoring capability enables combined EP study and ablation treatment, thus helping to reduce exposure times and the total time needed per patient. For clinical use the software includes versatile tools for data analysis and reduction. Our system has been developed in association with Department of Cardiology of Tampere University Hospital and has been in regular clinical use there.

A computer program for comprehensive ST-segment depression/heart rate analysis of the exercise ECG test.

The ST-segment depression/heart rate (ST/HR) analysis has been found to improve the diagnostic accuracy of the exercise ECG test in detecting myocardial ischemia. Recently, three different continuous diagnostic variables based on the ST/HR analysis have been introduced; the ST/HR slope, the ST/HR index and the ST/HR hysteresis. The latter utilises both the exercise and recovery phases of the exercise ECG test, whereas the two former are based on the exercise phase only. This present article presents a computer program which not only calculates the above three diagnostic variables but also plots the full diagrams of ST-segment depression against heart rate during both exercise and recovery phases for each ECG lead from given ST/HR data. The program can be used in the exercise ECG diagnosis of daily clinical practice provided that the ST/HR data from the ECG measurement system can be linked to the program. At present, the main purpose of the program is to provide clinical and medical researchers with a practical tool for comprehensive clinical evaluation and development of the ST/HR analysis.

Occupational hazards to reproduction and health in anaesthetists and paediatricians.

A mail questionnaire was sent to Finnish anaesthetists and paediatricians to evaluate the risks of reproductive, teratogenic and health complications related to the professions. The incidence of diagnosed spontaneous miscarriages in anaesthetists' families was 10.2% of all pregnancies and it was 13.2% in paediatricians' families. Smoking seemed to increase markedly the incidence of spontaneous miscarriages, which was 22.9% in smoking female anaesthetists and 17.2% in smoking female paediatricians. The gestation times in cases of both full-term pregnancies and miscarriages were shorter in the anaesthetist group than those in the paediatrician group. Congenital abnormalities appeared at an equal rate in both anaesthetist and paediatrician groups, but strikingly, there were nine musculoskeletal abnormalities in the anaesthetists' children compared to no such defects in paediatricians' children. Serious diseases occurred at low frequencies, but three cases of hepatic jaundice and three cases of viral myocarditis in anaesthetists indicate possible infectious hazards to health in anaesthetic work. Different infectious diseases to the respiratory and urinary tracts were commonest among paediatricians. Cancer was not reported in the anaesthetist group. The study does not indicate that gas pollution in operating rooms is harmful to the personnel.

PIP: There may be an association between working in an operating room and having an increased risk of miscarriages and congenital malformations. To find and evaluate data on the problem of occupational hazards a questionnaire was sent to Finnish anesthetists; an equal number of pediatricians served as control group. The incidence of spontaneous abortion was 10.2% among anesthetists, and 13.2% among pediatricians; it must be noted that, among anesthetists, it was only 1.4% before entering anesthetic work. The incidence rate of spontaneous abortion increased markedly in smoking female anesthetists, reaching 22.9%, while it was 17.2% in smoking pediatricians. Congenital malformations occurred at an equal rate in both groups, the most common being malignant skin defects. There were 3 cases of hepatic jaundice, and 3 of viral myocarditis in the anesthetists group, while infection of the respiratory and urinary tract were more common among pediatricians. Although there is no proof that anesthetic gas pollution may be hazardous to the reproductive system, a combination of gas pollution and emotional and physical stress may disturb human functions.