Diagnostic Electrophysiology Studies and Catheter Ablation

An electrophysiology study (EP test or EP study) is a minimally invasive procedure which tests the electrical conduction system of the heart to assess the electrical activity and pathways of the heart. The study is performed to investigate the cause, location of origin, and best treatment for various abnormal heart rhythms. This type of study is performed by a specialist (an electrophysiologist) along with several other highly trained personnel who assist the physician and closely monitor the patient.

During the test, several catheters are typically introduced into the heart from the veins and occasionally the artery in the leg(s). An EP study is usually divided into a diagnostic portion, during which the mechanism of a patient’s heart rhythm disorder is identified; and a therapeutic portion, during which therapy is delivered, usually in the form of ablation therapy. During cardiac ablation, either radiofrequency heating applications or cryogenic freezing applications are made in a carefully controlled manner to eliminate the problematic rhythm condition.

EP studies and catheter ablation are now used to treat a broad range of heart rhythm disorders including:

• Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia
• Atrio-ventricular nodal re-entry
• Atrio-ventricular reciprocating tachycardia
• Wolfe-Parkinson-White Syndrome
• Ectopic atrial tachycadia
• Atrial flutter
• Atrial fibrillation
• Ventricular tachycardia
• Premature ventricular contractions

Catheter ablation has now become the first line of treatment for many rhythm disorders, with single-treatment success rates of over 95% for many of the above rhythm conditions. The cardiologists at SoutheastHEALTH are specially trained to help identify patients who may be good candidates for an EP study and catheter ablation.

Southeast has been a national leader in offering the latest technology and services to patients with heart rhythm disorders.

• 3D-ATG: Southeast was one of the first labs in the nation to offer three-dimensional rotational atriography (3D-ATG ) for patients undergoing complex ablation procedures. 3D-ATG allows physicians treating heart rhythm disorders to view complex cardiac anatomy using images comparable to cardiac computed tomography (CT), but exposes patients to only a fraction of the radiation associated with a conventional CT scan.
• Safire BLU: Southeast was one of the first two sites outside of the east coast that qualified for St. Jude Medical’s bidirectional irrigated tip catheter, which allows for improved control and treatment outcomes in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of heart rhythm disorders.
• Artic Front: Southeast was the second center in Missouri to adopt Medtronic’s revolutionary Artic Front Cryoballoon ablation system. The Artic Front system offers patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) improved treatment outcomes with shorter procedure and recovery times and fewer complications, and has now become the frontline treatment option for patients undergoing AF ablation at most major US centers.
• SJ-4 ICD Leads: Southeast was the first site in Missouri to implant a new class of ICD (implantable cardioverter-defibrillator) leads that utilized a next generation connection system that has now become an industry standard.