Electrophysiology Treatment in Navi Mumbai

Electrophysiology

Electrophysiology, also called invasive cardiac electrophysiology — is a series of investigations carried out on the heart's electrical activity. The heart's electrical system generates signals or impulses that control the timing and duration of the heartbeats. It helps cardiologists create a very detailed map of how these signals navigate between each heartbeat.

An electrophysiology study can help find out the cause of irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmias. Sometimes it is recommended to anticipate the risk of sudden cardiac death. It is performed in a hospital by cardiologists who have special training in heart rhythm disorders called electrophysiologists.

An electrophysiology study provides a health care provider with a very detailed view of how electrical signals move across the heart. You may be recommended to do an EP study if:

  • You have irregular heart rhythms or arrhythmia
    If you are a known case of arrhythmic heart diseases such as supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) or any other form of tachycardia, your health care provider may recommend an electrophysiology study to determine the best treatment.
  • You fainted
    If you experienced a sudden loss of consciousness, an electrophysiology study could help determine the cause.
  • You are suffering from heart diseases
    If you are suffering from certain heart conditions, an electrophysiology study can help find out if there is a risk of sudden cardiac death.
  • You need cardiac ablation
    This procedure uses heat or cold temperatures to correct heart rhythm problems. An electrophysiology study is always done prior to cardiac ablation to locate the area of the irregular heart rhythm. If you have heart surgery, you may need cardiac ablation and an electrophysiology study on the same day.

As with many other procedures, an electrophysiology study has certain risks, of which some can be serious. Consult your health care provider about the benefits and risks of an electrophysiology study to see if this is the right procedure for you. The possible risks of electrophysiology study include:

  • Bleeding or infection
  • Bleeding around the heart is caused by damage to the cardiac tissue
  • Damage to the heart valves or blood vessels
  • Injury to the heart's electrical system, which could need a pacemaker for correction
  • Growth of blood clots in the legs or lungs
  • Heart attack
  • Stroke

Do not consume anything after midnight on the day of an electrophysiology study. If you are on any prescription medications, confirm from your health care provider if you should continue taking them before your test.

Your care provider will counsel you about any other special instructions you need to follow before or after an electrophysiology study.

Before the procedure

An electrophysiology study is performed in a hospital. An IV cannula is inserted in the hand or arm. Several electrodes are placed on the chest to monitor the heartbeat during the procedure.

Before commencing with the procedure, you will typically be given a sedative through the IV line to make you feel relaxed. Sometimes, general anaesthesia might be used, which means you will be put in a sleep-like state.

During the procedure

During an electrophysiology study, long, thin tubes called catheters are inserted in three or more heart areas. A healthcare provider shaves the hair at the site where these catheters will be inserted, usually in the groin. Then the area will be numbed by giving a local anaesthetic.

The cardiologist introduces plastic tubes similar to large IVs (sheaths) into a blood vessel. The catheters are guided using moving X-ray images through the sheaths up to the heart. Electrical signals are passed to the heart through the tips of the catheters to record their electrical activity.

Depending on your specific condition, several different tests can be done during an EP study, including:

  • Measure the heart's electrical activity
    The heart's initial electrical activity is recorded at different locations using the sensors at the nib of the catheters using a test called an intracardiac electrogram. It detects how electrical signals are moving through the heart.
  • Convey signals to the heart that causes it to beat faster or slower
    The heartbeat is sped up or slowed down through the electrical signals sent through the catheters to different areas of the heart. It helps to determine if you have extra electrical signals causing an arrhythmia and where those signals are coming from.
  • Deliver medicines to see how they influence the heartbeat. Certain medications may be introduced through the catheter directly into the heart to stop or slow electrical activity in a certain area of the heart. The reaction of the heart to the medication gives more clues about your condition.
  • Cardiac mapping
    This process is carried out to determine the best location to apply cardiac ablation to treat arrhythmia or an irregular heartbeat.
  • Perform cardiac ablation
    If there are indications for cardiac ablation, it may be done during the electrophysiology study. During cardiac ablation, special catheters are used to apply heat or cold energy to different areas of the heart. This creates scar tissue that stops irregular electrical signals to restore a typical heartbeat rhythm.
  • An electrophysiology study is not a painful procedure. However, you may feel uncomfortable as your heartbeat goes up or slows down. If you perceive any pain or discomfort, do not hesitate to share it with your healthcare team.
  • An electrophysiology study is concluded in one to four hours. The test may last longer if you also need to undergo cardiac ablation.

After the procedure

After the electrophysiology procedure, you will be shifted to a recovery area to rest calmly and quietly for four to six hours. Your vital signs like heartbeat and blood pressure will be monitored the whole time to check for complications.

Most people are allowed to go home the same day after the procedure. However, in certain cases, a night stay at the hospital may be recommended.

The results of your electrophysiology study will be shared by your health care provider after the test, usually at a follow-up appointment. Based on the results, recommendations for treatment may also be made.

If you are looking for Electrophysiology Treatment in Navi Mumbai, your search is over. Our cardiac team comprises the best electrophysiologists in Navi Mumbai who have years of experience in the field. When it comes to cardiac care, experience matters. Our hospital combines the expertise of the best Eps Electrophysiological Doctors in Navi Mumbai with world-class facilities and infrastructure to provide advanced cardiac care for all ages, aligned with the national and international healthcare standards. We are committed to delivering quality comprehensive medical care and excellent patient service.