BOTHELL, Wash. -- Verathon Inc. is pleased to introduce in Europe the Heartscape™ 3D ECG System with 80-lead vest, designed to give Emergency Department (ED) physicians, Interventional Cardiologists, and ED nurses a more complete diagnostic picture by providing a 360 degree electrocardiographic view of the heart.

The Heartscape 3D ECG System, successor to the PRIME® ECG technology, uses the same clinically supported diagnostic algorithm to help physicians identify indications of possible Myocardial Infarction (MI) – including 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.(1-3) All told, numerous studies – collectively involving thousands of patients – have shown that the Heartscape system's 80-lead technology can improve early diagnosis and help detect acute MIs missed by traditional 12-lead ECGs. To review clinical studies, visit verathon.com/heartscapeEU.

The device's unique design features a rapid-application 2-part Vest containing 80 leads, and an intuitive touchscreen color monitor that displays the Heartscape 360 degree Exam. The Heartscape system facilitates rapid data input and exam results to help accelerate triage for cardiac patients, making it ideal for emergency settings.

"Emergency physicians and Interventional Cardiologists told us that more definitive ECG information could help them identify high-risk cardiac patients more quickly, when seconds count," stated Gerald McMorrow, founder and CEO of Verathon. "By offering a 360 degree view of the electrical activity of the heart, Heartscape is designed to help healthcare providers assess the patients' status faster and accelerate their treatment. We believe that with more accurate diagnosis, better outcomes and lower costs are the result."

According to the statistical office of the European Union, the average total number of deaths caused by ischemic cardiopathy in 27 selected European countries was over 693,000 from 2007 - 2009.(4) 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.(5)

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 Heartscape system can also assist with confounding factors such as Bundle Branch Blocks (eg, LBBBs), Early Repolarization, or Left Ventricular Hypertrophy (LVH).

The Heartscape 3D ECG System debuts at the European Society of Cardiology in Paris, France on August 27, 2011 (Booth A334, Hall 6). A U.S. introduction is anticipated in 2012. For more information, visit verathon.com/heartscapeEU.

References: 1. Owens et al. Prehospital 80-lead mapping: Does it add significantly to the diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome? J Electrocard. 2004/37(suppl): 223-232. 2. McClelland et al. Comparison of the 80-lead body surface map to physician and to 12-lead electrocardiogram in detection of acute myocardial infarction. Am J Cardiol. 2003/92: 252-257. 3. Ornato et al. Body surface mapping vs 12-lead electrocardiography to detect ST-elevation mycocardial infarction. Am J Emerg Med. 2009/27: 779-784. 4. Ischaemic heart diseases (ICD 120-125). European Commission Eurostat Web site. Available at: http://appsso.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/nui/show.do. Accessed August 8, 2011. 5. Together, let's improve myocardial infarction management: A progress report in 2009. Haute Autorite de Sante Web site. Available at: http://www.has-sante.fr/portail/upload/docs/application/pdf/2010-11/idm_etape_3_v5_en_vf.pdf. Accessed August 5, 2011.

Source: Verathon, Inc.