CJA
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS

This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit a scholarly reply
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Services
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Right arrow reprints & permissions
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Yang, H.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Yang, H.

Canadian Journal of Anesthesia, Vol 43, 1041-1051, Copyright © 1996 by Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society


ARTICLES

Intraoperative automated ST segment analysis: a reliable 'black box'?

H Yang
Department of Anaesthesia, Hamilton Civic Hospitals, McMaster University, Ontario, Canada. yangh@FHS.McMaster.CA

PURPOSE: To review the application of intraoperative computerized ST analysis and its potential impact on postoperative outcomes. SOURCE: Existing anaesthesia and cardiology literature. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Computerized ST analysis was introduced into the operating room using exercise electrocardiographic (ECG) systems. In spite of sophisticated algorithms, errors do occur. Downsloping or horizontal ST depression are the classical criteria for ischaemia. Although algorithms have been developed and evaluated in exercise stress testing, only limited evaluation has been carried out in the operating room. This may be a concern since circumstances in the operating room may frequently lead to false positives. Similarly, studies suggest that all myocardial ischaemia may not exhibit ST changes. The diagnostic accuracy of ST depression in exercise stress testing also cannot be assumed in the operating room. Finally, if ST analysis is applied widely, without considering the population or disease prevalence, misdiagnosis may occur. CONCLUSION: Given the number of anaesthetic tasks at-hand, on-line computerized ST analysis in the operating room can be a useful asset. The technology has its problems and should be applied with an understanding of its limitations and potential for errors. It should be applied in the operating room within the context of the population and disease prevalence.


This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
Canadian J. AnesthesiaHome page
D. A.E. Shephard
The changing pattern of anesthesia, 1954-2004: a review based on the content of the Canadian Journal of Anesthesia in its first half-century: [La transformation du modele de l'anesthesie, 1954-2004 : une revue fondee sur le contenu du premier demi-siecle du Journal canadien d'anesthesie]
Can J Anesth, March 1, 2005; 52(3): 238 - 248.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]




HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Copyright © 1996 by the Canadian Anesthesiologists' Society.