Reasons for an EP Study
Your doctor may order an EP study to:

• determine whether or not you have an abnormal heart rhythm, because of recurrent symptoms such as fainting, dizziness, lightheadness, shortness of breath or chest discomfort; or as a result of previous heart tests such as an electrocardiogram;
• evaluate the effect of medications on your heart rhythm; or
• evaluate whether you would benefit from a pacemaker.

How an EP Study is Performed

EP studies are done in the cardiac catheterization lab at the Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute. They involve inserting several catheters through a tiny incision in your groin and threading them through your veins and into your heart. While the catheters are in place, your heart rhythm will be recorded and an electrical map of your heart will be made.

The test takes anywhere from one to four hours to complete. Afterward, you will recover in the cardiovascular observation unit where your heart rhythm, blood pressure and pulses in your legs and feet can be closely monitored. An overnight stay is not normally needed.

Abnormal Rhythms?
Treating an Abnormal Rhythm with Catheter Ablation

Catheter ablation can sometimes be used to treat an abnormally fast heart rhythm. At Central Baptist Hospital, ablation is performed in the cardiac catheterization labs in our Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute.

During an ablation, electrode catheters are inserted through a small incision in your groin, neck, shoulder or arm. Then they are carefully threaded through your veins until they reach the cells in your heart that are causing your abnormal heart rhythm. Once the cells are found, energy waves are sent through the catheter to destroy the problem cells. Then the catheters are removed. Afterward, you will stay in the cardiovascular observation unit for several hours to recover.

Treating an Abnormal Rhythm with Artificial Pacemakers and Implantable Defibrillators

If your doctor decides you need an artificial pacemaker or an implantable defibrillator, the procedure will be done in the cardiac catheterization labs at the Baptist Heart & Vascular Institute.

The purpose of a pacemaker is to make the heart beat more regularly. By taking the place of the heart's own bioelectrical triggering system. This system can deteriorate as a result of age, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease or scarring from a heart attack. Most people who need pacemakers suffer from a condition called bradycardia which makes the heart beat too slowly. Other conditions that can be helped by pacemakers include heart block (the heart stops beating for several seconds) and tachyacardia (too rapid heartbeat).

Implantable defibrillators can be used to treat more dangerous arrhythmias, such as ventricular fibrillation (rapid, irregular twitching of the heart ventricles). These medical devices recognize dangerous arrhythmias and work to restore a normal heart rhythm by pacing the heart or giving it an electrical shock.

Implanting a pacemaker or defibrillator is a minor operation. The device can be implanted under the skin (a subcutaneous implantation) or under the pectoral (chest) muscle (a submuscular implantation). During the procedure, a 2-4" incision is made in the skin under the collarbone. Then a space, called a pocket, is created. The device fits snugly inside this pocket.

Pacemaker and implantable defibrillator take 60-90 minutes to implant. Afterward, you will remain in the post interventional unit for a day or two while you recover. Your doctor will want to make sure the device is working properly before you can leave the hospital.

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