EP Lab Digest - April 2008 - (Page 10)

10 COVER PEDIATRIC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY MEDICAL RELIEF WORK Continued from page 8 STORY APRIL 2008 • A variety of sheaths (too many is better than not enough) • Transseptal needles and sheaths (depending on your approach to leftsided pathways) • Radiofrequency generator (don’t forget the personality module) • Radiofrequency grounding pads • R2 pads compatible with the defibrillator in the lab Pacemaker implantation equipment needed: • Pacemaker generators (single and dual chamber) • Transvenous leads • Introducing tear-away sheaths (although a normal sheath and iris scissors will work) • Absorbable suture • Skin glue Other optional supplies needed: • O2 sat monitor • Local anesthetic • Adenosine • Your trusty cath shoes • Your favorite lead apron and skirt (the days can be long in heavy, uncomfortable lead) • Antacid (depending on how accustomed you are to the “mild” salsa of Mexico) Once you’ve gathered all the needed supplies, you will need to find a way to get it all to the country of interest (in this case, Mexico). To be more precise, just getting the equipment/supplies into the country is not enough. Although customs is technically inside the country, it is not an ideal place to do procedures (although I’ve considered this option after the equipment sat there for four weeks waiting to clear)! Ideally, the equipment and supplies should arrive in the catheterization lab sometime before the first procedures are scheduled. The most crucial piece of equipment is the pacing and recording system, and preferably someone should arrive with it who knows how to set it up and troubleshoot problems. When the pacing and recording system is up and running (thanks to a capable technical support person), you can breathe a huge sigh of relief. However, if you realize that an RF generator cable is missing, a box of EP catheters did not arrive, the RF grounding See PEDIATRIC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY MEDICAL RELIEF WORK page 12 Dr. Von Bergen and his wife comforting a patient before starting an ablation procedure. Jean Gingerich and Drs. Favela, Law and Von Bergen starting an ablation procedure.

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of EP Lab Digest - April 2008

EP Lab Digest - April 2008 Pediatric Electrophysiology Medical Relief Work on the Yucatan Peninsula: A Labor of Love EP 101: Considerations for the Elderly EP Patient Contents Letter from the Editor Spotlight Interview: University of Maryland A Summary of the ACC/AHA/Physician Consortium 2008 Clinical Performance Measures for Adults with Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation or Flutter Can Psychosocial Characteristics Predict Fatal Outcomes in Patients? Interview with Jonathan S. Steinberg, MD, FACC 10-Minute Interview: Diane D. Sheffield, RN, BSN AED Access for All: An Organization for SCA Survivors New Column: 5 Quick Clues to AV Nodal Reentry Tachycardia CMS 2008 OPPS Final Rule Review New Online AED and CPR Training Opportunities: Q & A with Keith Weaver Highlights from the 5th Annual International Arrhythmia Winter School Email Discussion Group Events Calendar Second Annual Salary Survey Industry News and Products Classifieds Advertisers Index

EP Lab Digest - April 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.