• A physician order is necessary for this procedure. Your physician’s office will call to schedule the procedure.
• Do not eat or drink after midnight before your procedure. Follow your physician’s instructions regarding your medications. If your procedure is scheduled later in the day, ask your physician about an alternate schedule for fasting.
• Blood work will be drawn before your procedure. An EKG and/or chest x-ray may also be completed at some point prior to this procedure.
• Bring an overnight bag. You may need to spend the night following your procedure. You may bring pajamas, change of clothes and toiletries.
• You may not be allowed to drive after your discharge, so transportation home from the hospital should be arranged prior to procedure
• Bring a list of current medications. You may be asked to bring your own medications.

During:

• In the Electrophysiology Lab you will be transferred to the procedural table. Because EP studies may take 2-4 hours as a result you may require a catheter in your bladder to empty your urine. The lab must be kept cool for the equipment to function properly, blankets are available if you feel cold.
• You will be connected to multiple heart monitors.
• The access site (usually the right or left groin) will be cleansed and covered with a sterile drape. Medications and sedation will be given through your IV.
• Your physician will numb the access site using local anesthetics this will briefly sting.
• Your physician will then insert one or more sheaths (similar to an IV) into the blood vessel in your groin.
• EP catheters, (small and solid with electrodes) are advanced into the heart and used to identify heart rhythms (irregular, too fast or too slow).
• The heart is stimulated during this procedure so you may feel extra or skipped beats. In the event a cardioversion (small electrical shock) is required you will receive additional sedation. Most of the time the arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) can be stopped with pacing or medication.
• Upon completion of your procedure the physician will remove all catheters. Most sheaths will be removed prior to leaving the Electrophysiology Lab using manual pressure to control and stop any bleeding. You will be transported back to your room for post procedural recovery. You will return to your room for at least four hours of bed rest. Your blood pressure, pulse, respiration rate, heart rhythm and insertion site(s) will be closely monitored.

After:

• Limit your activity for 24 hours.
• Avoid heavy lifting or straining for 3-4 days, then gradually resume your normal activity as instructed by your physician.
• Do not sit or stand quickly since dizziness may occur. Walk with assistance if needed.
• A small bruise or lump at the site may be normal. Do not rub.
• Keep wound clean and dry. You may shower when you feel able.
• Check site frequently. If you notice bleeding, apply firm pressure over the dressing and call your physician immediately.
• If you notice any of the following signs, call your physician:
  - Swelling, bruising or pain at the site which increases instead of decreasing over time
  - Bleeding or drainage from the site
  - Fever of 100 or greater
  - Rapid heart rhythm, dizziness, chest pain or shortness of breath
  - Any problems or significant changes
• Eat well-balanced meals.
• Take your medications exactly as directed. Do not make changes without your physician’s advise. Physician will tell you if new medications are needed.