Recording complex patient data in the EP-laboratory using cross reference algorithm

Patients admitted for EP studies naturally compile complex data. Especially patients admitted for multiple arrhythmogenic substrates are challenging to record initially and follow up afterwards. We have developed a software tool to record clinical data including pt.history, pretest diagnosis, basic EP values, invasive diagnostic as well as interventional data and patient clinical and invasive follow up with an intuitive entry algorithm. Data management is done online in local area network PC-environment. Data input is done in a graphical user environment with automatic pulldown menus, choice algorithms and dialogue. Relevant choice lists comply with ACC/AHA guidelines. Within 58 months of its full operation a total of 1072 EP sessions were performed on 780 patients. Within these sessions 768 arrhythmia substrates were found With 55pts (7%) no arrhythmogenic substrate was found; 682pts (87%) had single substrate, 39pts (5%) had double substrate; 4pts (0,5%) had multiple substrates. Among secondary substrates we found 14 [32%] AFib, 6 [14%] AVNRT, 5 [11%] AFlu, 15 [35%] mono AT, 4 [9%] VT) The database is in clinical use demonstrating its advantages over conventional documentation techniques. We believe that cross reference evaluation of clinical EP-data can only be managed using specially designed easy to use computer based software, which is well structured to avoid redundant data entry.