Electroanatomic Mapping

Electroanatomic mapping systems have been developed which display real time 3D geometry the shape of the interior of the heart. These models, or geometries, are created by moving a special catheter within the heart itself. A computerized program then converts the electrical data from the heart into a shape that allows your electrophysiologist to maneuver the catheter within the virtual reality depiction of the patient’s heart. Electroanatomic mapping systems have been demonstrated to reduce the amount of x-ray exposure that a patient receives during an ablation procedure and also increases procedural success rates by allowing the electrophysiologist to carefully annotate locations where ablation therapy has been delivered. Additionally, your electrophysiologist may annotate locations of sensitive structures, such as the normal pacemaker system of the heart in order to avoid them. Mapping is commonly used in ablations of all types. Both major electroanatomic mapping systems, the CARTO ™ mapping system and the ESI/NAVX™ mapping system are available at the Medical College of Georgia Cardiac Electrophysiology Laboratory.