EP Study and Radiofrequency Ablation: Their Use in Treating Heart Diseases

Cardiology | by Dr. Rakesh Sarkar | Published on 04/10/2024

An Electrophysiology Study is a test to understand the heart’s electrical activity. It helps the cardiologist diagnose and analyse fast or abnormal heart rhythms. An irregular heartbeat is called arrhythmia in medical terms.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a treatment method that a cardiologist uses to correct and control an abnormal heart rhythm. It is done by inserting catheters into the heart via the groin. With radiofrequency ablation, a cardiologist destroys the small part where abnormal electrical activity comes from. An ep study with rfa can be done together or separately.

Continue reading this blog to learn more about these procedures and how they can help a heart specialist diagnose and treat heart diseases.

What is an Electrophysiological Study?

An Electrophysiology Study, popularly known as an EP Study, is a test to evaluate how electrical signals move pathways through the heart. The heartbeat is regular when the pathways are normal.

However, if the heartbeat is irregular, these electric signals are abnormal. The most common arrhythmia symptoms are shortness of breath, dizziness and feeling lightheaded, a heart flutter, and a pounding or fast heartbeat.

What is a Radio Frequency Ablation?

Radiofrequency ablation is a non-surgical procedure used to treat rapid heartbeats like Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome and some types of arrhythmias such as supraventricular tachyarrhythmias.

These rapid heartbeats start in the upper chamber of the heart (atria) or middle region. In most cases, this procedure can be done during an electrophysiology.

The heart doctor will inform you whether you are scheduled for an electrophysiology study, radiofrequency ablation or both.

Who Needs an EPS or RFA?

A patient with arrhythmia may need an EP Study and Radiofrequency Ablation. Other than this, if you have certain symptoms such as palpitations, weakness, dizziness, and fainting, the doctor may perform an EP Study to determine if your symptoms are caused by a problem related to heart rhythm.

A cardiologist may also use EP Study and Radiofrequency Ablation to treat certain heart diseases such as Supraventricular Tachycardia (SVT),atrial fibrillation, or atrial flutter.

Not only this, even if you are at risk of sudden cardiac death, the doctor may suggest an EP to determine the risk.

Use of an EP Study and Radiofrequency Ablation in Treating Heart Disease

If you have abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), the cardiologist may use an EP Study and radiofrequency ablation combined to treat the problem.

Complications an EP Study and Radiofrequency Ablation

Possible risks and complications of an EP Study and Radiofrequency Ablation may include the following:

• Injury to the oesophagus.
• Clots develop at the tip of the catheter.
• Stenosis or narrowing in the pulmonary vein.
• Allergic reactions to X-ray contrast dye rarely.
• Damage to the artery or heart in rarest of the cases.
• Heart attack or stroke caused by the procedures themselves.
• Low blood pressure or accumulation of fluid in the sac surrounding the heart.
• Numbness and weakness in the leg for the first few hours after procedures.
• Bleeding or infection in the area where the catheter was inserted into the body.
• Use of an electric shock to restore a normal heartbeat during the procedure in rare cases.

Other than the above, radiofrequency ablation may cause other complications, including damage to the heart’s electrical system. If it happens, you may need a permanent pacemaker.

Also, the cardiologist may need to use a catheter to treat a heart rhythm problem that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved for this specific purpose.

The Department of Cardiology at BM Birla Heart Hospital offers both electrophysiography study and radiofrequency ablation to precisely diagnose and treat heart-related diseases. Our cardiology department is highly specialised in delivering comprehensive care at various levels for all heart patients under one roof in a patient-centric environment.

We house a dedicated team of experts that includes renowned cardiologists, cardiac surgeons, paediatric cardiac specialists, electrophysiologist, and interventional cardiologists along with their supporting staff.

Our state-of-the-art heart hospital is well equipped with the latest facilities to provide the best possible care for all cardiac emergencies. It is known for its high success rates in performing complex invasive, interventional, and surgical procedures to treat paediatric and adult patients with heart disease.

The most modern infrastructure, which meets international standards, includes Cath labs that are ready to operate around the clock, high-quality intensive care units for adults and children, as well as modern operating rooms with the latest cardiopulmonary devices, balloon pumps intra-aortic, and high precision devices.

FAQ

How long will the radiofrequency ablation procedure take?

Usually, an EP Study or Radiofrequency Ablation takes around 1-2 hours each, but it may take 3-4 hours if they are done together.

What is the cost of an electrophysiology study and radiofrequency ablation?

The average cost of these two procedures ranges between 3.5 lakh to 4.5 lakh. However, several factors can affect the final cost such as the hospital’s reputation, doctor’s experience, the complexity of the procedures, and the patient's overall health.