University:
Northwest College
Course:
VN 220 | Medical/ Surgical
Academic year:

2024
Views:

113

Pages:

2
Author:

Yesenia M.

Electrophysiology Studies EPS - is an invasive procedure used to evaluate and treat various chronic arrhythmias that have caused cardiac arrest or significant symptoms. also used for patients /s/s that suggest an arrhythmia that has gone undetected and undiagnosed by other methods. requires admission (blc its considered invasive) to hospital EPS is used to: identify the impulse formation and propagation through the cardiac electrical conduction system. assess the function /dysfunction of the SA/AV nodal areas. identify the location ("mapping") and mechanism of the arrhythmogenic foci (the exact site where the arrhythmia originates) assess effectiveness of antiarrhythmic medication and devices Tx certain arrhythmias through destruction of the causative cells (ablation) During Procedure: pt is conscious, slightly sedated 1 or more catheters are inserted into the groin, neck or antecubital fossa. Electrodes are positioned within the heart at specific locations. (These electrodes allow the electrical signal to be recorded from within the heart - intracardiogram) Electrodes also allow the electrophysiologist to introduce a pacing stimulus to the intracardiac area at a precisely timed interval and rate, thereby stimulating the area. Area of the heart may be paced at a rate much faster than the normal rate of automaticity. Pacemaker assumes control, then it's stopped suddenly and the time it takes for the sinus node to resume control is assessed. (Prolonged time indicates dysfunction of the sinus node.) If the arrhythmia cannot be induced on the follow-up EPS, then the tx is determined to be effective. Remember to educate the patient that the procedure is painless but can be uncomfortable and can be tiring.