EP study recording system: Overview, Uses and Top Manufacturer Company

Posted on February 28, 2026 | by drthomas

Introduction

An EP study recording system is specialized medical equipment used in cardiac electrophysiology (EP) procedures to acquire, display, annotate, and store electrical signals from the heart. In practical terms, it is the “signal hub” of an EP lab: it brings together surface electrocardiogram (ECG) leads, intracardiac catheter signals (electrograms), pacing markers, and often other physiologic inputs so the clinical team can make real-time decisions and document the procedure.

Hospitals invest in an EP study recording system because EP services are high-stakes, time-sensitive, and data-intensive. Clean signals and reliable recording support safe diagnosis and treatment of arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms), help teams communicate clearly during procedures, and create the medical record needed for continuity of care, quality assurance, and auditing.

This article explains what an EP study recording system does, when it is used (and when it may not be appropriate), the basics of setup and operation, patient safety practices, how to interpret common outputs, troubleshooting, cleaning and infection control, and a practical global market overview for administrators, clinicians, biomedical engineers, and procurement teams.

In modern EP labs, recording is not just “saving a strip.” The recording system often becomes the central reference for procedure timing, documentation of pacing maneuvers, and before/after comparisons around ablation, cardioversion, or drug testing. Many facilities also rely on it for teaching and structured review (for example, morbidity and mortality discussions, peer review, and post-case debriefs), where having an accurate timeline of signals and annotations is invaluable.

It is also helpful to distinguish an EP study recording system from other EP technologies:

A 3D mapping system focuses on anatomy reconstruction and activation mapping; it may display electrograms, but it is not always the primary legal/archival record of the study.
A bedside monitor focuses on physiologic surveillance and alarms; it generally does not provide high-channel-count intracardiac electrogram display with EP-specific measurements and labeling.
A hemodynamic system focuses on pressure and flow information; it may integrate with EP recording but serves a different primary purpose.

Understanding these boundaries clarifies why EP teams treat the recording system as a core infrastructure asset rather than a simple accessory.

What is EP study recording system and why do we use it?

Clear definition and purpose

An EP study recording system is a clinical device designed to:

Capture multiple channels of electrical signals (surface ECG and intracardiac electrograms).
Condition those signals (amplification, filtering, noise reduction).
Display signals in real time for procedure guidance.
Record and archive data for documentation, review, and reporting.
Support workflow with labeling, measurements, event markers, and exports (features vary by manufacturer).

In an EP procedure, the clinician is often comparing the timing of signals from different parts of the heart. The recording system provides the time-aligned “timeline” that makes these comparisons practical and repeatable.

In many EP labs, the recording system is expected to support high channel counts (often dozens of intracardiac channels plus surface leads), with stable time alignment so clinicians can confidently measure conduction intervals. While specific specifications differ, hospitals frequently evaluate systems on practical performance characteristics such as:

Sampling and resolution behavior (how precisely sharp intracardiac deflections are captured and displayed).
Display latency and responsiveness (how quickly a label change, marker, or gain change is applied).
Long-case stability (ability to record and review hours of data without crashing or corrupting files).
Review tools (calipers, measurement cursors, playback controls, and the ability to locate key events quickly).

Even when automatic measurement features exist, EP labs generally treat them as assistive tools; final interpretation remains a clinician responsibility.

Common clinical settings

You will typically find this hospital equipment in:

Dedicated electrophysiology labs (EP labs) within cardiology services.
Cardiac catheterization labs (cath labs) that also perform EP cases.
Hybrid operating rooms used for complex cardiac procedures.
Academic teaching hospitals where cases are recorded for education and multidisciplinary review.

In some settings, the EP study recording system is integrated with mapping systems, hemodynamic monitoring, fluoroscopy, ablation generators, and hospital information systems (integration scope varies by manufacturer and facility).

Additional real-world contexts include:

Pediatric and congenital EP programs, where catheter positions and signal characteristics may differ and where consistent documentation can be crucial for long-term follow-up.
Multi-site hospital networks, where administrators aim for standard templates and naming conventions so staff can rotate between labs without increasing error risk.
Rooms designed for remote observation, where a second display or control station allows trainees, anesthesiology, or visiting staff to view signals without crowding the sterile field.

In highly integrated labs, the recording system may also be expected to exchange patient demographics (for example, from a scheduling worklist), export a finalized procedure report to the enterprise record, and maintain an auditable log of who accessed or modified case information.

Key benefits in patient care and workflow

For clinicians and trainees:

Real-time decision support during diagnostic EP studies and catheter ablation.
Better signal visibility than standard bedside monitors, with flexible channel layouts and filters.
Reliable documentation of baseline rhythm, pacing maneuvers, and ablation effects.

For administrators and operations leaders:

Standardized documentation that supports consistent reporting, audit readiness, and internal quality review.
Operational efficiency through procedure templates, structured measurements, and exports.
Training value for residents, fellows, nurses, and technologists.

Additional practical benefits commonly cited by EP labs include:

Faster communication during critical moments, because the whole team can refer to the same labeled channels and time-stamped event markers.
Improved post-case review, enabling teams to confirm success criteria (for example, conduction block or non-inducibility) using archived evidence rather than memory.
Support for program development, where standardized recordings help new EP services demonstrate outcomes, refine protocols, and train staff consistently.
Procedure efficiency and radiation reduction, indirectly, when clearer electrograms and pacing markers reduce uncertainty and the need for prolonged fluoroscopy to confirm catheter position (the recording system is not the imaging tool, but it can reduce “guesswork”).

How it functions (plain-language mechanism)

At a high level, signals travel through a chain:

Patient signal sources – Surface ECG electrodes on the skin. – Intracardiac catheters positioned inside the heart (signals are often bipolar or unipolar electrograms).
Cables and interface hardware – Lead wires and catheter connection cables route signals to a patient interface module (names vary by manufacturer).
Amplifiers and filters – Very small electrical signals are amplified. – Filters reduce unwanted noise (for example, power-line interference) while preserving clinically useful waveform detail.
Analog-to-digital conversion and software – Signals are digitized, time-aligned, displayed, and stored. – Clinicians can label channels, mark events, measure intervals, and generate reports.

The device does not “treat” by itself; it enables safe and accurate observation and documentation during invasive EP procedures performed by trained clinicians.

