At Upperhill Cardiovascular Center, our Electrophysiology studies (EPS) and catheter ablation are advanced procedures used to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms, or arrhythmias. During an EPS, small catheters with electrodes are inserted into the heart through blood vessels to map the electrical activity and identify the source of arrhythmias. This detailed mapping allows healthcare providers to understand the heart’s electrical pathways and pinpoint the areas causing irregular heartbeats.
If a problematic area is identified, catheter ablation may be performed. During this procedure, radiofrequency energy or cryotherapy is applied to the targeted tissue, effectively creating small scars that disrupt the abnormal electrical signals responsible for the arrhythmia. Both procedures are typically performed in a specialized catheterization lab under sedation and local anesthesia. Patients can often return home the same day or after a short observation period. By effectively addressing arrhythmias, electrophysiology studies and ablation significantly improve symptoms, enhance quality of life, and reduce the risk of serious complications, such as stroke or sudden cardiac arrest.