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Intermediate Technical IVT

Bipolar Electrogram

An intracardiac recording obtained between two closely spaced electrodes, providing superior signal resolution and noise rejection.

Full Definition

A bipolar electrogram is recorded between two electrode poles in close proximity, typically 1-5mm apart on the same catheter. This configuration provides excellent spatial resolution and effectively cancels far-field signals and noise, making it ideal for precise timing measurements and identifying local activation. Bipolar recordings are essential for activation mapping, identifying fragmented signals, and determining conduction velocity. The narrow sensing field of bipolar electrograms makes them particularly valuable for substrate characterization and defining ablation targets. Most modern EP catheters are designed with bipolar electrode pairs as the standard configuration.

Usage

Usage note: Use 'bipolar' as adjective, 'electrogram' as noun. Avoid 'bipolars' as noun form.

In Context

  • "Bipolar electrograms showed fractionated signals throughout the scar border zone." — Mapping report
  • "The bipolar electrogram amplitude was less than 0.5 mV, indicating dense scar tissue." — Ablation procedure note

Also known as

bipolar recording near-field electrogram

Contrasted with

unipolar electrogram

Don't confuse with

unipolar electrogram

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