Electrophysiology Study
An electrophysiology study (EPS) is a diagnostic procedure used to assess arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms. The process involves inserting thin, flexible tubes called catheters into blood vessels, typically in the neck or groin, and guiding them to the heart's chambers. These catheters then map the heart's electrical activity, helping to identify the source of the irregular rhythms. During the study, the heart's electrical system is stimulated to provoke arrhythmias, allowing for accurate diagnosis and assessment of potential treatment options. EPS is commonly used to diagnose and guide treatment for heart conditions like ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation. The detailed information obtained from EPS helps cardiologists and electrophysiologists develop targeted treatments and interventions to restore normal heart rhythm and improve patient outcomes.
About Electrophysiology Study (EPS)
Diagnosis: An electrophysiology study (EPS) is used to diagnose and assess abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias, such as ventricular tachycardia, supraventricular tachycardia, and atrial fibrillation.
Causes: Arrhythmias can result from various factors, including structural heart abnormalities, genetic predispositions, heart disease, or imbalances in electrolytes.
Treatment: While EPS is mainly a diagnostic tool, it also aids in determining the most appropriate treatment. Based on the findings, treatment options may include medications, catheter ablation, or the implantation of cardiac devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators.
Procedure for Electrophysiology Study
Preparation: The patient is placed on an examination table, and vital signs are recorded. An intravenous (IV) line may be inserted to administer medications.
Local Anesthesia: A local anesthetic is applied to the area where the catheter will be inserted, usually in the neck or groin, to minimize discomfort.
Catheter Insertion: Small incisions are made, and thin, flexible catheters are guided through blood vessels to the heart using fluoroscopic imaging.
Electrical Mapping: The catheters record electrical impulses from the heart, allowing the medical team to detect and locate the source of any abnormal heart rhythms.
Arrhythmia Induction: To aid in diagnosis, medications or electrical stimulation may be used to deliberately induce an arrhythmia.
Ablation (if needed): If an abnormal rhythm is identified, catheter ablation may be performed to treat it by applying energy to targeted areas of heart tissue.
Post-Procedure Care: After the study, pressure is applied to the catheter insertion site to prevent bleeding, and the catheters are removed. The patient is monitored for complications before being discharged from the hospital.