250 electrodes determine exactly where abnormal electrical activity is Doctors are using special vests to precisely diagnose abnormal heart rhythms, in the first UK tests of their kind. Cardiologists from Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust in west London say the vests have enabled them to successfully treat more patients.
They hope the technology could eventually help more people suffering from heart palpitations.
The Arrythmia Alliance described the tests as a \"fantastic development\".
The work is in its early stages - doctors have used the vests on 40 patients so far.
However, they are impressed with the precision that each vest can give them. The results have been sent to a medical journal.
The panels contain about 250 electrodes, to determine exactly where abnormal electrical activity in the heart is causing problems.
Computer images are then generated to produce an \"electrical map\" of the patient\'s heart.
Using this technology - known as the ECVUE system - means that a subsequent procedure called ablation - in which a catheter is placed in the heart through veins in the leg and then used to burn away the problematic area - stands a better chance of success.
Dr Prapa Kanagaratnam, the consultant cardiologist leading the work, said: \"It was very appealing right from the start to be able to get measurements of the heart\'s electrical activity with that degree of precision, without having to initially put wires into the heart.
\"It was obvious to us straight away there was a group of patients we could apply the technology to effectively.
\"Many patients suffer palpitations at night or when they are resting and this can be impossible to treat by current techniques, as it is difficult to recreate a relaxing environment in the operating theatre.
\"It\'s been very satisfying to use the ECVUE system and see the results over the last couple of years.\"
Each vest costs about £1,000 - the doctors say this compares well with conventional diagnosis techniques, especially given the benefit of treating patients they were sometimes not able to previously help.
It is thought there are about two million people with heart rhythm problems in the UK, although many of these will be undiagnosed. Arrhythmia is an umbrella term which covers various conditions.