Cardiovascular
Clinics
Electrophysiology Studies (EPS) and SVT Ablation
About your Electrophysiology Study (EPS) and Ablation for Supraventricular Tachycardia
An electrophysiology study (EPS) helps your cardiologist find out what is causing your abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) and where it is coming from. If a problem area is found, it can often be treated during the same procedure with an ablation.
Before your procedure
Please don't eat or drink for six hours beforehand. Your doctor may ask you to change some of your medications before the procedure, so please follow any instructions you have been given and bring a list of your current medications with you on the day. Your cardiologist will explain the risks and benefits of the procedure, and you will be asked to sign a consent form.
On the day
The procedure is done in a specialised EP laboratory. Stick-on electrodes will be placed on your chest, arms and legs so your heart can be monitored throughout. Most procedures are done under general anaesthetic, although sometimes via sedation and local anaesthetic. A nurse may shave a small area at the top of your leg.
Your cardiologist will make a small incision and guide thin catheters through a blood vessel in your leg up to your heart. Small electrical signals are then used to make your heart beat at different speeds, so your cardiologist can see how it responds and locate the source of the abnormal rhythm.
The ablation
Once the problem area is found, the catheter delivers heat to create a tiny scar at that spot. This stops the abnormal electrical signals and can permanently correct the rhythm.
Afterwards
The catheters are removed and you will rest in a recovery area for a few hours. Your cardiologist will arrange a follow-up appointment to go through your results.
Duration
4 hours.
