Electrophysiology Procedure
Electrophysiology Procedure is a test that is performed to assess the electrical system or activity of your heart and is used to diagnose abnormal heartbeats or arrhythmia.
Some facts about Electrophysiology Procedure:
An electrophysiology (EP) study is performed by inserting catheters and then wire electrodes, with which electrical activity will be measured, through blood vessels that enter the heart.
Preparation for Electrophysiology Procedure:
- Empty your bladder as completely as possible before the procedure for your comfort.
- A bedpan or urinal will be provided during the procedure.
- A catheter may be inserted depending on the length of your precedure to drain your bladder of urine during the procedure.
- A small intravenous (IV) needle will be inserted into a vein of your arm to administer drugs, if required.
The Procedure:
- The Procedure for Electrophysiology is performed in the electrophysiology laboratory of the hospital, where you will be placed on an X-ray table.
- There will be a camera and television screens , heart monitors and various instruments close by.
- You will be connected to monitoring equipment with electrodes that will be placed on your chest and back.
- Your blood pressure will be monitored by placing a blood pressure cuff on your upper arm.
- The groin and possibly neck area where the catheters will be inserted will be shaved and cleaned by a nurse to prevent infection.
- Your body will be draped with sterile sheets.
- You may be given medications intraveniously depending on the type of study you undergo, which will be administered in your arm, to sedate you or make you sleepy.
- A local anesthetic will be administered by a tiny needle to numb the area where the catheters are inserted
- One or more catheters will be inserted into a large vein in your groin or neck.
- These catheters are thin, long, flexible wires which will be guided to your heart.
- The positioning of catheters inside your heart will be monitored on a screen.
- The incision site where the catheter is inserted is less than a quarter of an inch.
- You may experience pressure when the catheters are inserted.
- Recording the electrical signals of heart to assess the electrical function and pacing the heart to bring on certain abnormal rhythms for observation under controlled conditions are two parts to the EP study.
- Sometimes medications are used to stimulate your arrhythmia.
- You may feel your heart racing or pounding which may make you anxious.
- But you needn't be alarmed as the abnormal rhythm causing your problem is included by your doctor, so they can treat the arrhythmia.
- Tell your nurse or doctor if you have any uncomfortable symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and pain.
- Let your doctors or nurses know immediately if you feel any discomfort, so they can help you get comfortable as you must remain calm and relaxed during the procedure.
- Induced arrhythmias are handled by well-trained personnel with state-of-the-art equipment in the controlled environment of the EP laboratory.
- This tool allows your doctor to gain information about your arrhythmia that will help prevent future occurrences.
