Technology - Electro Mapping System

Electro- Anatomical Heart Mapping System:

• A heart beat (muscle contracts) takes place through a series of electrical signals to pump blood through the body. Normally, the heartbeat begins in the top right section of the heart muscle. A special group of cells sends an electrical signal throughout the top half of the heart (the atria) and through a connection leading to the lower half. The electrical signal then spreads through the lower half of the heart (the ventricles).

• Traditionally, doctors locate areas of abnormal electrical conduction by feeding pacemaker-like wires through the circulatory system to the heart. Electrodes on the tips of the wires record electrical signals coming from specific positions within the heart. When an abnormal pathway is found, a small amount of radiofrequency energy is delivered to the site, creating a scar which interrupts the pathway, hopefully eliminating the cause of the arrhythmia.

• With the advent of electro-anatomical mapping systems it is now possible to precisely locate abnormal electrical impulses in the heart. Such mapping systems provide three-dimensional images of the heart. Color-coded pictures show information about the electrical impulses within the heart. The mapping technique uses technology similar to that used by satellite global positioning systems. Three magnets are located under the patient's table. Using the magnetic field for guidance, the mapping system tells doctors the location (within a few millimeters) of the catheter. With the three-dimensional images, doctors can pinpoint the location of abnormal electrical pathways and precisely deliver the radiofrequency energy.

• CARE Foundation has imported and installed state-of-the-art CARTO Electrophysiological Mapping Systems. A technology development plan is on anvil to develop an indigenous prototype. The programme is headed by Dr C Narasimhan, Chief of electrophysiology.

• Integrated with the indigenous the Cath Lab system developed by CARE Foundation, the CARTO System installed at CARE Hospital was inaugurated by H.E. Mrs Eva L Nzaro, The High Commissioner of Tanzania on 18th June 2004.

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