Electrophysiology Studies (EPS)

Detailed Information:
Electrophysiology studies can last up to four hours, in addition to six to eight hours of recovery time and observation. They are similar in process to cardiac catheterizations. The patient is asked not to eat or drink after midnight on the day of the test. Two to five catheters about the size of a piece of spaghetti are inserted, usually through the groin area, though the neck or arm may be used. They are then guided into the heart. There should not be significant pain, and once the catheters are inserted the patient probably will not be able to feel them.

Small amounts of electricity are administered to the heart to artificially produce a heartbeat. Heartbeats are monitored with electrodes on the patient’s body. If irregularity is present, the beat is then compared to the normal, healthy response, so the doctor can examine the irregularity. Since the doctor is essentially reproducing the patient’s arrhythmia, the patient may experience some discomfort, including skipped beats, rapid beats, light-headedness, discomfort or fainting. There is a risk or serious arrhythmia, but the doctor can usually restore the heart’s normal rhythm by administering a mild shock.

Last updated: 03-Jun-04