Cardiac Electrophysiology

What is it?
An electrophysiology (EP) study finds the source of abnormal heart rhythms. Cardiac catheters and computers generate electrical impulses, and the speed at which the impulses travel within the heart is measured. These measurements help to locate impulses that are in the wrong place, as well as identify abnormal rhythms. The test takes about an hour and is not painful. It is a diagnostic procedure to identify the cause for irregularity in the rhythm of the beating heart.

Ablation :It is a curative procedure that corrects the arrhythmia identified. It involves delivering current at a particular radio frequency to break the abnormal circuit in the heart, returning it to its regular rhythm. EHIRC is one of the few hospitals in India to offers this therapy.
Cardiac Pacemaker: It is also a curative procedure performed on patients with abnormally slow heartbeat. It involves inserting wires into the heat chambers and regulating the heartbeat by delivering current from an external pacemaker placed under the skin.
Automatic Implantable Cardio-verter Defibrillator (AICD): It involves implanting the AICD beneath the skin to monitor the rhythm of the heart and to deliver a carefully timed electric shock automatically, for life threatening rhythm disturbances. The technique of AICD treatment came to India in 1995. EHIRC was the 1st hospital in India to make it available to its patients.

When is it Done?
Cardiologists often recommend an EP study when other tests have failed to provide enough information on the abnormal rhythms. It offers more information than other tests because electrodes are placed directly on your heart tissue.
During an EP, the rhythm disturbance is often located and corrected at the same time. The correction is permanent. Patients with coronary artery disease may need to have treatment before having an EP study.

How is it Done?
Patients will be given drugs to help them relax, but they will still be awake. Small electric catheters are inserted through a vein. The catheters are placed in the upper and lower chambers of the heart. The catheters are hooked to a recorder outside of the body that measures the electrical impulses inside the heart. The doctor measures the speed at which the impulses are traveling. The abnormal rhythm is recreated so the team can observe it. Once the rhythm is seen, treatment options are determined.

Preparation
Patients may be advised to stop taking certain medications, especially drugs for the heart. Pregnant patients should not have an EP study due to exposure to radiation

After the Study|
Patient has to lie flat for several hours to allow the catheter insertion sites to heal. One can normally return home the same day of the test or the next day.