Cardiac Electrophysiology

Park Ridge Professional Office Building
1561 Long Pond Road
Suite 401 and 408
Rochester, NY 14626
(585) 723-7872

What is Cardiac Electrophysiology?

Cardiac Electrophysiology (EP) is the study of the electrical system of the heart. The heart's electrical system controls the contractions that keep the blood pumping and circulating throughout the body.

The term "electrophysiology study" or "EP study" applies to any procedure that requires the insertion of an electrode catheter into the heart. These catheters are flexible wires that transmit electrical currents to and from the heart. EP studies are used to diagnose heart rhythm abnormalities (arrhythmias). Arrhythmias could mean that your heart is beating too slow or fast.

Other EP studies are used to access the heart to treat certain conditions such as arrhythmias. These studies include:

• Ablations
  The goal of a cardiac ablation is to selectively correct specific areas of the heart that are generating abnormal heart rhythms.This is a minimally invasive procedure performed through catheters.
  
  
• Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD)
  When your heart beats too quickly, AICDs are used to treat rapid, life-threatening rhythms. The device is implanted below the skin near the collarbone. Wires connect from the defibrillator to your heart. The device monitors every heart beat. If the device detects a certain abnormal heart rhythm (ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation) it will provide the needed therapy immediately.
  
  
• Pacemakers
  A pacemaker treats slow heart rhythms (bradycardia).The device is implanted below the skin near the collarbone. Wires then connect the pacemaker to the heart. Electrical impulses are delivered to the heart when needed.