Electrophysiology Study (EPS)

Electrophysiology studies (EPS) are the tests, performed to understand the nature of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia).

It helps to study the electroactivity of the heart, to examine where an arrhythmia is coming from.

Electrophysiology studies help to decide whether a patient needs medicine, pacemaker, Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), cardiac ablation, or surgery.

Electrophysiology Study (EPS) - Overview

Electrophysiology studies (EPS) are the tests, performed to understand the nature of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmia).

It helps to study the electroactivity of the heart, to examine where an arrhythmia is coming from.

Electrophysiology studies help to decide whether a patient needs medicine, pacemaker, Implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), cardiac ablation, or surgery.

Electrophysiology Study (EPS) - Symptoms

When someone’s heart doesn’t beat normally.
The patient suffered from a heart attack.
High blood pressures, causes abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia).
Cardiac arrest

Electrophysiology Study (EPS) - Pre-Procedure

The patient requires 6-8 hours of fasting before the procedure.
Need to stop anti-inflammation, blood thinners, herbal medications, and vitamins as per doctor’s advice.
If the patient is diabetic then he/she have to adjust some medications as per the doctor.

Electrophysiology Study (EPS) - During Procedure

It usually takes 2-4 hours for the procedure.
With the help of an IV (intravenous) line, drug or fluid will be given to the patient, to make the patient drowsy during the procedure.
Sterile drapes will be there to cover from neck to feet.
Then the doctor will numb the skin in the groin with the help of medication.
Then several catheters or tubes will be inserted into the vein.
Catheters will be threaded to the heart, to sense the electrical activity there and evaluate the heart.
With the help of a machine, the doctor will deliver electricity through one of the catheters to increase heart rate.
When irregular heart rhythm starts up, the doctor will medication through IV to check how well it can be controlled.
The doctor may continue monitoring with a pacemaker, or ICD.

Electrophysiology Study (EPS) - Post-Procedure

Avoid heavy weight lifting at least for a week after the procedure.
Avoid several hours of traveling, if needed then take intervals for every hour to stretch legs.
It requires 4-6 hours fasting after the procedure.
Avoid driving for at least 24 hours after the procedure.
The patient can start the usual daily activities, next day after the procedure.
The puncture site will be sore for several days and a small bruise is normal after the procedure.

Electrophysiology Study (EPS) - Risk & Complications

Abnormal heart rhythm
Dizziness
Blood clots at the tips of the catheter
Break off and blockage of blood vessels
Infection, bleeding and bruising at the site of the catheter (groin, arm, or neck).