Electrophysiology (EP) is a minimally invasive action to measure the heart conduction system, whether its electrical activity or its conduction route. If the rhythmic abnormality is caused by a tissue abnormality, electrophysiology can destroy that tissue using a radio wave (radiofrequency ablation) or by using a cooling device. By this treatment, the doctor will decide whether you need medicine, a pacemaker, an ICD (implantable cardioverter defibrillator), or surgery.

Risk of Electrophysiology may include arrhythmia, blood clots, infections, bleeding, and bruising. Your doctor and nurse will help you avoid these problems

Electrophysiology Procedure

Patients will lie flat on a padded X-ray table and an IV will be started for the administration of medications and dye. A local anesthetic will be used to numb the skin and a small tube will be placed into a blood vessel in the groin. A small plastic catheter (pacing wires) are guided up to the heart. Patients will not feel the catheter being inserted into their heart because there are no sensory nerves inside veins and arteries. The doctor can diagnose the type of arrhythmia you have and determine the best treatment by recordings made from the catheters. Electrophysiology usually lasts 1 to 4 hours.

After the procedure, your blood pressure, heart rate, and areas where the catheters were inserted will be checked frequently. Notify your nurse immediately if you should develop any numbness in your arm or leg, bleeding from the insertion site, or if you have chills or fever.

Electrophysiology Preparation

Patients will be asked to not eat or drink anything for 6 to 8 hours before the test. Tell your doctor about any medicine you take. Doctor may ask you not to take them before the test. If you usually wear a hearing aid, wear it during your procedure.