Arrhythmia |
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FAQ: Electrophysiology Study and Catheter Ablation
Since this is a teaching hospital, who will do my procedure?
During your electrophysiology study and procedure, our electrophysiology fellows, who are cardiologists specializing in electrophysiology, the electrical conduction system of the heart, will place catheters. The electrophysiologist, also known as the "attending physician," that you have scheduled to do the procedure is at the control station. He or she will view and direct placing catheters on our X-ray screen, stimulate and diagnose your abnormal heart rhythm, locate the source of your abnormal rhythm and direct radiofrequency energy to the area to treat it. There also will be two electrophysiology lab nurses and technicians to provide care and comfort to you during the procedure.
Will the electrophysiology study and catheter ablation be performed at the same time?
Yes. Once weáknow exactly where your abnormal rhythm is located during the electrophysiology study, we apply radiofrequency energy to this area during the radiofrequency catheter ablation. We wouldn't want to put you through two different procedures when it can all be done at one time.
How many electrophysiology studies and catheter ablation procedures have you done?
Our four electrophysiologists perform over 400 catheter ablation procedures and 900 total procedures annually; this high volume ensures efficiency and expertise in treating arrhythmias. We receive referrals from all parts of the world due to our expertise and state-of-the-art technology.
Will the procedure hurt?
You may feel minor discomfort from lying flat on our X-ray table, or from the injection of the numbing medicine where catheters are placed, or intermittently feel your heart racing when the doctors try to induce your abnormal heart rhythm. But you should be sound asleep through most of the procedure. You will be given short-acting sedatives to make you calm and sleepy throughout the procedure.
Is the electrophysiology study and catheter ablation procedure safe?
With any procedure, there are potential risks. The risks will be fully covered by our physicians before you have your procedure. The electrophysiology study and catheter ablation procedure is performed safely on children and adults between the ages of 3 months and 97 years.
How long is the procedure?
You will be in our EP lab for three to six hours. Please let your family and friends know the length of the procedure time so that they do not worry.
Why does a catheter need to go in my neck?
There are two large blood vessels that enter the right side of the heart where the catheters are placed. The catheter placed at the neck site will enter from the top of the heart and the one from the groin will enter the bottom. By allowing the catheters to enter the heart from two directions, your doctor can maneuver the catheters in different directions to locate the source of your abnormal rhythm and to destroy it. When the catheters are removed from the neck and groin site, you will have a very tiny hole, looking very much like a "bug bite." The site should not leave a scar and there are no stitches to remove.
How long will I need to stay in the hospital?
You can go home the same day or the next day, around 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.
When can I resume my normal activities?
You can resume your normal daily activities -- walking, bathing, showering, etc. -- upon discharge from hospital unless instructed differently. Don't strain or lift heavy objects of more than 10 pounds for a few days so that the incision site can heal.
When can I go back to work?
Unless your job requires heavy lifting, you can return to work in a day or two.
Will I come back here for follow-up?
Upon discharge from the hospital, you will receive specific follow-up instructions from the electrophysiology team. Our physicians will write a detailed letter describing your hospital stay and treatment to your personal physician. We suggest that you see your personal physician in two to four weeks.
More Information:
Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or health care provider. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor any questions or concerns you may have.
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