Electrophysiology / Catheter ablation
Electrophysiological testing and catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmia
An electrophysiological study – a special type of cardiac catheterization – is often carried out in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac arrhythmia. An electrophysiological study is mostly carried out on patients that repeatedly suffer palpitations or fainting. After a local anesthetic in the right groin, 1-3 catheters are advanced into the heart. This procedure is pain-free, with the patient at most suffering an irregular heartbeat. The catheters enable an ECG of the inside of the heart. Special stimulation of the heart can then locate the cause of the palpitations or fainting.
Most forms of palpitations can be healed directly after the examination using what is known as radiofrequency ablation. The origin of the heart palpitation is located using a special catheter and eliminated using heat. A warm sensation or discomfort in the chest can therefore arise. The examination and procedure generally last 1-2 hours. Afterward, bed rest of 5-8 hours is necessary.
The electrophysiological study and radiofrequency ablation are routinely carried out by Dr. Markus Matula during a 2-3 day stay at the Dritter Orden Hospital.