Understanding IRA localization: An illustration

The 12-lead ECG is the single most important investigation that has withstood the test of time for over 100 years. I think it will never lose its relevance in cardiology. However, the traditional sequence of the 12 lead printout could have been a little more user-friendly, especially in its ability to convey the anatomical orientation. Expecting some Innovation in the ECG reporting format.  This illustration helps us to understand, ECG lead orientation, and coronary arterial territory, IRA localization with reference to the various surfaces of the heart. (Courtesy of visible body-modified ) Always remember the heart is an organ, made up by a complex fusion and rolling of bundles of muscles over a fibrous skeleton. It has multiple surfaces. Please avoid calling various surfaces of the heart as walls (Let the young medical students un-tune their brain from its Inherent tendency to Imagine the heart as a well-demarcated four-walled concrete structure, built with bricks !)    Animated version   Currently, IRA localization with ECG may seem to be a redundant exercise, as we are straightaway seeing the coronaries if taken for primary PCI or at least within 24-48 hrs mostly. But, IRA localization gives us a rough idea(still useful) of what we are going to deal with during the PCI. More importantly, multivessel CAD during STEMI can be very significant in the elderly, diabetic, and in women, which can sometimes confuse us about the real culprit...
Source: Dr.S.Venkatesan MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: Uncategorized IRA localisation ECG Source Type: blogs