August 23, 2011 β Verathon Inc. introduced the Heartscape 3-D Electrocardiogram (ECG) System with 80-lead vest in Europe. It is designed to give emergency department (ED) physicians, interventional cardiologists and ED nurses a more complete diagnostic picture by providing a 360-degree view of the heart.
Successor to the Prime ECG technology, the system uses the same clinically supported diagnostic algorithm to help physicians identify indications of possible myocardial infarction (MI). They include MIs without ST-segment elevation on traditional 12-lead ECGs, and in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB).
Studies demonstrate greater sensitivity and comparable specificity in detecting acute MIs compared to 12-lead ECGs. Numerous studies β collectively involving thousands of patients β have shown the Heartscape system's 80-lead technology can improve early diagnosis and help detect acute MIs missed by traditional 12-lead ECGs.
The device's unique design features a rapid application two-part vest containing 80 leads, and an intuitive touchscreen color monitor displaying the Heartscape 360 degree exam. The system facilitates rapid data input and exam results to accelerate triage for cardiac patients, making it ideal for emergency settings.
According to the statistical office of the European Union, the average number of deaths caused by ischemic cardiopathy in 27 selected European countries was more than 693,000 from 2007-2009. In France alone, where this year's European Society of Cardiology is convening, it is estimated that every year approximately 100,000 patients are affected by myocardial infarction.
Heartscape applications include standard ECGs and non-diagnostic 12-lead ECGs, such as anterior MIs, posterior MIs, inferior MIs, and more lateral MIs (outside of the standard 12-lead view). The system can also assist with confounding factors such as bundle branch blocks (e.g. LBBBs), early repolarization, or left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH).
The system debuts at the European Society of Cardiology in Paris, France on Aug. 27, 2011. A United States introduction is anticipated in 2012.
For more information: www.verathon.com/heartscapeEU
November 21, 2023 
