corpuls® introduces a new ECG-interpretation-algorithm to improve decision-making in patients with acute chest pain

corpuls® (company GS Eletromedizinische Geräte G. Stemple GmbH) is currently finishing testing a new ECG-interpretation-algorithm that would make it possible to improve decision making in patients with acute chest pain. The new algorithm has been developed by the world renowned cardiologist Prof. Dr. Hein Wellens.

Background on Acute Chest Pain

In Germany approximately 40% of all deaths are caused by cardiovascular disease. There are about 300.000 new cases each year of acute chest pain, caused by either acute myocardial infarction (175.000) or unstable angina pectoris (125.000). At this point in time, of the 175.000 acute myocardial infarction patients, 37.500 die before reaching the hospital and 12.500 die while in hospital. Of the 125.000 unstable angina patients 15% will develop an acute myocardial infarction within one year.

Why is this new algorithm important?

In the patients with acute chest pain it is crucial to know what percentage of heart muscle is going to be lost if the occluded coronary vessel is not opened as soon as possible. The size of the cardiac area at risk is determined by which coronary artery is occluded and especially where in the coronary vessel the occlusion is located. The closer to its origin the larger the area without blood supply (see figures A and B).

That knowledge about the size of the area at risk is required for optimal decision-making. Already outside hospital one should have that information to select the best treatment:

• Transfer to a hospital where a coronary intervention can be performed;
• Thrombolytic therapy and transfer to the nearest hospital;
• Watchful waiting and referral to nearest hospital.

Using the ECG in the acute chest pain situation, Professor Dr. Hein Wellens, an internationally recognized expert in electrocardiography, developed an ECG-interpretation-algorithm that gives that important information. This algorithm, by localizing the exact occlusion site in the coronary artery, gives much more precise information about location and size of the area at risk then ECG algorithms, currently used in patients with acute cardiac ischemia.

Test results Marienhospital Herne, clinical center of Ruhr-University, Bochum
A successful evaluation of the algorithm was performed in the Universitatsklinik Marienhospital in Herne, Germany (Director Prof. Dr. med. Hans-Joachim Trappe). In 177 patients with acute chest pain the ECG was analyzed using the new algorithm and those findings correlated with the coronary angiographic findings that were obtained within one hour after the recording of the ECG. In contrast to the excellent accuracy of the new algorithm, another important finding was that no correlation was found between the ST deviation score and the size of the area at risk, which is an approach commonly used in current ECG machines.

Expected release date of the new algorithm

This new algorithm will be available for implementation in all corpuls® devices in the first quarter of 2007.

GS Elektromedizinische Geräte
G. Stemple GmbH
Hauswiesenstr. 26
86916 Kaufering
Germany
Phone: +49 8191 65722-0
Fax: +49 8191 65722-22
E-Mail: info@corpuls.com
www.corpuls.com/uk

Presscontact:
Dipl.-Ing. (FH) A. Bischoff
eMail: press@corpuls.com

GS Elektromedizinische Geräte G. Stemple GmbH is a German company which has developed and manufactured medical devices for more than 20 years.
The corpuls® defibrillators and patient monitoring systems are robust, reliable and durable devices designed for the professional. corpuls® products are used in the first aid treatment of people suffering from sudden cardiac arrest which occurs in a variety of situations across daily lives. Performance in a tough environment and many satisfied customers are the best proof of success. To achieve this GS continually evaluate the latest scientific findings in clinical and prehospital settings and peer reviewed medical publications to help GS in the design and production of state-of-the-art products. This is combined with input from EMS professionals and the knowledge of the best in ergonomics and economics to produce high quality devices.
Always being ahead of the main-stream in product design and listening to their customers needs has made GS successful. This has helped GS to prosper in a very competitive market. GS are continuing to preserve this heritage in the future, and look forward to developing better life saving and support techniques and solutions for people dedicated to saving lives.

This release was published on openPR.