What is a Cardiac Electrophysiology Study (EPS)?
A Cardiac Electrophysiology Study (EPS) is an invasive procedure that evaluates the electrical signals and pathways within the heart. It helps identify the cause and precise origin of abnormal heart rhythms, enabling the physician to determine the most appropriate treatment — and in many cases, to treat the problem during the same procedure.
What information does an EPS provide?
- The origin and type of abnormal electrical activity in the heart
- Guidance on the most effective treatment approach or medication
- Direct access to ablation treatment if the source of the abnormality is identified during the study
- Risk assessment for patients with moderate heart muscle weakness and premature ventricular contractions — to determine whether life-threatening arrhythmias are likely to occur. If stimulation triggers a dangerous rhythm, the doctor may recommend implanting an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) to prevent sudden cardiac death
- Investigation of unexplained fainting or sudden cardiac arrest
- Diagnosis of unclear electrical abnormalities in patients experiencing dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, weakness, or palpitations that could not be fully assessed by standard EKG
Where is the procedure performed?
EPS is carried out in a specialized cardiac catheterization laboratory by a multidisciplinary team of cardiologists, trained nurses, and cardiac technicians. The facility uses advanced technology in a sterile environment that meets international quality standards.
What is Ablation Therapy?
Once the type and location of the abnormal electrical signal have been identified, ablation therapy can be performed — often during the same session as the EPS. The physician inserts a specialized catheter into the heart and positions it precisely at the source of the abnormal electrical activity. Radiofrequency energy is then delivered through the catheter to destroy that specific site.
Ablation can be used to treat several types of arrhythmia, including:
- Electrical or circuit abnormalities originating in the upper chambers or between the upper and lower chambers
- Atrial fibrillation (AF)
- Premature ventricular contractions and ventricular tachycardia
The procedure typically takes 2–6 hours and may be combined with other treatments to achieve the best possible outcome.
What happens during the procedure?
Local anesthesia is applied to one or both groin areas. Specialized catheters are then inserted through the veins and guided to the heart, where they are connected to a computer system that records and interprets electrical signals.
The physician stimulates the heart to beat faster in order to reproduce the abnormal rhythm for study. Once the abnormal site is confirmed, radiofrequency energy is delivered through the catheter to eliminate it.
After the procedure is complete, the catheters are removed and pressure is applied to the insertion site for approximately 10–15 minutes for venous access, or around 30 minutes for arterial access, to prevent bleeding.
