Data Critical Corporation 02DT-7000 User Manual
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
PatientNet Operator’s Manual, v1.04, 10001001-00X, Draft
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All information contained herein is subject to the rights and restrictions on the title page.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
This glossary of terms includes clinical definitions of ECG monitoring terms, as well
as definitions and features of the arrhythmia detection system. Clinical definitions
may vary; however, these are presented as representative of generally accepted expla-
nations in current practice. PatientNet specific terms will be denoted by (PN) after the
definition.
as definitions and features of the arrhythmia detection system. Clinical definitions
may vary; however, these are presented as representative of generally accepted expla-
nations in current practice. PatientNet specific terms will be denoted by (PN) after the
definition.
Aberrancy - abnormal conduction through the ventricles resulting in a wide bizarre
QRS complex usually due to a bundle branch block.
QRS complex usually due to a bundle branch block.
Agonal Rhythm - cardiac arrhythmia present in a dying heart, ventricular escape
rhythm.
rhythm.
Algorithm - a mathematical pathway or program used by the computer to analyze and
classify ECG complexes.
classify ECG complexes.
Amplitude (voltage) - with respect to ECG recordings, the height or depth of a wave
or complex measured in millivolts (mV).
or complex measured in millivolts (mV).
Analog - original state of the ECG signal.
Annotations - beat labels presented by the arrhythmia computer to indicate what the
software program classified or called a particular ECG complex. (PN)
software program classified or called a particular ECG complex. (PN)
Arrhythmia - also known as dysrhythmia. Any disturbance in rate, regularity, site or
origin, or conduction of the cardiac electrical impulse. This is a clinical rather than a
system definition.
origin, or conduction of the cardiac electrical impulse. This is a clinical rather than a
system definition.
Artifact - mechanically or electrically produced extraneous spikes and waves
recorded on an ECG recording; noise.
recorded on an ECG recording; noise.
Artificial Pacemaker - an electronic device used to stimulate the heart to beat when
the electrical system of the heart malfunctions causing bradycardia or ventricular
asystole. An artificial pacemaker consists of an electronic pulse generator, a battery,
and a lead wire that senses the electrical activity of the heart and delivers electrical
impulses to the atria, the ventricles, or both when it senses an absence of electrical
activity.
the electrical system of the heart malfunctions causing bradycardia or ventricular
asystole. An artificial pacemaker consists of an electronic pulse generator, a battery,
and a lead wire that senses the electrical activity of the heart and delivers electrical
impulses to the atria, the ventricles, or both when it senses an absence of electrical
activity.
Asynchronous Pacemaker - fixed-rate pacemaker, either ventricular or atrial, or
both.
both.
Asystole - absence of contractions of the ventricles or the entire heart.
Atrial and Ventricular Demand Pacemaker - an artificial pacemaker that paces
either the atria or the ventricles when there is no appropriate spontaneous underlying
atrial or ventricular rhythm.
either the atria or the ventricles when there is no appropriate spontaneous underlying
atrial or ventricular rhythm.
Atrial Arrhythmias - arrhythmias originating in the atria such as atrial tachycardia,
paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT), atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, premature atrial
contractions (PACs), and wandering atrial pacemaker.
paroxysmal atrial tachycardia (PAT), atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, premature atrial
contractions (PACs), and wandering atrial pacemaker.
Atrial Pacemaker - a pacemaker that triggers the atria when a natural impulse does
not occur.
not occur.