Overview

An Electrophysiology (EP) study is the test that examine the heart’s abnormal electrical activity while RF (Radiofrequency) Ablation is the treatment for abnormal rhythm.

The heart’s electrical system produces signals (impulses) that control the timing of the heartbeats. During an EP study, electrophysiologists can create a very detailed map of how these signals move between each heartbeat.

An EP study can help determine the cause of irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Sometimes it’s done to predict the risk of sudden cardiac death.

Electrophysiologist are cardiologists with special training in heart rhythm disorders.

Why it’s done

An EP study gives a very detailed look at how electrical signals move through the heart. Your doctor may recommend an EP study if:

• You have an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia).If you’ve been diagnosed with an irregular or fast heartbeat — such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or any other type of tachycardia.
• You fainted.If you had a recurrent sudden loss of consciousness (fainting, or syncope), an EP study can help understand the cause.
• You’re at risk of sudden cardiac death.If you have certain heart conditions, an EP study can help determine your risk of sudden cardiac death.

What happens during the procedure ?

EP Study is done in Cath Lab; usually under local anaesthesia. During an EP study, long, thin tubes (catheters) are placed in three or more heart areas. The heart doctor inserts plastic tubes similar to large IVs (sheaths) into a blood vessel. The catheters are guided through the sheaths up to the heart, often using moving X-ray images as a guide i.e. Fluoroscopy . Sensors on the tips of the catheters send electrical signals to the heart and record the heart’s electrical activity.

Several different tests can be done during an EP study. Which tests you have will depend on your specific condition and your overall health. During an EP study, a heart doctor can:

• Take a baseline measurement of the heart’s electrical activity.
• Send signals that cause the heart to beat faster or slower.
• Give medicines to see how they affect the heartbeat.
• Map the heart to determine the best location to apply cardiac ablation to treat an irregular heartbeat.
• Perform cardiac ablation; the energy creates scar tissue that blocks irregular electrical signals to restore a typical heart rhythm.

The procedure has almost 99% success rate and less than 1% recurrence rate.

Till date patients of Nagpur were referred to metropolitan cities like Mumbai or Hyderabad for this treatment or senior EP specialist used to visit Nagpur to treat patients. With full time availability of Dr. Chetan Rathi at Nagpur, 1^st EP specialist of not only Nagpur but whole Vidarbha region, patient can avail this facility even at Nagpur. He was trained under Eminent Prof Dr. Yash Lokhandwala at Mumbai, who is one of the Pioneer of this treatment in whole India. 

 
Dr. Chetan Rathi

Consultant Cardiologist & Electrophysiologist

Hrudayam – Heart and Woman Care Clinic

Ramdaspeth, Nagpur

Mob – 9324297855