A few extra mechanism details help explain why EP recording systems look and behave differently than simpler ECG devices:

Electrical isolation and patient protection are typically built into the patient interface so that the patient-facing connections meet medical safety requirements and help reduce the risk of leakage current.
Differential amplification and common-mode rejection are essential for seeing microvolt-to-millivolt signals in an electrically noisy procedure room. Even small grounding or reference issues can significantly affect signal quality.
Many systems support calibration or test signals (facility-dependent) to confirm that channels respond as expected, which is useful during commissioning, troubleshooting, and preventive maintenance.
Some configurations allow the recording system to accept timing inputs from a stimulator (pacing system) or ablation generator so that pacing pulses, stimulus artifacts, and energy delivery intervals are documented as part of the same synchronized timeline.

How medical students encounter it in training

Medical students and residents typically first encounter an EP study recording system when:

Observing an EP case and seeing multiple scrolling waveforms beyond the standard 12-lead ECG.
Learning the difference between:
Surface ECG (what you see on the skin) and
Intracardiac electrograms (EGMs) (what catheters record from within the heart).
Practicing how to describe rhythm and conduction using time relationships (for example, atrial-to-ventricular timing), always under supervision.

For many trainees, the biggest learning shift is recognizing that EP recordings are procedural signals affected by catheter position, contact, filtering, and noise—so interpretation must account for context.

Common early learning tasks also include:

Recognizing typical catheter labels and locations used in many labs (for example, high right atrium, His region, coronary sinus, right ventricular apex/outflow tract), while understanding that naming conventions differ.
Using measurement calipers or digital cursors to estimate intervals and compare them across rhythm states (baseline vs pacing vs tachycardia).
Learning that a “good-looking” signal can still be misleading if it is far-field or recorded with a filter setting that changes apparent timing, reinforcing the habit of cross-checking multiple channels.

When should I use EP study recording system (and when should I not)?

Appropriate use cases (general)

An EP study recording system is typically used when a clinical team is performing or supporting:

Diagnostic electrophysiology studies to evaluate arrhythmia mechanisms.
Catheter ablation procedures where real-time electrogram monitoring is essential.
Pacing maneuvers and stimulation protocols performed in an EP lab environment.
Complex arrhythmia evaluations requiring simultaneous multi-site recordings.
Case documentation and teaching in facilities that record and review EP procedures.

Exact intended use depends on the manufacturer’s Instructions for Use (IFU) and local scope of practice.

In day-to-day EP practice, these broad categories often translate into specific clinical scenarios such as:

Evaluation and ablation of supraventricular tachycardias where precise atrial/ventricular timing relationships matter.
Assessment of atrioventricular conduction and infra-Hisian disease where intracardiac timing is needed to localize conduction delay.
Ablation for atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia, where activation sequence and response to pacing maneuvers guide diagnosis.
Complex ventricular arrhythmia procedures where multi-site ventricular EGMs and pacing outputs must be viewed and archived in a synchronized timeline.
EP procedures that involve drug challenge testing or specific protocols, where time-stamped annotations support accurate reporting (drug administration itself is a clinical workflow item; documentation conventions vary).

Although the recording system is not itself a “mapping” technology, it often operates alongside mapping and imaging tools, and clinicians may use the recording system as the authoritative source for measured intervals and documentation of key endpoints.

Situations where it may not be suitable

It may be inappropriate or unnecessary to use an EP study recording system when:

The clinical need is routine ECG monitoring only (bedside monitors and standard ECG machines may be more appropriate).
The facility cannot provide trained staff, appropriate room infrastructure, or required safety controls.
The system has failed pre-use checks (for example, damaged cables, abnormal self-test, missing safety labels).
The environment is outside the device’s specified conditions (for example, electromagnetic environments that exceed what the manufacturer supports, or locations where required isolation/grounding cannot be assured).
The workflow would compromise sterility or patient monitoring due to space, staffing, or layout limitations.

Additional “not suitable” considerations often come up during planning and commissioning:

Using the system as a substitute for a primary physiologic monitor with alarms when the system is not intended or configured for that purpose.
Deploying the system in areas with unreliable power quality without appropriate medical-grade power conditioning or backup strategy (for example, UPS planning where allowed by policy).
Using unvalidated third-party adapters or connector conversions that could create intermittent contacts, incorrect pinouts, or safety risks.
Operating outside the expected data governance environment (for example, temporary setups without secure user access controls) when patient data must be protected and audit trails are required.

Safety cautions and general contraindication-style considerations (non-clinical)

An EP study recording system is part of a larger procedural ecosystem. Common safety cautions include:

Electrical safety risks if non-medical accessories, damaged cables, or improper power connections are used.
Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from ablation generators, electrosurgery, or other equipment, which can degrade signal quality.
Mislabeling or misidentification risks (wrong patient, wrong channel labels, wrong catheter mapping) if workflow controls are weak.
Overreliance on device output without clinical correlation; artifacts can mimic arrhythmias.

Patient-specific contraindications relate to the EP procedure itself and clinical decision-making, not the recording system alone. Always follow local protocols, supervision requirements, and manufacturer guidance.

Because many recording systems are networked, facilities increasingly treat cybersecurity and data integrity as safety-adjacent considerations:

Access control (unique user accounts, appropriate permissions).
Audit trails (who created, modified, exported, or deleted a record).
Controlled software updates and configuration management so that changes do not unintentionally alter labeling templates, filter defaults, or export behavior.

These topics are not always handled by clinical users directly, but they influence reliability and trust in the archived record.

What do I need before starting?

Required setup, environment, and accessories

Before using an EP study recording system, most facilities will need:

A suitable procedure room
Adequate power outlets and medical-grade power distribution.
Controlled cable management to reduce trip hazards and accidental disconnections.
Space planning that maintains the sterile field while keeping controls accessible.
Core system components (names vary by manufacturer)
Recording workstation and display(s).
Patient interface hardware for safe signal input.
Amplifier modules and connectors for catheter and ECG inputs.
Footswitches, remote controls, or touch interfaces (varies by model).
Accessories and consumables
ECG lead sets and electrode patches.
Catheter connection cables, pin blocks/connector panels (facility standardization matters).
Printer paper or report supplies if paper output is used (many workflows are digital).
Disposable covers for keyboards, mice, touchscreens, and cables as required by infection prevention policy.

Integration accessories may include interfaces to pacing stimulators, hemodynamic modules, mapping platforms, or network storage (integration varies by manufacturer and site design).

Facilities planning a new EP lab often add a few practical environment items that reduce downtime and improve usability:

Ergonomic placement and viewing
Positioning displays so the primary operator can view signals without turning away from the sterile field.
Secondary monitors for anesthesia, circulating staff, or trainees when room size permits.
Power resilience and safe shutdown planning
Clear policy on how to respond to short power interruptions and how to protect in-progress recordings.
Time synchronization approach
Agreement on how the recording system clock is maintained (manual, network time, or facility standard), because timestamp accuracy matters for documentation and correlation with other systems.

