The monitoring and recording systems of a cardiac catheterization monitoring system should have: console with high-resolution color monitors, fitted-to-display waveforms and data, an integrated computer with data-processing software and recording media, a chart recorder with printing capabilities, and plug-in modules with vital signs and procedure monitoring functions.
Monitoring capabilities of these cardiac catheterization monitors should include 12 surface ECG channels, 4 invasive blood pressure monitors, 1 non-invasive blood pressure monitor, integral SpO2, and cardiac output monitoring. Other available parameters should be specified.
The modularity of the multichannel cardiac monitors enables users to add capabilities as needs change.
The cardiac catheterization monitoring system should be able to interpret printouts using reference lines or grids and event markers. The multitasking software should allow users to configure parameters and analyze real-time signal.
It is recommended that the cath lab system have either integrated or stand-alone electrophysiology capabilities. Many cardiac catheterization monitors offer capabilities for electrophysiology procedures, on top of the cardiac catheterization monitor procedures.
If a facility performs a significant number of procedures, it may require a dedicated electrophysiology room with its own system. In some facilities a cardiac catheterization monitor system with dual capabilities for both electrophysiology and cardiac catheterization may be used in the same room.
Electrocardiographic monitors with an x-ray image display should also have ventriculography, angiography, frame grabbing, and zoom functions.
The number of channels and paper speeds provided by the recording system should be compatible with the facility's applications. The type of recorder used may vary. However, the most important factor on a cardiac catheterization monitor system is a high degree of clarity and accuracy. Hard copies are not necessarily produced.
Cardiac catheterization monitoring systems now allow the recording of overlapping waveforms. Facilities should be aware of the differences in the type and cost of paper used by each recorder. A significant amount of paper is needed for each procedure if paper records are kept, and this may have a huge impact on the long-term cost of the system
Multichannel cardiac monitor systems can be linked to: each other, central workstations, operating room monitors, personal computers, or hospital data management systems.
Storage capabilities may include various hard-disk capacities, and streaming tape or compact discs. Recordable CD technology, known as CD-R, can store a patient's cardiac catheterization study on a single, low-cost disk.
Many electrocardiographic monitor systems offer digitization hardware and software for ventriculography or coronary arteriography, based on the system. These tasks may be performed at a central workstation, on the cath lab computer, or on a PC.

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