Electrophysiological Study: EPS in Israel

Professor Oz Shapira

Head of the cardiothoracic department of the clinic

The multidisciplinary medical center Top Ichilov has long and successfully used the method of electrophysiological study (EPS).

The method is painless, informative, and safe. EPS determines the electrophysiological functions of the heart's ventricles and atria, localizes areas causing arrhythmia, studies blood supply conductivity, etc. In some cases of tachyarrhythmias, the results of EPS serve as the basis for immediate cardiac surgical treatment.

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2400

patients have completed a full course of treatment at Top Ichilov clinic

95%

of patients were relieved of pain syndrome

100%

high-precision diagnostic program

Electrophysiological study is performed in cases of:

• supraventricular tachycardia;
• ventricular tachycardia;
• suspicion of ventricular arrhythmia;
• assessment of the effectiveness of drug treatment for ventricular arrhythmia;
• the need to confirm indications for pacemaker implantation or surgical intervention;
• frequent fainting of the patient, the cause of which has not yet been established;
• after sudden clinical death;
• after infarction states.

Procedure for Electrophysiological Study at Top Ichilov Medical Center

Since EPS is an invasive procedure, it is performed by experienced and trained specialists. This procedure requires the patient to be hospitalized, but no special preparation for EPS is necessary; however, it is preferable that the patient is not prescribed premedication.

The electrophysiological study is conducted under local anesthesia, with the patient remaining conscious and responsive. Only the site of catheter insertion (femoral vein) is anesthetized. The patient does not feel pain, as the endocardium is not supplied with pain receptors. A catheter is guided through the vein to the heart. All movements are recorded by special visual radio equipment.

Through the catheter, electrodes are introduced into the heart, placed in: the right atrium, right ventricle, at the medial leaflet (tricuspid valve), at the level of the coronary sinus. By stimulating specific areas with electrical impulses, the heart's response is determined, and the results are recorded by the equipment. Based on the data obtained during the examination, treatment is prescribed.

The duration of the procedure varies from one hour to three hours. After the procedure, an aseptic dressing is applied to the catheter insertion site. The patient needs to rest for several hours; usually, the patient can leave the department the next day after the procedure.

EPS is performed not only for diagnostic purposes; the method excellently helps

• assess the effectiveness of drug treatment for arrhythmias
• predict further treatment for the patient
• choose the most effective treatment strategy
• decide on the necessity of surgical treatment or pacemaker implantation.

The electrophysiological study (catheterization) is currently one of the most effective diagnostic methods, performed when other examinations do not provide a clear clinical picture of the disease.