Electrophysiological Study (EPS) Ankara
Electrophysiological study known as “EPS” or “EFC” is a procedure performed to diagnose rhythm and conduction disorders in the heart. ECG and Holter are the first-choice methods for diagnosing heart rhythm disorders. However, if sufficient results cannot be obtained from these examinations for various reasons, electrophysiological studies can be performed. It is almost impossible to detect or catch palpitations on EKG or Holter, which start suddenly and end after 5-10 minutes and do not recur every day. This is where Electrophysiological study comes into play. On the other hand, in some patients with rhythm disturbances, rhythm disturbance can be seen in the ECG taken at rest or during palpitation. In such cases, EPS can be performed to better understand the mechanism of the rhythm disorder and to plan a more effective treatment. EPS is a painless procedure that is usually done under mild sedation (superficial sleep). Some patients do not even need sedation. For more detailed information about the electrophysiological study (EPS) and its prices, you can contact clinic of Prof. Basri Amasyalı in Ankara.
What is Electrophysiological Study (EPS)?
Electrophysiological study is an interventional examination for diagnostic purposes. The heart is an organ whose job is to pump blood and is mostly made up of muscle. This organ roughly forms 2 atria and 2 ventricles. There are 4 valves in total between these atria and ventricles. In order for these 4 chambers to work harmoniously and properly with the timing described in milliseconds, very sensitive commands must be received continuously.
The point that commands the heart is called the “sinus node” in medical language. The sinus node is located in the right atrium of the heart. This region works with a complex neural network to send delicate electrical signals to the heart. By means of this flawless electrical system that surrounds the heart like a corn silk, the heart sends the blood it contains to our body at a certain rate per minute to meet the body’s need for oxygen. However, when there is a problem in this electrical system, serious rhythm disturbances occur that reduce the quality of life and sometimes even have fatal consequences. Electrophysiological study is an interventional examination that provides a detailed examination of the electrical system of the heart and the rhythm-related problems arising from this system.
Why Electrophysiological Study Is Done?
Electrophysiological study can be done for many reasons. In general terms, we can say that the purpose of electrophysiological study is to examine the rhythm and conduction problems in the heart. Let’s take a closer look at these issues:
Heart Arrhythmias: Arrhythmia is a condition in which the heart is working slower or faster than normal. We can list the arrhythmias that frequently cause palpitations and which are examined by electrophysiological study as follows:
- AVNRT (Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia): It is a type of palpitation in which the atrioventricular node is located.
- Wolff Parkinson White Syndrome: It is a palpitation disorder that occurs due to the pathways connecting the atrioventricular node, the atria, and the ventricles. The heart constantly follows shortcuts instead of the path it should normally take. For this reason, tachycardia seizures occur.
- Atrial Tachycardia and Atrial Fibrillation: It is a type of palpitation that can have an irregular speed, originating from one or more points in the heart valves.
- Ventricular Tachycardia: It is a type of palpitation that comes out of the ventricles of the heart from one point.
Problems Caused by a Slow Heart Rate:
- Sinus Node Dysfunction (Sick Sinus Node): The situation where the sinus node does not work regularly and adequately. Usually causes arrhythmia or slow heart rate.
- Atrioventricular (AV) Blocks: These are the problems that occur in the structure that connects the atria and ventricles of the heart. causes the heart to slow down.
Fainting (Syncope): If fainting is caused by problems with the heart, the rhythm and conduction functions of the heart must be checked. Therefore, an electrophysiological study can be required.
How to Perform Electrophysiological Study?
Electrophysiological study is done with “sedation”, which we call light sleep. The procedure is similar to coronary angiography. However, it is a completely different application in terms of purpose and function. It is aimed to monitor the function of the heart by reaching the heart from the right or left inguinal region. The rhythm and conduction system of the heart is examined with 2 – 3 mm thick cables transmitted to the heart. When necessary, a more detailed examination is made by giving electrical stimulation to the heart with the help of electrodes.
Electrophysiological study is not a painful procedure. A slight pain is felt only during anesthesia from the groin area. If the patient is very restless, it can also be done under deep sedation (deep sleep) in order not to tire the patient psychologically. If ablation is not performed, the patient is sent home 3-4 hours after the procedure.
(On the computer screen you see in the picture, you see the recording of the electrical signals produced by the heart through the electrodes placed in the chambers of the heart. These recordings, coded in green, red and blue, were obtained from electrodes placed in 3 different places in the heart.)
Are There Risks of Electrophysiological Study?
As with all interventional procedures, the electrophysiological study does not cause infection, bleeding in the groin, etc. There are rare risks, However, these are extremely rare and not life-threatening.
If you want to get more detailed information about electrophysiological studies and prices in Ankara, you can call clinic of Prof. Basri Amasyalı and make an appointment.