Training and competency expectations

Because this is high-consequence clinical equipment, training typically includes:

Role-based competency
Physicians/fellows: interpretation basics, labeling, event marking, documentation expectations.
EP technologists/nurses: setup, channel selection, signal troubleshooting, case workflow.
Biomedical engineers: safety testing, preventive maintenance, service documentation.
IT/cybersecurity: network configuration, user access controls, backups, and patching policies.
Supervised use
Trainees should operate the system under direct supervision until signed off per local policy.

Facilities commonly maintain a training record (format varies) to support governance and audit readiness.

Many labs also benefit from ongoing competency maintenance, not just initial onboarding:

Short refresher sessions on new software versions, template changes, or new catheters that require different connectors.
Periodic drills on downtime workflows, including what to do if exports fail or if the recording system must be restarted mid-case.
A “superuser” model where a small group of advanced users can support others, standardize best practices, and liaise with vendor/service teams.

Pre-use checks and documentation

A practical pre-use checklist often includes:

Visual inspection
No frayed cables, bent pins, cracked housings, or missing strain relief.
Correct accessories available for the planned case.
Power-on self-test
Confirm the system boots normally and recognizes connected modules.
Verify date/time and time synchronization method (important for documentation).
Signal integrity checks
Confirm baseline noise is acceptable before patient connection when possible.
Verify channel labels match the planned catheter configuration template.
Data management checks
Confirm patient record creation workflow (or worklist import) is functioning.
Confirm storage location, available disk space, and export pathway.

Documentation expectations vary by facility but commonly include patient identifiers, procedure start/stop times, and the final archived recording and report.

In many facilities, pre-use checks also include quick confirmation of operational controls that can affect case flow:

Footswitch or capture button behavior (if used for snapshot storage).
Printer availability (if a paper strip is still required for specific workflows).
Default filter/sweep settings for the selected template, so the team is not surprised mid-case by an unsuitable display configuration.

Operational prerequisites: commissioning, maintenance readiness, consumables, and policies

For hospital operations leaders, “before starting” also means ensuring the device is organizationally ready:

Commissioning and acceptance testing
Electrical safety verification and baseline performance testing by biomedical engineering.
Verification of network connectivity and cybersecurity controls if networked.
Confirmation that the system supports facility workflows for archiving and reporting.
Maintenance readiness
Preventive maintenance schedule and service escalation pathway.
Spare parts strategy for high-failure items (for example, lead sets and connectors).
Software update policy and compatibility review with integrated systems.
Policies and procedures
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for setup, labeling conventions, and documentation.
Downtime procedures when the recording system or network is unavailable.
Data retention, access control, and privacy policies consistent with local regulations.

A few additional operational considerations can prevent common “go-live” failures:

License and feature verification
Some systems enable optional modules (for example, additional channel packs, measurement tools, export formats) through licensing; confirming entitlement early avoids last-minute surprises.
Validated configuration management
Capturing the baseline configuration (software version, connected modules, network settings) helps future troubleshooting and makes upgrades safer.
Consumable and connector standardization
Agreeing on connector types and labeling conventions across the lab reduces the likelihood of misconnection, especially when multiple catheter vendors or mixed inventories are used.
Archive testing with real workflows
Running a “test patient” workflow end-to-end (create record → record data → export → retrieve) verifies not just connectivity but also practical usability.

Roles and responsibilities (clinician vs. biomedical engineering vs. procurement)

Clear ownership reduces delays and safety gaps:

Clinicians/EP lab staff
Define clinical requirements (channels, workflow templates, reporting outputs).
Perform patient-facing setup and intra-procedure operation.
Validate that recordings meet clinical and documentation needs.
Biomedical engineering (clinical engineering)
Own safety testing, preventive maintenance, and repair coordination.
Maintain service history, recalls/field actions tracking, and accessory standardization.
IT and cybersecurity
Manage network integration, authentication, backups, and change control.
Ensure the system is included in vulnerability management where applicable.
Procurement and supply chain
Manage contracts, warranties, service-level agreements, and total cost of ownership.
Ensure availability of compatible consumables and cables.
Coordinate vendor credentialing and on-site support access requirements.

Many facilities also formally assign:

An EP lab “system owner” (often the lab manager or lead technologist) who maintains day-to-day workflow standards and coordinates template updates.
A clinical champion (often an EP physician) who defines documentation standards and ensures the system output meets reporting and teaching needs.
A vendor liaison or service coordinator who organizes preventative maintenance visits, software updates, and escalation during urgent failures.

How do I use it correctly (basic operation)?

Workflows differ by model and facility, but the steps below are commonly universal for an EP study recording system. Always align with manufacturer IFU and your local SOPs.

1) Pre-procedure setup (room and system)

Power on and verify readiness
Boot the system, confirm normal startup, and check for alerts or failed modules.
Select a procedure template
Choose a channel layout appropriate for the planned case (diagnostic EP vs ablation).
Confirm channel labels and color conventions match local standards.
Create or import the patient record
Confirm patient identifiers carefully to reduce wrong-record errors.
Check data storage and recording mode
Verify where recordings are saved and how they will be exported/archived.

Additional good practice steps that reduce downstream errors:

Confirm the planned catheter set matches the template (for example, whether a His catheter is expected, how coronary sinus poles will be labeled, and whether unipolar channels will be used).
Verify time and case naming conventions before the patient enters the room, because correcting identifiers after export can be difficult and may require special access.
Coordinate with other integrated systems (stimulator, mapping, hemodynamics) so that the team knows which system is the authoritative source for specific documentation elements.

2) Patient connection and signal verification

Connect surface ECG
Apply skin electrodes per local protocol and connect lead wires.
Confirm expected lead morphology and stable baselines.
Connect intracardiac catheters
Use the correct connector panels/pin blocks and cable types for each catheter.
Label channels to match catheter position (for example, high right atrium vs coronary sinus) per the procedure plan.
Optimize signal quality
Adjust gain and filtering conservatively to preserve waveform detail.
Use notch filtering for power-line noise only when needed (filtering can hide clinically relevant content).

Practical signal-verification habits in many EP labs include:

Skin preparation discipline for surface ECG (dry skin, remove oils, shave if needed per policy) because poor contact creates baseline wander and intermittent noise.
Securing lead wires and catheter cables to reduce movement artifacts, especially around the groin/neck access site where staff are working.
Confirming reference/ground connections if your system uses a dedicated reference electrode or grounding strategy; a loose reference can degrade multiple channels at once.
Quick “sanity checks”: for example, verifying that atrial signals are largest on atrial catheters and that ventricular channels show expected ventricular components, before relying on labels for interpretation.

