An apparatus for producing a trigger signal, for use with a medical
device, that is synchronized to a heartbeat in a subject of interest. The
apparatus includes a sensor for obtaining ECG data from the subject of
interest. The apparatus further includes a processor coupled to the
sensor, with the processor configured to generate the trigger signal
based on a real time analysis of the ECG data and to only synchronize and
transmit the trigger signal to the medical device if a pre-selected
characteristic of the heartbeat is identified. The apparatus further
includes and a display device coupled to the processor and configured to
display the ECG data and the trigger signal.