Electrophysiology Study (EPS)
Why
is the doctor performing this test?
To locate the
source of an abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), to determine its cause,
and to determine the best way to treat the arrhythmia.
What
is the test?
The
heart’s rhythm (or “beat cycle” or “contraction
cycle”) is controlled by a natural pacemaker called the sino-atrial node (SA node). The SA node, located in the
right atrium, creates an electrical impulse that travels first through the
right and left atria, and then to the right and left ventricles, causing
the heart to beat. Sometimes, abnormal electrical impulses occur in the
heart, causing an abnormal rhythm called an arrhythmia. Arrhythmias can be
too slow (bradycardias), too fast (tachycardias), or irregular. During the
electrophysiology study, catheters are inserted into blood vessels in in various locations, and advanced to the heart.
Through these wires, electrical impulses are both delivered to and received
from the heart assessing both normal and abnormal conditions. An attempt is
made to duplicate the patient’s clinical arrhythmia by pacing the heart
from different locations and at different rates. Once an arrhythmia has
been initiated it is assessed and analyzed to determine its origin and
pathway of conduction. Once determined, a decision is made on best cause of
treatment, which may include medications, ablation with radiofrequency, or
even device treatment where a pacemaker or an implantable cardiac
defibrillator (ICD) may be implanted. At the end of the procedure the
catheters are removed and pressure is placed on the puncture site to
prevent bleeding.
Where
is the test performed?
In the
Electrophysiology Lab (EP Lab).
How
long does this test take?
An electrophysiologic study usually takes 1-4 hours.
Related
Links
Ablation (invasive)
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