VT Localizer
Stepwise EKG localization of VT origin
1
Bundle Morphology
What is the bundle pattern?
Use the predominant QRS morphology in V1.
LBBB is predominantly negative in V1.
RBBB is predominantly positive in V1.
2
Frontal Plane Axis
Choose whether the QRS is predominantly positive or
negative in each limb lead.
Select Lead I and aVF to determine the axis quadrant.
3
Precordial Transition
Where is the R-wave transition?
The transition is where the R wave becomes larger
than the S wave, meaning the QRS becomes
predominantly positive.
4
V1 Morphology
What does the QRS look like in V1?
Choose the pattern that most closely resembles the
ventricular QRS.
How to read these patterns
QS
Entire QRS is negative with no initial R wave.
Entire QRS is negative with no initial R wave.
rS
Small initial R followed by a larger negative S wave.
Small initial R followed by a larger negative S wave.
Monophasic R
One dominant positive R wave without a major S wave.
One dominant positive R wave without a major S wave.
qR
Small initial negative q wave followed by a dominant R wave.
Small initial negative q wave followed by a dominant R wave.
rsR′ / RSR′
Positive-negative-positive pattern with a terminal R′.
Positive-negative-positive pattern with a terminal R′.
5
Additional Limb-Lead Clues
aVR morphology
Note the predominant polarity and whether an initial
R wave is present.
aVL morphology
Record the predominant QRS polarity or a clear initial q wave.
6
Structural Heart Disease
Select any known substrate. These findings change how
strongly an apparently idiopathic EKG pattern should be interpreted.
Quick Localization Cheat Sheet
| Finding | What it suggests |
|---|---|
| LBBB morphology | Favors a right ventricular or septal site of origin. |
| RBBB morphology | Favors a left ventricular site of origin. |
| Inferior axis | Activation is directed inferiorly, suggesting a superior origin such as the ventricular outflow tracts. |
| LBBB + inferior axis | Classic morphology of RVOT ventricular arrhythmia. |
| Early precordial transition | In an outflow-tract pattern, favors a more leftward source such as LVOT or aortic cusp origin. |
| Late precordial transition | In an outflow-tract pattern, favors RVOT origin. |
| RBBB + superior axis | Consider LV inferoseptal origin or posterior fascicular VT, particularly without structural heart disease. |
| Known myocardial scar | Raises concern for scar-related VT even when the surface morphology resembles an idiopathic focus. |