3) Typical settings and what they generally mean

Settings vary by manufacturer, but common controls include:

Gain (amplitude scaling)
Higher gain makes small signals easier to see but can clip large signals.
Sweep speed (time scaling)
Faster sweep speeds separate closely timed events; slower speeds show longer rhythm context.
High-pass and low-pass filters
High-pass filtering reduces baseline wander; too aggressive settings may distort low-frequency components.
Low-pass filtering reduces high-frequency noise; too aggressive settings can smooth sharp components.
Channel selection and grouping
Grouping helps compare related signals (atrial channels together, ventricular channels together).
Markers and annotations
Event markers document pacing, arrhythmia onset/termination, ablation delivery, cardioversion, and key transitions.

A practical teaching point: treat filters as a tool for visibility, not as a substitute for good electrode/catheter contact and correct grounding.

To add context for new users, many labs adopt typical “starting point” ranges (always verify local standards and manufacturer recommendations):

Surface ECG may be displayed with relatively broad filtering to preserve morphology, while intracardiac EGMs are often displayed with settings that emphasize sharp local deflections.
Sweep speeds are commonly increased when measuring short intervals or distinguishing near-simultaneous atrial and ventricular events, then decreased when the operator wants a longer rhythm overview.

Even when “default” values exist, consistent practice is to document any significant setting changes that affect interpretation (for example, using a notch filter or an unusually aggressive high-pass filter), especially if stored strips are used for formal reporting.

4) During the procedure: recording and documentation

Start recording at clinically meaningful times
Baseline rhythm, pre-pacing measurements, arrhythmia induction, and before/after ablation are common key segments.
Use consistent event marking
Mark pacing maneuvers, drug administration (if part of workflow), ablation start/stop, and cardioversion attempts as required by local documentation practice.
Capture representative strips
Store snapshots that show critical diagnostic intervals and responses to maneuvers.
Maintain situational awareness
Confirm channel labels remain accurate if catheters are repositioned.

Some labs use a hybrid approach to recording:

Continuous recording during the whole case (more storage, easier review), combined with
Key event snapshots that make report generation faster and simplify teaching files.

Operationally, consistency matters more than the exact method. A well-run lab typically agrees on what constitutes a “minimum documentation set” (baseline, diagnostic maneuvers, endpoints) so that cases are comparable across operators and over time.

5) Post-procedure: saving, exporting, and closing the case

Finalize the recording
Confirm the case is saved and the report is complete per facility policy.
Export/archive
Send the record to the designated archive or reporting system (method varies by manufacturer and IT design).
Secure the data
Close the patient record, log out users, and follow local privacy requirements.
Prepare for the next case
Remove disposable covers, clean high-touch surfaces, and restock accessories.

Many facilities add a short quality check at the end of each case:

Verify that the exported file is retrievable (when workflow allows), especially after software upgrades or archive changes.
Confirm that key annotations (ablation start/stop, cardioversion, endpoint testing) are present and time-stamped.
If recordings are used for teaching, ensure that any secondary copy is handled under privacy policy (for example, de-identification processes where required).

How do I keep the patient safe?

Patient safety with an EP study recording system is a combination of electrical safety, procedural workflow controls, and human factors. The system is only as safe as the environment and processes around it.

Electrical and equipment safety practices

Use only approved accessories
ECG leads, catheter cables, and interface components should be manufacturer-approved or facility-validated for compatibility.
Protect against cable damage
Avoid pinched cables under wheels and sharp bends near connectors.
Follow facility power and grounding policies
Ensure proper power distribution and avoid improvised adapters.
Use isolation features as designed (implementation varies by manufacturer).
Manage fluid risk
Keep liquids away from the workstation and connectors; use approved covers where appropriate.

Biomedical engineering typically validates safety through commissioning and periodic testing; clinical staff contribute by consistent visual checks and correct handling.

Additional safety-oriented practices that EP labs often adopt include:

Defibrillation awareness: knowing how the recording system behaves during cardioversion/defibrillation and verifying signal recovery afterward, because a post-shock “flatline” may be an equipment issue rather than a patient event.
Equipment stacking discipline: avoiding plugging non-medical devices (personal chargers, unapproved adapters) into the same power distribution used for patient-connected equipment.
Clear separation of sterile and non-sterile interaction: for example, assigning a non-sterile staff member to operate the recording console during sterile parts of the procedure.

Monitoring, alarms, and human factors

Confirm what the system is (and is not) alarming
Many recording systems are not primary physiologic alarm devices; alarms may be limited or configured differently than bedside monitors (varies by manufacturer).
Prevent alarm fatigue
Ensure audible alerts are meaningful and assigned to someone who can respond.
Labeling discipline
Mislabeling channels can lead to interpretation errors; use standardized templates and double-check after catheter moves.
Team communication
Announce major changes (new catheter position, ablation on/off, cardioversion) so annotations match reality.

Human factors issues are common in EP labs because teams work under time pressure with many devices. Practical controls include:

Using a time-out style confirmation for patient identity and planned procedure template before starting recording.
Establishing naming conventions for channels that remain consistent even when different physicians prefer different catheter positions.
Limiting ad-hoc template edits mid-case unless there is a clear operator and a clear reason, because last-minute changes can create confusion for the rest of the team.

Managing interference and high-energy events

EP labs often contain equipment that can introduce noise or hazards:

Ablation generators and electrosurgery
Expect signal artifacts during energy delivery; do not assume every waveform change is physiologic.
Defibrillation/cardioversion
Some systems are designed with defibrillation protection, but behaviors vary by manufacturer.
Follow local protocols for cable positioning and post-shock signal verification.
Radiofrequency (RF) and electromagnetic interference
Keep cables organized and separated from power cords where possible to reduce coupling.

When interference is expected, teams often prepare by:

Ensuring that key decision points (for example, confirming a tachycardia mechanism) are documented before high-energy delivery where possible.
Knowing which channels are most likely to saturate or clip during energy delivery and planning to interpret those segments accordingly.
Maintaining awareness that some “noise” may come from poor catheter contact, not just environmental EMI, and may improve with position adjustment rather than filter changes.

Safety culture and incident reporting

Encourage reporting of near-misses
Noise, intermittent connectors, or confusing channel labeling templates should be treated as fixable system risks.
Document equipment issues
Record the problem, circumstances, and any corrective action.
Escalate early
If signal integrity compromises clinical decision-making, treat it as a safety issue and involve biomedical engineering.

