EP study is a precise study of the electrical circuit of the heart under a controlled environment. It will assist your cardiologist in evaluating your heart rhythm disturbance and to select the most effective treatment for you.

EP studies allow cardiac mapping on a patient to isolate or interrupt the re-entry pathways responsible for atrial fibrillation, the most common cardiac rhythm disorder affecting millions of people worldwide. It is done in the cath lab by a trained cardiologist. The objective is to restore and maintain a normal sinus rhythm by ablating the sites of initiation.

Indication

Supraventricular tachycardias (a rapid abnormal beating of the atria) causing rapid heart rhythm, fainting spells, dizziness, palpitations or chest discomfort.

Ventricular tachycardias (rapid abnormal rhythm from the ventricle) causing life threatening state such as low blood pressure, fainting episodes, palpitation and sudden death.

Sick sinus syndrome (alternating fast and slow rhythm) causing palpitation, breathlessness and fainting episodes.

Preparation before EP study

You will need to be admitted 2 hours before the procedure and put on a hospital gown. Your cardiologist will explain the risks to you and your consent will be obtained before the procedure.

Routine blood test and ECG will be done. Skin prep and shaving will be done. It is not necessary to fast unless instructed by your cardiologist. All jewellery, dentures and prosthesis need to be removed.

How is EP study and radio frequency ablation done?

When you are ready, you will be taken to the cath lab where EP study and radio frequency ablation is done. You will receive medication through an intravenous line or in a pill form.

During EP study, areas of the skin are numbed. Then one or more electrical wires are inserted into your blood vessels in your leg or neck. The wires are guided to your heart, where they record your hearts electrical activities. Electrical signals may be sent to the heart, and special medications may be given to test your heart response. The results of testing are recorded.

Ablation is done using an electrode catheter. The catheter is inserted into the vein or artery through a site in the groin. When the exact area where the origin of the abnormal rhythm is located, the ablation catheter transmits heat wave to burn that area. The success rate in curing abnormal rhythm such as supraventricular tachycardia and idiopathic ventricular tachycardia is very high.

The entire procedure takes 1-6 hours. After the procedure you may be transferred to stay overnight. A nurse will often check the punctured site and your blood pressure. You will need to remain lying down or for 4-6 hours.

Your cardiologist will discuss your ablation with you. You can usually stop taking heart rhythm medication after a successful ablation.