Introduction: We prospectively evaluated a new patch system designed to better ensure P-wave recording to compete with the standard 3 channel Holter monitor for improved diagnostic yield for cardiac arrhythmias.
Methods: We applied both a standard 3-channel Holter monitor and a P-wave centric ECG patch in 50 sequential patients referred for standard clinical indications. Patients wore both devices simultaneously and served as their own control. Holter and Patch reports were cross read by blinded readers unaware of the findings in other corresponding ECG recording. Diagnostic yield was based upon the indication for ambulatory monitoring and a clinically valid explanation of the patients complaint.
Results: In all 50 patients the patch recording system provided equivalent or better diagnostic yield than the standard Holter system. Of 100 blinded and isolated reports (double reads for each patient), yield for a meaningful diagnosis was obtained in 27/50 (54%) of Holter readings and 34/50 patch readings (68%), p<0.05.
Conclusions: A single channel ambulatory patch monitor designed to make the p-wave visible, resulted in improved per-day diagnostic yield compared to a standard state-of-the-art 3 channel monitor.