A strong safety culture also includes:

Routine review of recurring failure modes (for example, a specific connector type repeatedly causing dropouts).
Clear thresholds for “stop and fix” versus “continue with workaround,” agreed upon by clinical leadership and biomedical engineering.
Post-incident learning that leads to tangible changes (template revision, cable replacement cycles, or staff retraining).

How do I interpret the output?

Interpretation is a clinician skill supported by the EP study recording system, not replaced by it. The device output must be correlated with the patient’s clinical picture, catheter position, and procedural context.

Types of outputs/readings you may see

Common outputs include:

Surface ECG channels
Often multiple leads displayed simultaneously for rhythm context.
Intracardiac electrograms (EGMs)
Bipolar EGMs (between two closely spaced electrodes) for local activation.
Unipolar EGMs (relative to a reference) for broader field and certain mapping tasks (use varies by lab).
Pacing markers and stimulation timing
Visual indicators of pacing pulses and programmed intervals (feature set varies by manufacturer and integration).
Event markers/annotations
Time-stamped notes for critical procedural moments.
Stored strips and measurements
Interval measurements and representative snapshots used for reports.
Optional integrated signals
Blood pressure waveforms, oxygen saturation, respiration, or other inputs if integrated (varies by facility design).

In many labs, the “standard” view is a combination of:

Several surface ECG leads for overall rhythm,
Multiple intracardiac channels grouped by catheter (for example, a multi-pole coronary sinus catheter displayed as CS 1–2, CS 3–4, etc.),
A channel or marker line showing pacing stimuli, and
A dedicated area for event markers so the team can link physiologic changes to procedural actions.

How clinicians typically interpret them (high-level)

In general terms, EP interpretation often involves:

Timing relationships
Comparing atrial and ventricular signal timing across channels to infer conduction pathways.
Morphology and sequence
Looking for consistent activation sequences that suggest specific arrhythmia mechanisms.
Response to pacing maneuvers
Observing how the rhythm changes when paced, including onset/termination patterns.
Pre/post intervention comparison
Comparing recordings before and after ablation or other interventions.

Trainees should focus first on identifying what each channel represents (surface vs intracardiac, atrial vs ventricular) and ensuring labels match catheter placement.

In day-to-day EP work, interpretation often includes measuring and documenting specific intervals and relationships (terminology and usage vary by lab and clinical situation), such as:

Atrial-to-His and His-to-ventricle timing when the His region is recorded and conduction system evaluation is part of the study.
VA and AV relationships during tachycardia and pacing maneuvers to help classify the arrhythmia mechanism.
Changes in activation sequence along a multi-pole catheter (for example, along the coronary sinus) as a clue to wavefront direction.

Even at a high level, the core skill is the same: use the recording system to establish a consistent timeline, then interpret that timeline in the context of catheter position and the patient’s rhythm.

Common pitfalls and limitations

Signal interpretation errors often arise from:

Artifacts
Patient movement, poor skin electrode contact, loose connectors, or cable motion can mimic arrhythmia changes.
Filter-related distortions
Aggressive filtering may hide low-amplitude signals or alter waveform shape.
Saturation/clipping
Excessive gain or unexpected large signals can distort timing cues.
Far-field signals
A catheter may pick up activity from adjacent chambers, confusing “local” activation.
Incorrect channel labeling
A perfect signal with the wrong label can be worse than a noisy signal with the right label.
Time synchronization issues
If integrated systems are not time-aligned, cross-system comparisons can be misleading.

A safe practice is to treat ambiguous findings as “needs confirmation” and verify with catheter position, repeat recordings, or alternative views rather than forcing a conclusion from a questionable signal.

Other limitations that teams sometimes underestimate:

Changing catheter contact: a catheter that drifts slightly can change signal amplitude and morphology, which can be mistaken for a physiologic change.
Over-filtering during difficult cases: when teams struggle with noise, there is a temptation to increase filtering until the tracing “looks clean,” but this can remove subtle electrogram components that matter for diagnosis.
Cross-talk between channels: rare, but possible with damaged cables or unusual connector issues; suspicious patterns should trigger equipment checks rather than clinical assumptions.

What if something goes wrong?

A structured response reduces patient risk and minimizes downtime. The checklist below is intentionally general; follow your facility escalation pathway.

Troubleshooting checklist (practical)

If signals are missing, noisy, or inconsistent:

Check the basics
Confirm the correct patient record is open and the recording is not paused.
Verify channel is enabled and displayed (not hidden by layout).
Inspect patient connections
Recheck ECG electrode adhesion and lead wire continuity.
Confirm catheter connectors are fully seated and locked.
Look for common noise sources
Power cords crossing signal cables, loose ground/reference, or nearby equipment causing interference.
Adjust conservatively
Reduce gain if clipping; consider notch filter if power-line noise is obvious (recognize limitations).
Confirm catheter position/contact
Poor contact can reduce signal amplitude and increase noise (clinical confirmation required).
Rule out room/environment issues
Check for new equipment turned on, new cable routing, or fluid contamination near connectors.

If the system fails to record or save:

Verify storage
Confirm disk space and correct archive destination.
Check network status
If exports fail, isolate whether the issue is network, authentication, or archive availability.
Use downtime workflow
Follow local policy for documenting key events if recording is compromised.

A practical troubleshooting mindset is to isolate whether the problem is:

Patient interface / electrode related (for example, intermittent ECG contact),
Cable/connector related (common in high-use environments),
Environmental EMI (often associated with other devices or cable routing), or
Software/workflow related (paused recording, wrong template, export misconfiguration).

When possible, using a simple “swap test” (swap to a known-good cable, move a channel to a different input) can quickly confirm whether the fault follows the accessory or stays with the system channel.

When to stop use

Stop use (and switch to an approved backup plan) if:

There is any sign of electrical hazard (smoke, burning smell, sparks, fluid ingress with malfunction).
The system is unstable (repeated crashes) and compromises monitoring or documentation.
The recording output is unreliable to the point that it could contribute to clinical error.

Patient monitoring must be maintained through approved alternate equipment per facility protocol.

In some facilities, “stop use” criteria also include repeated unexplained signal dropouts that cannot be resolved quickly and that occur during critical phases of the case. The key principle is that documentation needs should never override immediate patient safety and procedural control.

When to escalate (biomedical engineering, IT, manufacturer)

Escalation pathways commonly look like:

Biomedical engineering
Hardware failures, cable/connectors, amplifier modules, safety testing concerns.
IT/cybersecurity
Worklist import problems, authentication failures, network drops, archive/export errors.
Manufacturer/vendor support
Software faults, recurring error codes, update/compatibility questions, and parts availability.

