Browse the corpus

An electrophysiology study is performed for the identification of arrhythmias and risk stratification of patients at risk of sudden cardiac death. Measurement of baseline intervals, incremental and decremental pacing of the atria and ventricles with an additional pharmacologic challenge, mapping, and catheter ablation are components of an electrophysiology study. This activity highlights the use of electrophysiology by the interprofessional team. Objectives: Review the mechanism physiology of electrophysiology study. Identify important parameters measures in an electrophysiology study. Outline the role and appropriate use of electrophysiology study in various cardiac pathologies. Summarize how interprofessional collaboration can provide benefits and improved patient outcomes when using electrophysiology studies. Access free multiple choice questions on this topic.

Electrophysiology (EP) study is an invasive percutaneous cardiac procedure used for the investigation and treatment of certain arrhythmias. The aims of conducting an EP study are to access the function of each component of the conduction system, identify the mechanism and precise focus for arrhythmia, risk stratification and determine the need for treatment or therapy, including ablation of the aberrant circuit. This article presents an overview including anatomy and physiology, indications in common cardiac pathologies, and clinical significance of EP studies.

These are similar to any percutaneous procedure including the risk of vessel damage, hemorrhage requiring transfusion therapy, sepsis from catheter side access, MI, stroke, and death due to hypoperfusion and related complications. As EP study involves the placement of multiple electrodes at different points, it carries a risk of damage to important structures including the tricuspid valve and cardiac chamber perforation leading to cardiac tamponade and death.

The field of electrophysiology has greatly developed in the past decades. As a result, the use of EP studies in clinical practice has significantly enhanced. EP studies are still an invasive test with limited utility in certain niche indications, whereas it can provide practice-changing information in some arrhythmias. It is therefore imperative that clinicians understand the importance and role of EP studies in various cardiac pathologies and refer patients for this invasive study judiciously in line with the principles of high-value care.