Electrophysiology (EP) Study

What is an Electrophysiology study?

• An EP study is a test used to assess the hearts electrical function. It allows the cardiologist to locate areas within the heart that may be causing abnormal heart rhythms.

Why does my child need an Electrophysiology Study?

• The EP study provides the most accurate and detailed information about the hearts electrical function.

• Your doctor may decide to do a radio-frequency ablation after the EP study. This possibility will be discussed prior to the study. An EP study is used to diagnose the problem, whereas the ablation is done to treat the problem.

• The EP study is most useful when a child has a suspected persistent arrhythmia that could not be diagnosed by other tests.

• If your child has an abnormal heart rhythm, the doctor may decide to do a radiofrequency ablation while your child is in the EP lab. This possibility will be discussed with you prior to the procedure.

What happens during the Electrophysiology Study?

• The EP study is performed in a specially equipped room called an EP lab. (cardiac catheterization lab)

• The EP team includes a cardiologist with extensive training in EP, EP nurses and technicians.

• Medication will be given to help your child relax. An intravenous line (IV) will be placed in your child's arm.

• Your child will be positioned on a x-ray table and covered with sterile sheets. The heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and oxygenation saturation will be carefully monitored.

• One or more electrode catheters (long flexible tube that can conduct electrical impulses to and from the heart) used for the EP study will be inserted into veins located in the groin, arm, shoulder, and neck.

• The doctor will deliver tiny electrical impulses through the catheter. The doctor will try to bring on certain abnormal heart rhythms so that they can be observed under controlled conditions. An arrhythmia induced in the EP lab will often stop by itself. Medications and equipment is available should an arrhythmia persist.

• Depending on the particular arrhythmia and the findings, a complete study can last 2 to 6 hours.

What happens after the Electrophysiology Study is completed?

• After the procedure is completed, the catheters are removed and firm pressure is applied to the insertion site(s) for about 10-20 minutes. This is done to prevent bleeding.

• Your child will be transported to a hospital room. Your child must lie flat for 2-4 hours. This allows a small seal to form over the puncture site in the blood vessel.

• A nurse will monitor your child 's vital signs and check the site(s) where the catheters were inserted.

• After the procedure, the doctor who performed the EP study may be able to discuss some of the test findings. A complete detailed analysis of the measurements will take more time.

• Depending on the results of the study, you child may be sent home after several hours of observation.