Name of the Procedure:

Comprehensive Electrophysiologic Evaluation with Left Atrial Pacing and Recording from Coronary Sinus or Left Atrium

Summary

This procedure involves inserting and repositioning multiple electrode catheters inside the heart to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). During the evaluation, the heart's electrical impulses are recorded, and attempts are made to induce arrhythmias for study.

Purpose

This procedure is conducted to diagnose and treat abnormal heart rhythms. The goal is to precisely locate arrhythmias, evaluate their causes, and determine the most effective treatment approach. It also facilitates the mapping of electrical pathways in the heart.

Indications

• Symptoms of unexplained palpitations, dizziness, or fainting.
• Diagnosed or suspected arrhythmias that need detailed study.
• Patients who may require catheter ablation or pacemaker implantation.
• Individuals with a history of heart disease, where arrhythmias may complicate the condition.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Certain medications, especially blood thinners and anti-arrhythmic drugs, may need to be adjusted or paused.
• Pre-procedure tests such as blood work, an ECG, or imaging studies may be required.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is positioned on a procedure table and connected to monitoring equipment.
2. Local anesthesia is applied at the catheter insertion sites, often in the groin, neck, or arm, and sedation may be given.
3. Multiple electrode catheters are inserted into blood vessels and guided into the heart.
4. The catheters are positioned in various locations, including the coronary sinus and left atrium, to record electrical activity and pace the heart.
5. Controlled attempts are made to induce arrhythmias to study their mechanisms.
6. Once the study is complete, the catheters are removed, and the insertion sites are closed.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 2-4 hours, depending on its complexity.

Setting

This procedure is performed in a specialized hospital department known as an electrophysiology (EP) lab.

Personnel

• Electrophysiologist (a cardiologist specializing in heart rhythm disorders)
• Nurses and EP lab technicians
• Anesthesiologist or sedation specialist (if sedation is used)

Risks and Complications

• Bleeding or bruising at the catheter insertion site
• Infection
• Damage to blood vessels or heart structures
• Arrhythmias or heart block requiring urgent treatment
• Rare risk of stroke or heart attack

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of arrhythmias
• Potential to treat arrhythmias during the same session
• Improved management and treatment planning for heart rhythm disorders

Recovery

• Patients will be monitored for several hours post-procedure and may need overnight observation.
• Mild soreness or bruising at the insertion site is common.
• Avoid strenuous activities for a week.
• Follow-up appointments to assess recovery and discuss results and further treatment.

Alternatives

• External monitoring techniques like Holter monitoring or event recorders.
• Non-invasive imaging tests such as echocardiograms or MRI.
• Medications to manage arrhythmias without invasive testing. Pros and cons vary; external techniques are less invasive but may provide less detailed information. Medications can manage symptoms but may not locate the source of arrhythmias as precisely.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, patients might feel a mild pressure at catheter insertion sites and, if conscious, some heart fluttering due to induced arrhythmias. Post-procedure discomfort is usually minimal and managed with over-the-counter pain relief. Patients may feel tired for a day or two but can usually resume normal activities shortly after.