On selecting a body surface mapping procedure

Throughout the world, various procedures related to body surface mapping have evolved. The large differences in these procedures make multi-center studies difficult. This paper discusses the problems involved in selecting the number of leads, lead placement, and map format. Methods are highlighted that have been developed for pooling of the data as obtained by different centers. Recommendations are included to newcomers in the field. (The work stems from an international study, the Noninvasive Evaluation of the Myocardium, a study group sponsored by the European Commission, which has as one of its objectives the standardization of body surface mapping procedures.)