Electromechanical mapping of the left ventricle: possible tool for online decision making in the catheterization laboratory

Clinical decision making in intervention cardiology often depends on information about the presence of myocardial viability and the extent of ischemia. Especially in the case of an occluded collaterally filled coronary branch, online decision making in selected patients may accelerate and improve patient care. The electromechanical NOGA mapping system offers the opportunity for online viability assessment. We describe two cases in which this diagnostic tool was used during daily practice. In our opinion, NOGA mapping can be helpful for 'online' viability evaluation in patients with an occluded collaterally filled coronary artery. In these patients, noninvasive viability evaluation may cause unnecessary delay in the overall treatment approach.