Medical Test:
Electrophysiology Studies (EPS)
General information
Other names
| Where It's Done | Who Does It | How Long It Takes | Discomfort/Pain |
| Hospital catheterization lab or special diagnostic center. | Doctor specializing in this technique. | 2-3 hours plus at least 6-8 hours of rest and observation following the test. | Minor discomfort from IV line insertion and anesthetic injection. Dye may cause flushing or burning. Arms held over the head and legs may become numb. You may have to remain in bed overnight with your weight on your groin. |
| Results Ready When | Special Equipment | Risks/Complications | Average Cost |
| A few hours to several days. | Same as for cardiac catheterization. | Same risks as for cardiac catheterization, plus the possibility of serious arrhythmia, which can usually be reversed with electric shock. | $$$ |
Arrhythmia evaluation.
Purpose- To evaluate people who either have or may have serious cardiac arrhythmias that are not adequately controlled by drugs. Occasionally performed to evaluate possible arrhythmia as the cause of fainting (syncope).
- Under some circumstances, performed prior to insertion of a pacemaker, defibrillator, or surgery to correct an arrhythmia.
- Used to assess the effectiveness of different drugs and drug dosages.
- Electrodes, guided into the heart during cardiac catheterization, make detailed recordings of the heart's electrical activity and pathways, and can mimic the patterns of heartbeats that lead to serious arrhythmias.
- Sometimes, a specific abnormal electrical pattern within the heartbeat causing the arrhythmia may be identified. This may be eliminated (ablated) with special radio-frequency catheters during the same procedure.
Same as for cardiac catheterization.
Test procedureWhen the electrodes are in place, drugs may be administered to study their effectiveness, or an abnormal electrical pathway may be destroyed.
After the testSame as for cardiac catheterization. Be alert for the recurrence of abnormal heart rhythms.
Factors affecting results- Medication that can affect heart rhythm may alter the results.
- Other heart problems, such as heart failure or coronary disease, may require treatment before EPS is performed.
A physician studies the heart rhythm patterns and decides the best course of treatment.
AdvantagesThe test provides information that cannot be obtained by less invasive methods.
Disadvantages- It's invasive.
- It carries a risk of serious arrhythmias.
Treatment of the underlying problem may entail drugs, ablation of an electrical pathway, implantation of a pacemaker or automated defibrillator, or surgery.