Facilities often benefit from having an escalation “decision tree” posted in the lab that includes:

After-hours contacts,
Expected response times,
The minimum information needed for a service ticket (system serial number, software version, error code, steps to reproduce).

Documentation and safety reporting expectations (general)

Document the issue in the case record if it affected workflow or recording quality.
Record the equipment problem in the facility maintenance/reporting system.
Preserve logs or screenshots if your policy allows.
Follow local requirements for reporting adverse events or near-misses to risk management and, where applicable, external authorities.

Where feasible, documenting the clinical impact (for example, “unable to measure interval due to noise from channel X”) helps biomedical engineering and vendors prioritize fixes. Over time, this type of documentation can support decisions about accessory standardization, preventive replacement cycles, or system upgrades.

Infection control and cleaning of EP study recording system

Infection prevention for an EP study recording system focuses on high-touch surfaces and non-sterile equipment in a procedure environment. The device is typically not a sterile field item, but it can become a vector through hands, gloves, and contaminated cables.

Cleaning principles

Clean then disinfect
Organic material reduces disinfectant effectiveness; remove visible soil first.
Disinfection vs. sterilization
Disinfection reduces microbial load on noncritical surfaces.
Sterilization is for items entering sterile body sites; the recording system console itself is not sterilized.
Use approved products
Use facility-approved disinfectants compatible with the device materials; compatibility varies by manufacturer.
Avoid fluid ingress
Do not spray liquids directly into vents, connectors, or keyboards unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it.

Because EP labs can be fast-paced, cleaning procedures work best when they are:

Simple and standardized (same wipes, same steps, same responsibility assignment),
Auditable when required by policy (checklists or sign-offs), and
Integrated into turnover workflow so cleaning is not skipped during busy lists.

High-touch points to prioritize

Typical high-touch areas include:

Touchscreens and control knobs
Keyboards, mice, trackpads
Cart handles and drawer pulls
Cable hubs and connector panels
Footswitches and remote controls
Any shared headset or communication accessories used near the system

Some labs also include:

The edges of monitor frames (often grabbed during repositioning),
The underside of carts where cables are routed and handled,
Any reusable cable straps or holders used to organize leads.

Example cleaning workflow (non-brand-specific)

A common workflow (adapt to your policy and IFU):

Perform hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE (per facility policy).
End the case, log out, and place the system in a safe state (power down if required by IFU).
Remove and discard disposable covers.
Wipe high-touch surfaces using approved wipes, following required contact time.
Clean cables that were handled with gloved hands; inspect for cracks and damage.
Allow surfaces to dry fully before reconnecting or powering on if required.
Document cleaning completion if your department uses checklists.

Always follow the manufacturer IFU and infection prevention policies, especially for any patient-contacting accessories (some are single-use; others have specific reprocessing requirements).

A practical addition many labs adopt is to store cleaned cables and accessories in a clearly designated “clean” area to prevent accidental mixing with used items during room turnover.

Medical Device Companies & OEMs

Manufacturer vs. OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

In medical technology, the manufacturer is typically the company that markets the finished clinical device, provides the IFU, and is accountable for regulatory documentation and post-market support (terms and legal responsibility can vary by jurisdiction).

An OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) may supply parts or subsystems used inside the final product, such as:

Computing hardware
Displays and carts
Signal acquisition boards
Amplifier modules or connectors
Power supplies or isolation components

Facilities sometimes interact with both, especially when service parts and upgrades involve third-party components.

In practice, EP recording systems often combine medical-grade patient interface hardware with more general computing components. This is one reason configuration control matters: a system that looks like a “standard computer” may still require validated hardware and software combinations to maintain regulatory compliance and signal performance.

How OEM relationships impact quality, support, and service

OEM relationships matter operationally because they can influence:

Spare parts availability
If a subsystem is sourced from an OEM, lead times may depend on both companies.
Service boundaries
Your service contract should clarify who supports what (software vs hardware vs network integration).
Update and compatibility management
Operating system updates, cybersecurity patches, and hardware refresh cycles can be constrained by validated configurations (varies by manufacturer).
End-of-life planning
Components reaching end-of-support can drive replacement timelines even if the clinical workflow remains adequate.

For procurement teams, it is reasonable to request clarity on validated configurations, service escalation routes, and how long critical parts are expected to remain available (details vary by manufacturer and may not be publicly stated).

From a governance perspective, OEM dependence can also affect:

Field safety actions (how quickly a patch or hardware replacement can be deployed),
Standardization across sites (whether multi-hospital networks can keep the same configuration everywhere), and
Cybersecurity posture (whether security fixes are delivered as vendor-validated updates or require complex risk acceptance decisions).

Top 5 World Best Medical Device Companies / Manufacturers

The following are example industry leaders (not a ranking). Product portfolios, regional availability, and EP lab solutions vary by manufacturer.

Medtronic – A well-known multinational medical device company with a broad cardiovascular portfolio, including rhythm management categories in many markets. Its footprint across regions often makes it relevant to hospitals building EP and arrhythmia programs. Specific EP lab components and integrations vary by manufacturer offerings and local distribution.
Abbott – Abbott is widely recognized for devices and diagnostics, with cardiovascular device categories present in many countries. In EP services, hospitals may encounter Abbott through consumables, capital equipment, and service ecosystems depending on region. The scope of EP lab integration and support pathways can vary by local market structure.
Boston Scientific – Boston Scientific is commonly associated with interventional cardiology and electrophysiology-related device categories. Many facilities interact with the company through procedure-based consumables and technical support models. Capital equipment availability and integration options depend on local market strategy and regulatory pathways.
Philips – Philips is a global healthcare technology company often associated with imaging, monitoring, and informatics. In procedure environments, hospitals may evaluate Philips for integrated room solutions and clinical workflows. EP-specific offerings and integration depth vary by manufacturer configuration and regional portfolio.
GE HealthCare – GE HealthCare is widely known for imaging and clinical monitoring technologies used in hospitals worldwide. In procedure areas, it may be evaluated for connectivity, workflow software, and clinical infrastructure that interfaces with EP lab equipment. Availability of specific EP lab modules and recording solutions varies by manufacturer and region.

It is worth noting that the companies a hospital engages for EP care often include a mix of capital equipment providers, catheter/consumable providers, and software/informatics providers. For recording systems in particular, the “best” choice is usually the one that fits the lab’s clinical workflow, integration requirements, and service realities in that region—not simply the biggest global brand.

