SCHILLER Electrocardiographs: Enhancing Cardiac Care in Veterinary Medicine

 

SCHILLER electrocardiographs represent the pinnacle of Swiss engineering and innovation. Founded by Alfred Schiller, the company revolutionized the ECG industry with innovations like keyboards, integrated printers, and advanced interpretation functions that have now become standard in ECG technology. 

Although SCHILLER electrocardiographs are primarily designed for human use, their advanced features offer significant benefits for veterinary medicine as well. This article explores how these devices are transforming cardiac care for small animals, supported by insights from Dr. Christian Valenzuela, a veterinary cardiologist in Guadalajara, Mexico, who uses the CARDIOVIT AT-1 G2 in his practice. 

 

High Sampling Frequency for Better Accuracy in Animal ECGs 

Unlike human heart rates, which average 60-100 beats per minute in adults, small animals like medium-sized dogs often have heart rates ranging from 70-110 beats per minute or higher. This difference necessitates ECG equipment capable of accurately capturing rapid cardiac rhythms. SCHILLER electrocardiographs are particularly suited to this task, thanks to their exceptionally high sampling rate. 

 

The Importance of Sampling Rate in ECGs 

The sampling rate determines how frequently an ECG captures data, directly impacting the accuracy and detail of the signal. Standard electrocardiographs usually offer sampling rates of 500 Hz or 1000 Hz, but SCHILLER ECGs operate at a staggering 32,000 Hz. This high rate allows for exceptional clarity and precision, especially useful when dealing with faster heart rates commonly found in veterinary patients. Why do we emphasize this? Let’s explain it graphically. 

To show that sampling rate does influence the accuracy and quality of an electrocardiogram, we will compare it to the clarity of an ECG if it were a photograph. 

This is what a photo ‘taken’ with a sampling rate of 128 Hz would look like.

This is what a photo ‘taken’ with a sampling rate of 1,000 Hz would look like.

This is what an image ‘taken’ with a sampling rate of 32,000 Hz would look like.

The third photo illustrates the quality with which SCHILLER electrocardiographs capture the trace during ECGs (32,000 Hz). Moreover, the capacity of extending the bandwidth to 260 Hz will allow to correctly capture heart rates over 150 beats per minute. Therefore, it’s no surprise that veterinarians choose our equipment for their daily work.

SCHILLER’s equipment captures ECG traces with unmatched detail, making it a preferred choice for veterinarians who need precise diagnostics in their daily work.

 

SCHILLER ECGs in Veterinary Practice: A Testimonial from Dr. Christian Valenzuela 

Dr. Christian Valenzuela, a veterinary cardiologist, shared his experience using the CARDIOVIT AT-1 G2 in treating his canine and feline patients. According to Dr. Valenzuela, many of the technologies used in human cardiology can also meet the needs of veterinary cardiology with minor adjustments.

“In one case shared on my Instagram [@cardiovet.occidente], I used the CARDIOVIT AT-1 G2 to perform an ECG on a canine patient. I adapted the device with suitable electrodes and have been very pleased with the results,” says Dr. Valenzuela.

He explains that while unipolar and bipolar leads are commonly used in veterinary patients, precordial leads are less frequently employed since acute myocardial infarctions are rare in these animals. The ability to capture clear and stable ECGs, even when patients move during the test, is a significant advantage of SCHILLER’s equipment.

 

Key Features of SCHILLER ECGs for Veterinary Cardiology 

SCHILLER electrocardiographs bring Swiss precision to veterinary cardiology with features that enhance patient care:

 

Sampling Rate of 32,000 Hz: This high rate ensures accurate capture of heart signals, even in fast-paced animal hearts, providing clear ECG traces for precise diagnosis.

 

Electrode Reversal Detection: This feature helps confirm correct electrode placement before recording, minimizing the need for repeated tests.
Integrated Printer and Digital Export Options: Immediate access to printed ECG results or digital export in PDF or XML formats offers flexibility and convenience in veterinary practice.

 

Study Personalization: Customizable settings allow veterinarians to input patient data, compare past studies, and keep records organized with clinic branding.

 

Portability: Lightweight and equipped with SMART Battery functionality, SCHILLER electrocardiographs provide over eight hours of operation, making them ideal for mobile or busy practices.

 

SCHILLER electrocardiographs combine reliability, precision, and advanced technology, making them suitable for both human healthcare and veterinary applications.

 

Experience the difference in your practice with a demonstration of our versatile ECG solutions.