If a patient had mastectomy where is the ECG electrodes placed?

When performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) on a patient who has undergone a mastectomy, the placement of the ECG electrodes may be slightly adjusted to ensure accurate recording of the electrical activity of the heart. Here's how the electrodes are typically placed in such cases:

1.Right Arm Electrode: Placed on the right shoulder or upper arm, just below the clavicle.

2.Left Arm Electrode: Placed on the left shoulder or upper arm, just below the clavicle.

3.Left Leg Electrode: Placed on the left lower leg, just above the ankle.

4.Exploring Electrodes: Instead of placing the exploring electrode on the left chest as in a standard 12-lead ECG, it is placed on the back, specifically between the shoulder blades (interscapular region). This is done to avoid interference from the breast tissue that has been removed during the mastectomy.

The exploring electrode is moved to different locations on the back to capture different views of the heart's electrical activity. These locations include:

- V1: Placed to the right of the sternum, at the same level as the fourth intercostal space.

- V2: Placed to the left of the sternum, at the same level as the fourth intercostal space.

- V3: Placed midway between V2 and V4.

- V4: Placed at the midclavicular line, at the same level as the fifth intercostal space.

- V5: Placed at the anterior axillary line, at the same level as the fifth intercostal space.

- V6: Placed at the midaxillary line, at the same level as the fifth intercostal space.

By placing the exploring electrodes on the back and adjusting the placement of the other electrodes accordingly, healthcare professionals can obtain a clear and accurate ECG recording, even in patients who have undergone a mastectomy. This ensures that any potential cardiac abnormalities or arrhythmias can be detected and managed appropriately.