An electrophysiology study (EP test or EP study) is a minimally invasive procedure which records the electrical activity and the electrical pathways of your heart. The study is used to determine the cause and best treatment for various abnormal heart rhythms such as atrial fibrillation.

The study is performed in our catheterization lab by an electrophysiologist using a single or multiple catheters situated within the heart through a vein or artery. During the EP study, your doctor will safely reproduce your abnormal heart rhythm and then may give you different medications to see which one controls it best or to determine the best procedure or device to treat your heart rhythm.

Some patients will need an implanted device (pacemaker or Intracardiac Defibrillator) to help to regulate the heartbeat.

Catheter Ablation for the Treatment of Atrial Fibrillation

Many patients who experience the symptoms of atrial fibrillation are treated using catheter ablation. This unique minimally invasive procedure has the potential to stop atrial fibrillation and its debilitating symptoms in selected patients. Ablation allows the electrophysiologist to destroy those areas of the heart that are causing the arrhythmia and is typically performed immediately after the electrophysiology study.