Electrophysiology Studies (EPS)

Before the procedure, your medical team will provide detailed instructions on how to prepare. This may include fasting for a certain period and discontinuing certain medications. The procedure itself is performed in a specialised cardiac catheterization laboratory (Cath Lab) by a team of experienced healthcare professionals, including cardiologists, nurses, and cardiac physiologists.

You will be given sedation to help you relax during the procedure. The catheter insertion site will be numbed with local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort. Throughout the procedure, your vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure, will be closely monitored.

During the EPS, your cardiologist will introduce small electrical impulses through the catheter to stimulate the heart and induce arrhythmias. This helps pinpoint the location and mechanism of the abnormal heartbeats. The entire procedure typically lasts between one to three hours, depending on the complexity of the case.

• Detailed information is obtained about the nature and exact location of your arrhythmia, guiding treatment decisions.
• By identifying the specific mechanism of the arrhythmia, EPS helps tailor treatment strategies, which may include medication, catheter ablation, or implantable devices such as pacemakers or defibrillators.
• Improved outcomes: By targeting the underlying cause of arrhythmias, EPS-guided treatments can lead to better symptom control, reduced risk of complications, and improved quality of life for patients.

Although EPS is generally considered safe, like any medical procedure, it carries some risks. These may include:

• Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site
• Infection
• Allergic reaction to medications or contrast dye
• Rarely, more serious complications such as stroke or heart attack

Your Specialist will take all necessary precautions to minimise these risks, and they will be prepared to address any complications should they arise.