In terms of their positioning, cardiac electrophysiology monitoring systems may be mobile, tabletop, or wall mounted. Physicians should select the maximum channels depending on procedural requirements. The cardiac electrophysiologic monitor should have at least 12 surface electrocardiogram channels and 24 intracardiac electrocardiogram channels, as well as programmed lead switching.
The cardiac electrophysiologic monitor system should have a console with high-resolution color monitors fitted to display waveforms and data on an integrated computer with data processing software and recording media. The system should also have a chart recorder with printing capabilities, plug in modules with vital signs and procedure monitoring functions and a remote amplifier unit to process and condition cardiac electrode signals.
The cardiac electrophysiologic monitor system should be able to interpret chart printouts using various reference lines. It should also be able to interface with radio frequency generating devices and cardiac CAT lab imaging systems, and use multitasking software with user-configurable parameters that allows real-time signal analysis.
The CAT lab system should be capable of networking and communicating with a hospital information system. This type of networking should be bi-directional and Health Level 7 compliant. The cardiac electrophysiology monitoring system should also have the ability to interface with the National Cardiology Database and cardiology data management system.
A basic cardiac electrophysiologic monitor system is configured with amplifiers and filters for signal acquisition and processing, a display screen, and a recorder. Preexisting amplifiers can be used and be interfaced with a corresponding display screen and recorder.
The number of available electrocardiogram channels is different among different cardiac electrophysiology monitoring systems. The maximum number of channels desired should be determined by clinicians.
The number of displayed waveforms varies among display screens, and also the recorders vary in the number of traces recorded.
Recorders may not be offered as standard equipment by some cardiac electrophysiologic monitor systems, because all the waveforms can be retrieved from storage and viewed onscreen for manipulation.
When a recorder is needed, it should interface with these cardiac electrophysiologic monitor systems. Semi-automated or automated input switching systems enable the selection of different electrode combinations.
Most cardiac electrophysiologic monitor systems provide some flexibility in changing some configurations to better fit the needs of the facility.
The amount of channels provided by the recording system should fit the facility's applications.
Cardiac electrophysiologic monitor systems with communication capabilities enable links to other electrophysiology labs, central workstations, personal computers, CAT labs, or medical centers data management systems.
Cardiac electrophysiologic monitor systems with storage capabilities offer various hard disk capacities and can also have different digital media for archival purposes and easy retrieval of data.
Before purchasing a system, facilities should look into their communications and storage needs. These systems are also offered with a variety of analysis and data management software packages, which enable generating user-programmable or customized reports.
Most cardiac electrophysiologic monitor system manufacturers do not offer stimulators as standard components. Therefore, these should be purchased from a stimulator supplier.
Medical centers need to determine whether separate rooms are needed for the cardiac electrophysiology monitoring system. They should also look at the time required for each test, the type and number of tests, and patient volume.

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