ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY (EP) STUDY

When Is An Electrophysiology Study necessary?

This is a performed to evaluate the electrical activity of the heart and find the underlying cause of a rhythm problem.  The findings help your cardiologist decide on the best treatment which may be ablation to follow on from the electrophysiology study, but may also include medications or a defibrillator.

How is an Electrophysiology Study performed?

The procedure takes places in a special operating theatre known as a cardiac catheter laboratory.  There will a group of people there looking after you including a doctor, physiologist, nurse and radiographer.  You will receive local anaesthetic at the top of your leg and a drug to make you sleepy.  Stickers with wires connected will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm and a blood pressure cuff placed around your upper arm.

A small flexible plastic tube (a catheter) will be inserted through the top of your leg and fed round to your heart.  Fine wires will be passed through it to measure the electrical signals.  The wires can also stimulate the heart in order to attempt to cause your rhythm problem in order to understand where it is coming from.

If the problem is localized, your doctor will try and ablate the area to stop the rhythm problem recurring.  You may get some chest tightness during this part of the procedure. Once completed, the wires and tubes will be removed and you will be monitored in the recovery area.  In many cases you will be able to go home the same day.  Sometimes, patients may have to spend the night and go home the next day.

What are the benefits and risks?

The chance of success depends on the type of rhythm problem being targeted but is frequently successful and offers long-term relief from the arrhythmia. 

The risks again depend on the type of procedure but are generally low, with a small chance of needing a pacemaker or having a build up of fluid around the heart which may require drainage.  There may be bruising at the top of the leg but this resolves over the next week or so.

Schedule An Appointment

An electrophysiology study is an important test for patients with arrhythmias. Our expert Consultant Cardiologists are available for consultation on any day of the week and weekends as well.