Electrophysiology Laboratory

The Electrophysiology Lab (EP) is a special area dedicated to study and diagnosis of heart rhythm problems. It allows physicians to locate abnormal rhythm sites inside the heart that may be causing serious arrhythmias (abnormal heart rhythms). Specially trained RNs and EP Technicians work together to provide quality care in a sterile environment, much like an operating room. For this reason, no visitors are permitted in the lab with patients.

An EPS is a study to evaluate the electrical system of the heart. This may be done for a number of reasons. The more common reasons are:

• To see if your hearts electrical impulses travel in a normal fashion from the upper chambers (atria) to the lower chambers (ventricles) over the conduction system.
• To check if your SA node functions normally, or whether an artificial pacemaker is needed
• To see is your heart is likely to have irregular (dysrhythmias) or fast beats (tachycardia)
• Determine the cause of passing out spells, dizzy spells, palpitations, irregular beats and fast heart rhythms

Based on this information from this study, your doctor can decide the best treatment for you.

Safety and Risks

Although this is a very safe test, there is a small chance of a problem occurring. Some EP studies are invasive that require the insertion of catheters into the body. It involves some risks. The risks are small. These risks are:

• Bleeding or bruising (hematoma) at the site of catheter insertion
• Infection (rare)
• Blood clot to lungs (pulmonary embolism ) (very rare)
• Blood leak from the heart (cardiac tamponade) (very rare)
• Death (extremely rare). Ask your doctor about anything that you do not understand. Be as informed as possible about your test.