It has been another busy month for our email discussion group! There are two new questions for discussion, on the topics of: 1) mapping a case of supraventricular tachycardia originating in the RVOT, and 2) the benefits of switching to a new recording system. In addition, some of the new questions posted are already under discussion (see responses to “Nurse Practitioners” and “EP Training Program”). If you would like to respond, please email us at eplabdigest@hotmail.com. Remember, when posting or responding to the discussion group, please let me know if you would like your name, location, and/or email address listed as well — that way you will get more instant results! You can also go to www.eplabdigest.com and click on the email discussion group link. The website is always being updated, so please check back often. We hope to hear from you soon!

New Questions:

SVT in the RVOT
What can anyone tell me about SVT thought to be originating in the RVOT? I am a technologist who will be mapping such a case with Navex and/or an array balloon system.
— anonymous
(Readers, to reply to this question, please type “SVT in the RVOT” in your subject line.)

Paper Recording to New Recording System
We are moving from paper reporting of our implants to our new Witt recording system. We are interested in what is the minimum reporting requirements for the body of the implant, example wordage after the Access and before Closing Incision. If you have any information you could share, we would appreciate your assistance. Thank you!
— name withheld
(Readers, to reply to this question, please type “New Recording System” in your subject line.)


Under Discussion:

Nurse Practitioners
How does your EP practice utilize nurse practitioners?
— anonymous
(Readers, to reply to this question, please type “Nurse Practitioners” in your subject line.)

EP Training Program/Accredited for Techs and RNs
Besides the EP/Pacer HRS exam and vendor-supported education, are there any programs getting ready to start EP/pacer training from the basic through complex mapping and ablations? If so, how long is the training, and what is the name of the school/institution?
— Jerry Leblanc, RCIS, Central Washington Hospital, Wenatchee, WA
(Readers, to reply to this question, please type “EP Training Program 2006” in your subject line.)


Still Under Discussion:

Pacemaker Lead Removal
Requesting any information you have on guidelines and protocols. Thank you!
— name withheld by request
(Readers, to reply to this question, please type “Pacemaker Lead Removal” in your subject line.)

Bispectral Index (BIS) Monitoring During Pacer Insertion
What credentials, if any, are necessary to use this during a pacemaker procedure? I am a nurse new to the cath lab and am concerned that this is getting into the “anesthesia arena” and that I may not be licensed for BIS monitoring.
— name withheld by request
(Readers, to reply to this question, please type “BIS Monitoring” in your subject line.)