ECG

Overview
The SonixTOUCH Research and Sonix RP may be installed with an ECG that enables synchronization between electrocardiogram signals and ultrasound images. This feature is especially useful for non-invasive cardiac monitoring. The L&T and Corscience ECG modules are currently supported on the systems. Before plugging in the ECG device, ensure that the necessary drivers have been installed; more information on this can be found below, under Driver Installation.

To enable the ECG trace on the interface, ensure the ECG is setup and lead cables are connected. The phased array transducers supporting cardiac applications (eg. SA4-2/24 and PA7-4/12) will automatically be preset to display the ECG trace; when the research software is running, choose a cardiac preset from the touchscreen menu or from QSonix.

To display the ECG trace for additional applications, go to the ECG research menu, and ensure the parameter ECG Visible State is set to 1. Alternatively, presets can be re-programmed with the line , where preset files reside at: C:\Program Files\Ultrasonix\Exam\Data\presets\imaging.

The ECG trace is displayed below the image. The bottom left of the trace show the lead, gain, and heart rate information. The cable status will show if there are any leads off or cable unplugged.



The touchscreen menu includes options for toggling the ECG trace on/off and modifying the ECG baseline position, gain, lead and inverting the trace.



ECG Models
The Ultrasonix systems/software have supported 3 models over the history of the device:
 * MCC
 * L&T
 * 1) Corscience


 * The MCC is no longer supported, the L&T and Corscience models are still supported within the software and Fluctus SDK.
 * The L&T module is a serial based board that also requires external power. Sampling rate is fixed at 200Hz.
 * The latest model, Corscience, uses a USB for data transfer and power. Sampling rate is programmable up to 1000Hz.

Data Collection
When the ECG is turned on, data can be captured once the image is frozen via the Data Storage screen.



Alternatively, the Ulterius SDK can be used to capture ECG data in real-time.



R-Wave Triggering
Information to come...

Driver Installation
The Corscience ECG module requires installation prior to usage. The driver can be downloaded from [www.ultrasonix.com/ftp/software/tools/corscience-ecg.zip here]. Unzip the files and follow the installation instructions. Before installation, ensure that other applications such as Exam are closed. Once the necessary drivers have been successfully installed, the device is ready for use.