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Preparation
If Dr. Moore suspects that you have a heart arrhythmia, he may order electrophysiology (EP) studies.
During this test, a catheter is guided to the heart using fluoroscopy, a special x-ray technique that
captures and stores images in real-time. Special wire electrodes are placed inside the heart and tests
are performed to determine the location and nature of the rhythm problem.
If you need this procedure, Dr. Moore will refer you to a trusted, experienced, board-certified
cardiologist or cardiothoracic surgeon in West Palm Beach or at Holmes Regional Medical Center in
Melbourne. (Indian River Memorial Hospital does not have an EP lab at this time.)
The physician performing the procedure will provide you with specific preparation instructions,
which may include:
- Informing the physician of all medications
- Obtaining pre-procedure blood work
- Abstaining from eating or drinking after midnight the evening prior to the procedure
You may have to stop taking certain medications, such as aspirin, Plavix or warfarin therapy, prior to
this procedure. You also may have to pre-register.
Note: Because you'll receive a sedative during this test, you'll be unable to drive afterwards. You
must bring someone with you to drive you home and keep an eye on you.
Procedure
Once you have registered, changed into a hospital gown, and been situated in bed, you'll receive an
intravenous (IV) line that will be used to give you fluids. The IV also will administer a sedative
that will help you relax during the procedure. The sedative is generally given about 30 minutes prior
to the test. You'll still be awake and somewhat responsive during the test, but many patients find
they don't remember much afterwards. Electrodes will be attached to your chest to monitor your heart,
and a cuff will be placed on your arm to monitor your blood pressure.
Once the sedative has taken effect, a long thin tube called a catheter will be inserted into a blood
vessel in your neck, groin or arm. A local numbing anesthetic is applied to the insertion site so you
won't feel a great deal of discomfort. Using the fluoroscopy machine, the cardiologist will guide the
catheter to your heart. Once the catheter has reached your heart, tests will be performed and you may
feel your heart rhythm change. If the cardiologist incites an arrhythmia, he may use medication or
electronic devices to stop it. Sometimes ablation therapy is performed to correct the arrhythmia.
Ablation therapy destroys the small amount of heart tissue that is causing the arrhythmia. Once the
tissue is destroyed, usually a normal heart rhythm is restored. Once the procedure is completed, the
catheter will be removed and pressure applied to the insertion site of the catheter. The entire
procedure generally takes at least one hour and can last several hours.
Post-procedure
Following the test, the cardiologist will discuss the results with you and your family. If required, a
follow-up appointment will be scheduled.
After the procedure, you'll be asked to lie still for four to six hours while the insertion site begins
to heal. You'll have to be driven home and relax for the rest of the day while the sedatives wear off.
Resume your normal medication schedule as instructed by the cardiologist.
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