[The application of 2-dimensional echocardiography to the control of the location of the electrode catheter during endocardial cardiography].

Abstract

Modern methods for treatment of ventricular tachycardia require the exact knowledge of the position of the electrode catheter during intracardiac electrophysiological investigations. X-ray positioning in several projections facilitates the localisation of tachycardia with an accuracy of 4-8 cm2. From eight cadaver hearts schematic diagrams of the right ventricle for two dimensional echocardiography were derived. Endocardiac ventriculocartography under sonographic control was applied in 27 patients 45 times. With this method we were able to detect the electrode catheter in 42 of 45 (93%) patients effectively. Sonographic control facilitates not only the localisation of tachycardia without radiation burden but also its correlation with anatomic ventricular structure which is not possible by roentgenology. 3 negative results were due to negative echoes. In 3 of 5 cases the fulguration of the ventricular tachycardia focus under echo control was possible. Sonographic check up therefore is predilection method for endocardiac ventricular cardiography and can be recommended.