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Home , Electrophysiology, Radiofrequency ablation

FACT SHEET FOR PATIENTS AND FAMILIES

Electrophysiology (EP) study and Radiofrequency (RFA)

What are EP and RFA, and What do I need to do next? why are they used? An [ee-lek-troh-fiz-ee-AW-loh-jee] (EP) 1 Make a list of all your current and study is a test that shows how electrical signals move give it to your doctor. Write down everything in pathways through your . When the pathway is you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines (like Tylenol, normal, your heartbeat is regular. When these signals cough syrup, or allergy pills), inhalers, patches, are abnormal, your heartbeat is irregular. An irregular vitamins, herbal remedies, or street drugs. heartbeat is called an [ah-RITH-mee-ah]. 2 Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any Symptoms of an arrhythmia are different in each medicines or dyes. person. They can include: 3 Follow your doctor’s directions about taking your medicines. If you are taking • • A pounding or rapid heartbeat an anticoagulant [an-tie-koe-AG-yoo-lant] •• A heart “flutter” (sometimes called a blood thinner), you may need to stop taking it before the procedure. •• Dizziness or feeling lightheaded If you are taking diabetes medications, you •• Shortness of breath may need to change when you take it before and after your procedure. Radiofrequency [ray-dee-oh-FREE-kwen-see] ablation 4 Follow all instructions on when to stop eating [ah-BLAY-shun] (RFA) is a procedure used to treat some and drinking before the procedure. This will types of . In most cases, it can be done help prevent complications from anesthesia. at the same time as an EP study. Your doctor will tell 5 Arrange for a ride. You will need to have a you if you are scheduled for an EP study, an RFA responsible adult take you home afterward procedure, or both. and stay with you for a time after the procedure.

1 What happens during an What happens after an EP study or RFA? EP study or RFA? An EP study usually takes 1 to 2 hours. An RFA After EP or RFA: procedure also takes 1 to 2 hours, so it may take 3 to 4 •• You’ll be moved to a recovery unit where nurses can hours to do both procedures. monitor your heart rate and rhythm. •• You’ll receive through the IV to make you •• Your leg may be numb or weak for a short while. feel relaxed and drowsy. Depending on your type of Special steps will be taken to make sure you’re safe heart rhythm problem, you might receive general when you first get up. anesthesia so you sleep through the procedure. If you are awake, your doctor may give you directions •• You will need to lie quietly for 2 to 4 hours. (You during the procedure. may be asked to use a bedpan rather than getting up to use the toilet at first). •• A sheath (a short plastic tube) will be placed into a blood vessel. You may feel some pressure at first. •• Your doctor will decide when it’s okay for you to leave the hospital. Some patients can go home at •• The doctor moves one or more (thin, the end of the day. Other patients will need to flexible tubes) through a vein to your heart. You stay overnight. won’t feel this. •• During the first 48 hours, you may have a heartbeat During an EP study: that feels strange at times. This is common as your The doctor uses special x-rays to see the as heart muscle adjusts to the new heartbeat. it moves through your body. The catheters contain tiny sensors that measure how electrical signals move through your heart. Ablation catheter AV node The doctor may use a catheter to cause a temporary irregular heartbeat. Measurements taken during this Left period help your doctor understand what is causing SA the irregular heartbeat, where it starts, and the best node Left way to treat it. During RFA: Right A catheter is placed next to the heart cells that are atrium creating the abnormal electrical signals. The tip of the catheter sends RF energy to destroy the abnormal Sensor catheters cells in that area. This can bring the heart back to a Right normal rhythm. ventricle

You may feel uncomfortable when the energy is used (RFA) is a on the cells in your heart. Tell the doctor if you’re procedure used to treat some types feeling pain. You may need more pain medicine. of heart arrhythmias.

2 Talking with your doctor about an EP study or RFA procedure It’s important that you talk with your doctor about your procedure. Write down any questions you may have. Be sure to ask:

•• How can this surgery help me?

•• What risks or possible problems may come with this kind of surgery?

•• Are there are other ways to treat my problem besides surgery? See the table below for the most common potential benefits, risks, and alternatives for EP studies and RFA procedures. Other benefits and risks may apply to your unique medical situation.

Possible benefits Risks and possible complications Alternatives

The benefits of EP studies Both procedures EP study and RFA are as follows: Risks and possible complications include: Alternatives to an EP study include other EP study •• Temporary leg numbness or weakness in the first few hours after the procedure (rare) heart tests, such as: •• Compared with other • EKG tests, it provides better •• Bleeding or infection where the catheter was • (electrocardiogram) information about the inserted (rare) electrical system of •• Allergic reaction to x-ray contrast media (dye), •• Echocardiogram your heart. (very rare) •• Heart rate recorders •• It can help your doctor •• Damage to the or heart (extremely rare) such as a better diagnose the •• Heart attack or stroke (extremely rare and not cause of a heart typically caused by the procedure itself) •• Tilt table test rhythm problem, find • The need to use an electric shock to restore a normal its source, and test the • RFA procedure heartbeat during the procedure (rare) medications used to An alternative to RFA treat it. •• Low blood pressure or buildup of fluid in the sac that is medication. surrounds the heart (rare) RFA procedure •• Clots developing at the tip of the catheter (rare) •• It can lessen or end the • Injury to your esophagus (rare) heart rhythm problem. • •• Narrowing (stenosis) in the pulmonary vein (rare) •• It can allow you to decrease or stop long- RFA procedure term medicine for a •• Damage to the heart’s electrical system (rare). If heart rhythm problem. this happens, a permanent pacemaker may need to be placed. •• Your doctor may need to use a catheter to treat your heart rhythm problem that is not yet approved by the FDA for this specific purpose.

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© 2012-2020 Intermountain Healthcare. All rights reserved. The content presented here is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, and it should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns. More health information is available at intermountainhealthcare.org. FS059 - 11/20 (Last reviewed - 11/20) Also available in Spanish. 3