Electrophysiology Studies
Electrophysiology studies (EPS) help to diagnose arrhythmias and
are used to develop and evaluate treatment options.
The procedure involves inserting two to six catheters (flexible
wires) into the large veins or arteries in the forearm and/or groin
area and snaking the tips of the catheters to the heart to record
its electrical impulses.
Programmed Stimulation
After the catheters are in position, physicians record the heart's
electrical activity and pace the heart to study its electrical properties.
In pacing, the physician introduces electrical impulses at a specific
rate. After pacing, the physician delivers impulses at different
intervals, in a technique called programmed stimulation. Programmed
stimulation and pacing induce a patient's arrhythmia under controlled
conditions.
Heart Mapping
Sometimes the abnormal heart rhythm can be localized to a specific
chamber of the heart by a technique known as "mapping." Mapping
involves moving a catheter around the heart chamber to identify
areas of abnormal tissue. More importantly, mapping can identify
the specific site of the abnormal rhythm. More
about heart mapping
Radiofrequency Ablation
In some cases, the physician may perform radiofrequency ablation,
in which the catheter used is able to deliver radiofrequency energy
to the section of the heart that is causing the irregular rhythm.
The energy produces heat, which results in scar tissue which can't
conduct the irregular impulse, thus treating the arrhythmia. Radiofrequency
ablation is also used to treat cancer. Find
out more
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