Electrophysiology
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Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Rhythm Disorders
Electrophysiology (EP) study and Radiofrequency (RF) ablation are specialized catheter-based procedures used to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms, also called arrhythmias. These conditions may cause palpitations, dizziness, syncope, breathlessness, or rarely sudden cardiac arrest. EP study helps identify the exact cause of rhythm disturbance, and RF ablation can permanently treat many types of arrhythmias without the need for long-term medications.
1. Indications:
EP study and RF ablation are recommended in patients with:
•Recurrent palpitations
•Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT)
•Wolff–Parkinson–White (WPW) syndrome
•Atrial flutter
•Atrial fibrillation (selected cases)
•Ventricular tachycardia
•Unexplained syncope suspected due to arrhythmia
•Frequent premature beats causing symptoms
•Patients not responding to medicines or who prefer permanent cure
These procedures are commonly done in patients where ECG, Holter, or TMT suggests rhythm abnormality but exact mechanism needs confirmation.
2. Procedure:
EP study and RF ablation are performed in a specialized electrophysiology lab under local anesthesia with mild sedation. Small punctures are made in the veins, usually in the groin, and thin flexible catheters are passed into the heart under X-ray guidance.
During EP study, electrical signals inside the heart are recorded to identify the abnormal pathway or focus causing arrhythmia. Once the abnormal area is located, RF ablation is performed by delivering controlled heat energy through the catheter to destroy the small area of tissue responsible for the abnormal rhythm.
In some cases, advanced 3-D mapping systems are used for precise localization, especially in atrial fibrillation or complex ventricular arrhythmias.
3. Safety:
EP study and RF ablation are generally very safe procedures when performed by experienced electrophysiologists. Continuous monitoring of heart rhythm, blood pressure, and oxygen levels is done throughout the procedure.
Possible but uncommon risks include bleeding at puncture site, temporary arrhythmia, heart perforation, or need for pacemaker, but these are rare. Most patients recover quickly and can return to normal activities within a few days, with excellent success rates in many rhythm disorders.
Pacemakers greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with heart rhythm disorders, ensuring that their hearts maintain a regular rhythm and function properly. The decision to implant a pacemaker is based on a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional specializing in cardiac electrophysiology or cardiology.
Pacemakers greatly improve the quality of life for individuals with heart rhythm disorders, ensuring that their hearts maintain a regular rhythm and function properly. The decision to implant a pacemaker is based on a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional specializing in cardiac electrophysiology or cardiology.