Electrophysiology
Studies (EP Study)
An EP study is a invasive test to performed to evaluate your heart’s conduction system. This test is recommended for patients with symptoms indicative of heart rhythm disorders or for patients who may be at risk for Sudden Cardiac Death. An EP study provides key information that is key to diagnosing and treating rhythm disturbances. Although it is more invasive than an EKG or echocardiogram, and involves provoking abnormal heart rhythms, this test is important in gathering data that allow doctors to:
- Diagnose heart rhythm abnormalities that is the source of patients’ symptoms
- Predict the risk of Sudden Cardiac Death
- Assess the effectiveness of medications (antiarrhythmics) that are used to treat heart rhythm disorders.
- Evaluate the need for an implantable device ( a pacemaker or ICD) or treatment procedure such as radio frequency catheter ablation)
The procedure involves inserting catheters (long wires) in the groin perhaps also the side of the neck, the elbow or the area under the collarbone. 3 to 5 catheters are often used simultaneously, in order to trigger and assess the exact location of the rhythm disturbance. Once catheters are in the veins, x-ray is used as they are moved toward the heart and positioned in strategic locations along the heart’s conduction system. By deliberately triggering an electrical disturbance, and then analysing the recordings of this disturbance, it is possible to locate which tissues in the heart are responsible for the electrical disturbance.
