Name of the Procedure:

Catheter, Irvine Inquiry Steerable Electrophysiology 5F Catheter (C2002)

Common Name(s):

• Electrophysiology Catheter
• Irvine Inquiry Catheter

Technical/Medical Terms:

• Steerable electrophysiology catheter
• 5F catheter

Summary

An electrophysiology catheter is a flexible tube inserted into a blood vessel to help doctors study the electrical activity of the heart. Using this catheter, the team can steer it within the heart to diagnose and treat irregular heartbeats.

Purpose

This procedure aims to diagnose and treat arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats. By mapping the electrical activity inside the heart, physicians can locate abnormal areas and address the underlying conditions.

Goals:

• Identify the source of arrhythmias.
• Ablate (destroy) the small areas of heart tissue that cause irregular heartbeats.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of treatments for heart rhythm disorders.

Indications

• Patients experiencing symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, or fainting.
• Individuals with known heart rhythm disorders like atrial fibrillation, ventricular tachycardia, or supraventricular tachycardia.
• Candidates for ablation therapy.

Preparation

• Fasting for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Adjustments in medications as per doctor's instructions, particularly blood thinners.
• Pre-procedure tests like ECG, blood tests, or imaging studies.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is given local anesthesia or light sedation.
2. A small incision is made, usually in the groin area.
3. The electrophysiology catheter is inserted into a blood vessel and guided to the heart.
4. The catheter measures electrical signals and maps the heart's conduction pathways.
5. Depending on the findings, the doctor may perform ablation to treat arrhythmic spots.
6. The catheter is then carefully removed, and the incision site is closed.

Tools and Equipment Used:

• Irvine Inquiry Steerable Electrophysiology 5F Catheter.
• Fluoroscopy (real-time x-ray imaging).

Anesthesia:

• Local anesthesia at the insertion site.
• Sedation may be used to keep the patient comfortable.

Duration

Typically takes between 2 to 4 hours.

Setting

Performed in a specialized hospital electrophysiology lab or a surgical center with imaging capabilities.

Personnel

• Electrophysiologist (cardiologist specializing in heart rhythm disorders)
• Nursing staff
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist (depending on sedation needs)
• Radiology technician

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Bleeding at the insertion site
• Infection
• Blood vessel damage

Rare Complications:

• Heart perforation
• Blood clots leading to stroke
• Arrhythmias caused by the procedure itself

Benefits

• Accurate diagnosis of heart rhythm disorders.
• Effective treatment of arrhythmias, often resulting in improved quality of life.
• Reduced symptoms like palpitations, dizziness, and fainting.

Benefit Realization:

• Some benefits may be immediate, while others develop over weeks as the heart heals.

Recovery

• Patients are usually kept for observation for a few hours post-procedure.
• Instructions on wound care, activity restrictions, and signs of complications.
• Avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities for a few days.
• Follow-up appointments to monitor heart rhythm and recovery.

Alternatives

• Medication management of arrhythmias.
• Implantable devices (e.g., pacemakers, defibrillators).
• Lifestyle modifications and management of underlying conditions.

Pros and Cons:

• Medications may control symptoms but don't cure arrhythmias.
• Devices are effective but involve surgery and long-term management.
• Lifestyle changes are beneficial but may not be sufficient on their own.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient might feel slight pressure at the insertion site but should not experience pain due to anesthesia. Post-procedure, there may be mild discomfort or bruising at the insertion site. Pain management includes over-the-counter pain relievers and instructions for wound care to ensure comfort.