Vendors, Suppliers, and Distributors

Role differences: vendor vs. supplier vs. distributor

These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but operationally they often mean different things:

Vendor
The entity you contract with to sell and often support the product; may be the manufacturer or a third party.
Supplier
A broader term for organizations providing goods and services (including consumables, accessories, and maintenance).
Distributor
A company that stores, delivers, and services products on behalf of manufacturers; may manage imports, local regulatory paperwork, training logistics, and first-line technical support.

For capital equipment like an EP study recording system, distributors often influence installation quality, training consistency, and service responsiveness.

From a hospital operations standpoint, distributor performance can affect:

The speed of parts replacement for high-wear accessories,
The availability of loaner equipment during major repairs (if offered),
The quality of local application support during go-live and early cases.

Top 5 World Best Vendors / Suppliers / Distributors

The following are example global distributors (not a ranking). Geographic coverage and healthcare focus vary by company and country.

McKesson – McKesson is known as a major healthcare supply chain organization in some markets, supporting hospitals with distribution and logistics services. Where it operates, buyers may value consolidated ordering and supply visibility. International reach and device-category depth vary by country and local subsidiaries.
Cardinal Health – Cardinal Health provides distribution and supply chain services across a range of healthcare products in multiple regions. Hospitals and procurement teams may encounter Cardinal through consumables, logistics programs, and distribution contracts. Availability of EP lab–specific capital equipment depends on manufacturer partnerships and local market presence.
Medline Industries – Medline supplies a wide range of hospital consumables and some equipment categories, often emphasizing standardized hospital operations. Facilities may engage Medline for infection prevention products, procedure room supplies, and logistics services. The degree of involvement with EP capital equipment varies by region.
Owens & Minor – Owens & Minor is associated with healthcare distribution and supply chain services in certain markets. Hospitals may use such distributors to streamline procurement and manage inventory programs. EP lab equipment distribution and service support depend on local agreements and authorized lines.
Henry Schein – Henry Schein is recognized for healthcare distribution with broad product categories and international operations. While often associated with outpatient settings in some regions, procurement teams may also encounter its distribution services in broader healthcare supply chains. Scope for EP lab capital equipment varies by country and partnerships.

For EP recording systems, buyers frequently evaluate distributors not only on price, but also on operational commitments such as:

On-site training availability (including weekend coverage for busy labs),
Guaranteed response times for urgent failures,
Availability of critical spares locally (connector blocks, lead sets, commonly damaged cables).

Global Market Snapshot by Country

India
Demand for EP study recording system installations is influenced by growth in tertiary cardiac centers, private hospital expansion, and increasing EP training capacity in major cities. Many facilities rely on imported capital equipment and vendor-supported service networks, making uptime dependent on local parts availability and field engineers. Access remains uneven: urban centers may have comprehensive EP labs, while smaller cities may refer patients outward due to limited infrastructure. In procurement, hospitals often balance acquisition cost with long-term service coverage, and they may prioritize systems that can be supported reliably across multiple states.

China
China’s market is shaped by large hospital systems, expanding cardiac specialty services, and a mix of imported and domestically produced medical equipment. Service capacity can be strong in major metropolitan areas, though procurement and product availability may differ by province and tender systems. Integration expectations are often high in newer facilities, including digital archiving and multi-system interoperability. Hospitals may also evaluate how well systems fit local documentation standards and enterprise IT architectures, especially in large networks.

United States
In the United States, EP study recording system demand is supported by established EP lab infrastructure, high procedural volumes in many centers, and strong expectations for connectivity, cybersecurity governance, and service-level performance. Purchases are often evaluated through total cost of ownership, service contracts, and integration with electronic health records (EHRs) and enterprise archives. Rural access can be limited, with complex EP cases concentrated in regional referral centers. Increasing focus on cybersecurity and change control also influences upgrade timelines and vendor selection.

Indonesia
Indonesia’s demand is concentrated in large public and private hospitals in major cities, with referral patterns to tertiary centers for complex EP services. Import dependence for advanced EP lab equipment can place pressure on procurement timelines and service logistics across islands. Facilities often prioritize vendor training, remote support options, and reliable consumable supply to reduce cancellations. Power stability and logistics planning can be especially important for maintaining consistent uptime across geographically dispersed regions.

Pakistan
Pakistan’s EP services are typically centered in larger urban hospitals and academic centers, where investments in cardiac cath/EP labs drive demand for recording systems. Import pathways, foreign exchange constraints, and service availability can affect purchasing and long-term maintenance planning. Hospitals may focus strongly on uptime, local technical capacity, and availability of compatible accessories. In some facilities, the ability to maintain a robust inventory of consumables and spare cables can be a deciding factor.

Nigeria
Nigeria’s market is often characterized by concentrated high-acuity services in major cities, with significant reliance on imported hospital equipment and variable access to specialized EP staff. Serviceability, power stability planning, and supply chain reliability can be major decision factors for capital equipment. Where EP programs are developing, training partnerships and maintenance support are commonly emphasized. Procurement teams may also weigh the practicality of remote troubleshooting and the availability of local biomedical engineering support.

Brazil
Brazil has a diverse healthcare landscape with advanced tertiary centers and an established private sector that may invest in modern EP lab infrastructure. Procurement can vary between public tenders and private purchasing, with differing timelines and documentation requirements. Regional disparities persist, and service networks tend to be stronger in larger urban and industrial areas. Systems that offer reliable local support and predictable parts availability often have an advantage, particularly for high-volume centers.

Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s EP capacity is growing, often centered in major metropolitan hospitals and select cardiac institutes. Many facilities depend on imported medical equipment, which can make long-term service agreements and spare parts planning particularly important. Demand is influenced by specialist availability and the ability to maintain a stable procedural ecosystem (power, sterilization workflows, and trained staff). Facilities may also prioritize vendor-led training to accelerate program development.

Russia
Russia’s EP equipment market depends on large regional centers and established cardiology services, with procurement influenced by local regulations and the availability of authorized distribution channels. Import restrictions and changing trade environments can affect brand availability, parts supply, and software support models. Hospitals often evaluate maintainability and local technical service capacity as key risk controls. Long-term lifecycle planning can be especially important when supply chains are uncertain.

Mexico
Mexico’s demand is shaped by a mix of public and private healthcare investment, with advanced EP services concentrated in major urban centers. Importation, distributor authorization, and service coverage can influence the choice of system and the practicality of upgrades. Hospitals frequently weigh integration needs and training support when expanding EP programs. Multi-site hospital groups may prioritize standardization and centralized reporting workflows to support consistent care delivery.

Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s market for advanced EP lab technology is emerging, typically centered in a small number of tertiary hospitals. Import dependence, limited specialized workforce, and constrained service infrastructure can make commissioning and maintenance planning critical. Partnerships for training and long-term support may be as important as the initial equipment purchase. Procurement decisions may also emphasize reliability, simplicity of operation, and the availability of basic spares.

Japan
Japan’s EP services are supported by mature hospital infrastructure, strong clinical standards, and expectations for reliable device performance and documentation. Procurement decisions often consider lifecycle management, interoperability with hospital IT systems, and structured service support. Even with strong urban coverage, institutions may still focus on workflow efficiency and data quality due to high procedural complexity. Facilities may also value systems that support consistent documentation across busy, high-volume programs.

Philippines
In the Philippines, EP services are often concentrated in large private hospitals and major public referral centers, driving demand for recording systems with robust support. Import logistics across islands and variable access to specialized engineers can affect downtime risk. Facilities may prioritize vendor training programs and clear service escalation pathways. Maintaining a dependable supply chain for accessories and replacement cables can be particularly important to avoid procedure delays.

Egypt
Egypt’s demand is influenced by large urban hospitals and specialized cardiac centers, with procurement spanning public and private sectors. Import dependence and distributor capability can determine access to new models, upgrades, and consumables. Urban centers may have stronger service ecosystems than rural areas, affecting equipment selection and maintenance strategy. Facilities often evaluate whether local support can handle urgent repairs without extended downtime.

Democratic Republic of the Congo
The market is limited and highly concentrated, with advanced EP services often constrained by infrastructure, specialized staffing, and supply chain reliability. Where investment occurs, procurement teams typically focus on maintainability, training, and power resilience planning. Many facilities may rely on referral pathways rather than local EP lab expansion. In this context, long-term vendor commitment and practical support plans can matter as much as device specifications.

Vietnam
Vietnam’s EP market is developing alongside investments in tertiary care and cardiology services in major cities. Imported equipment remains important, and buyers often evaluate distributor capability, training support, and parts availability as part of the purchase decision. Differences between urban tertiary hospitals and provincial facilities can be significant in terms of access and service readiness. As programs expand, standardized documentation and reliable archiving can become increasingly valued.

Iran
Iran’s demand is shaped by established medical centers and growing specialty services, while procurement can be influenced by trade restrictions and availability of authorized support channels. Hospitals may prioritize systems with clear maintenance pathways and locally available consumables. Service models and software update access can vary depending on market conditions. Planning for spare parts and validated configurations can be especially important where supply lines are complex.

Turkey
Turkey’s healthcare system includes advanced tertiary centers and a strong private hospital sector that may invest in EP lab modernization. Procurement often balances cost, service coverage, and integration needs across multi-site hospital groups. Urban centers typically have better access to specialized staff and distributor support than more remote areas. Facilities may also focus on training and standardized workflows to support high procedural volumes.

Germany
Germany’s market is supported by a mature hospital network, structured procurement processes, and expectations for high-quality documentation and system reliability. Facilities often emphasize interoperability, cybersecurity governance, and predictable service performance. Demand is influenced by academic centers and regional referral hospitals that run complex EP programs. Hospitals may also require strong documentation features to support quality programs and regulatory expectations.

Thailand
Thailand’s demand is concentrated in large urban hospitals and medical tourism–associated centers, with continued investment in cardiac specialty services. Import dependence for advanced EP equipment makes distributor capability and service responsiveness central to procurement decisions. Access outside major cities can be limited, increasing referral patterns and the importance of uptime at tertiary centers. Facilities may also prioritize workflow efficiency and quick turnover capabilities in high-volume environments.

Key Takeaways and Practical Checklist for EP study recording system

Treat the EP study recording system as a high-risk workflow tool, not just a recorder.
Confirm staff competency and role assignment before the patient enters the room.
Use standardized channel templates to reduce labeling errors across cases and teams.
Verify patient identifiers carefully when creating or importing the procedure record.
Inspect cables and connectors before every case for damage, bent pins, or looseness.
Keep signal cables separated from power cords to reduce electromagnetic interference.
Optimize electrode skin prep and secure lead wires to reduce motion artifact.
Confirm catheter connectors are fully seated and mechanically secured before recording.
Start with conservative gain and filtering, then adjust only as clinically necessary.
Remember that aggressive filters can hide clinically relevant waveform detail.
Use notch filtering selectively and document when it was required for interpretation.
Reconfirm channel labels whenever a catheter is repositioned or exchanged.
Mark key events consistently (pacing, arrhythmia onset, ablation on/off, cardioversion).
Save representative strips that demonstrate diagnostic intervals and maneuver responses.
Treat unexplained waveform changes as possible artifact until proven otherwise.
Maintain a clear sterile-field boundary and keep non-sterile equipment outside it.
Use only manufacturer-approved or facility-validated accessories and adapters.
Ensure the system is connected through approved medical-grade power distribution.
Do not use the system if there is any sign of electrical hazard or fluid ingress.
Follow downtime procedures if recording, saving, or export pathways fail mid-case.
Escalate early to biomedical engineering for recurring noise, dropouts, or module errors.
Involve IT promptly when worklist, authentication, or archive exports are unreliable.
Keep a written troubleshooting checklist in the EP lab for common signal problems.
Document device issues in both the clinical record (as relevant) and maintenance logs.
Encourage near-miss reporting for confusing templates, alarms, or connector problems.
Commission the system with acceptance testing before first clinical use.
Maintain preventive maintenance schedules and track performance trends over time.
Plan for cybersecurity patching with change control and compatibility verification.
Confirm data retention, access controls, and audit trails meet local policy requirements.
Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces between cases using approved products only.
Avoid spraying liquids into vents, connectors, or keyboards unless IFU permits it.
Replace worn lead sets and connectors proactively to reduce intra-procedure failures.
Standardize consumables and connector systems to simplify training and reduce errors.
Build service-level expectations into contracts, including escalation and parts timelines.
Review end-of-life and software support timelines during procurement planning.
Train trainees to correlate electrograms with catheter position and clinical context.
Never rely on a single channel when artifact or mislabeling is suspected.
Close and secure patient records after each case to protect privacy and data integrity.
Conduct periodic drills for system failure scenarios so teams can respond smoothly.
Validate end-to-end archiving periodically (record → export → retrieve) to ensure the workflow still works after network or software changes.
Maintain a controlled “template change” process so updates to labels, default filters, or channel groupings are reviewed and communicated to the whole team.
Keep a small stock of high-failure accessories (common cables, connector blocks) available in the lab to prevent avoidable cancellations.

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