key: cord-0915816-fze37585
authors: Mercer, B.; Leese, L.; Ahmed, N.; Holden, A.V.; Tayebjee, M.H.
title: A simple adaptation of a handheld ECG recorder to obtain chest lead equivalents
date: 2020-10-16
journal: J Electrocardiol
DOI: 10.1016/j.jelectrocard.2020.10.005
sha: 736f6b3f84e86bd281b3fff91fbf83d63e5a4d52
doc_id: 915816
cord_uid: fze37585

Hand held ECG recorders are transforming the way we detect and diagnose heart rhythm disorders. The Kardia 6 L was launched in 2019 to detect and diagnose heart rhythm disorders recording a six lead (limb lead) ECG. Recording and analysis of precordial leads are currently not supported by the Kardia 6 L. In this study we aim to assess if reliable chest lead data can be obtained using a simple modification to the recording system.

Handheld ECG recorders compatible with mobile phones have transformed the recording of cardiac rhythm disorders 1 The COVID-19 pandemic has affected medical services worldwide. The virus is highly infectious and medical equipment that is brought into contact with patients admitted to hospital who may be infected requires thorough cleaning. Standard 12-lead ECG cables are generally not disposable and can be difficult to clean. The K6L in contrast is easy to clean and readily available at the point of care. The addition of chest lead data from a modified

This study demonstrates how a simple modification can enable a hand held ECG recorder to obtain accurate chest lead data necessary for diagnosis of several conditions and conduction disorders e.g. left bundle branch block potentially indicating a diagnosis of myocardial infarction. Connectivity via Bluetooth avoids the need to bring multiple cables and relatively bulky ECG recorders close to the patient. This is pertinent in those patients with infectious diseases such as COVID-19. In addition, this technique extends the utility of a handheld, smartphone based recorder in healthcare systems where standard ECG monitors are less readily accessible. The device is portable, and the modification is very simple allowing healthcare professionals to perform ECGs with a very brief period of training. The nurse performing the ECGs had not used the 6L before, but was able to perform the modified ECG easily. The equipment required to perform the ECG apart from the 6L were cheap, disposable and readily available in any healthcare setting. In addition, as the data is recorded electronically, it can be easily and instantly shared securely with other health care professionals for interpretation and/or specialist opinion.

In this pilot study we show that it is feasible to record chest leads with a simple adaptation of the Kardia device. However, further work in the form of a larger study is required to validate this modification before we can safely accept this for standard clinical use. 

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