The doctor uses EPS and RFA to diagnose and treat patients who have problems with complex arrhythmias. Arrhythmias are abnormal rhythms of the heart that can be fatal. EPS & RFA are under the branch of Interventional Cardiology, and the specialists who perform them are called Cardiac Electrophysiologists or Interventional Cardiologists.
Electrophysiology Study (EPS) uses a unique catheter tube with sheaths in the groin region. It is then delivered to the various heart chambers while the electrical impulses are recorded. This information is then shown on a digital EP system.
By repositioning the catheter tube, Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) can permanently resolve the arrhythmia condition. In addition, if the catheter tube tip is heated, it can help kill the aberrant tissues that cause arrhythmias. Connect to the best heart hospital in Hyderabad for heart-related issues, as a healthy heart leads to a happy life.
What Is an Electrophysiological Study (EPS)?
Electrophysiological testing examines the heart’s electrical activity, allowing the doctor to diagnose and analyze fast or irregular cardiac beats. It can provide more detailed data than an external electrocardiogram (ECG). It entails inserting a small tube called a catheter into the heart through a blood vessel (vein or artery) in the groin. The catheter’s tip includes a unique electrode tip that stimulates the heart and records the electrical activity, allowing the doctor to pinpoint the source of any irregularities.
What Is Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)?
Radiofrequency ablation is a procedure used to control or rectify an irregular heartbeat. It is performed like an EPS, with catheters inserted into the heart through the groin. The radiofrequency energy (heat) is then used to eliminate the tiny spot in the heart that is causing the aberrant electrical activity. This can be done concurrently with the EPS or separately.
What Is Arrhythmia?
A cardiac arrhythmia is an irregular heartbeat. When the electrical signals that coordinate the heart’s beats fail to function properly, heart rhythm abnormalities arise. Because of the faulty signals, the heart beats too quickly (tachycardia), too slowly (bradycardia), or irregularly.
Coronary artery disease, High BP, abnormalities in heart muscles, and Valve dysfunction are a few common causes of arrhythmias. Connect to the best heart hospital in Hyderabad if you experience any of these problems.
Symptoms Of Arrhythmias
Arrhythmia symptoms differ from person to person.
- Pounding or rapid heartbeat
- Heart fluttering
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest discomfort
- Fatigue
Contact the best hospital for heart surgery in Hyderabad to know the EPS and RFA cost in India if you experience the above symptoms of arrhythmia.
Procedures Of EPS And RFA
Before the procedure
- You will be asked to fast for at least 6 to 8 hours before the EPS and RFA procedures.
- Empty your bladders before the test.
- Give your doctor a full medical history, specifically whether you are allergic or sensitive to substances.
- Inform if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
- If you are taking herbal medications, supplements, blood thinners, or aspirin, you should discontinue them before the surgery and inform your doctor.
- If you have a valve problem or a pacemaker, you may be given antibiotics before the treatment.
During the procedure
Electrophysiological Study (EPS)
- You will be instructed to lie flat on the catheterization laboratory table.
- In your arm, an intravenous IV line will be inserted.
- Depending on the nature of your suspected arrhythmia, you may be given a general or local anesthetic.
- A portion of your crotch, arms, or legs will be shaved, cleansed, and swabbed.
- A small nick will be made for the catheter’s access point into your veins.
- A short plastic sheath tube will be inserted beneath your blood vessels.
- Following the placement of the sheath, a thin, flexible tube or catheter will be introduced from the nicked site.
- Generally, there will be pain or discomfort in initial pressure, but if you feel it, contact your doctor immediately.
- A specific x-ray will be utilized once the catheter is within your veins to see how the catheter moves to the body.
- The catheter will contain microscopic sensors that will monitor the passage of electrical impulses via your heart.
- A clinician may use a catheter to cause a transient abnormal heartbeat.
- During this period, electrical impulse measures will be taken to aid in analyzing the kind and nature of arrhythmia.
- Throughout the EPS RFA procedure, your vital signs will be constantly monitored.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
- Once the cause of the irregular heartbeat has been identified, the affected tissue will be addressed.
- A catheter is inserted near the aberrant cardiac tissues during RFA.
- The catheter’s tip, known as an ablator, functions as an electrode, sending radiofrequency radiation to eliminate the aberrant cells in that area.
- This restores the heart’s regular beat.
- Even though you will be given pain meds and anesthetics, you may feel uneasy when the radio frequency is administered to your heart cells.
- Inform your doctors immediately if you are experiencing discomfort and may require additional pain medication.
- It should be noted that RFA can ablate tumors in the kidneys, lungs, and bones, among other things.
- Following the initial discovery of a tumor, an RFA probe is put inside it, and radio frequency waves are delivered through it.
- The tumor is destroyed as the temperature of the radio wave rises.
- RFA treatment with various alternating currents treats many skin lesions and other dermatological issues.
- In the case of varicose veins, an RFA catheter is inserted within the aberrant veins under ultrasound control, and radiofrequency is utilized to treat the abnormal veins.
After the procedure
- You will be sent to a recovery unit immediately following the EPS, RFA treatment, where specialists will monitor your vitals for 4 hrs.
- Your heartbeat may feel weird at times during the first 48 hours, which is normal
- After you have been released from the hospital, keep an eye out for any swelling or bleeding at the catheter site.
- Fatigue and chest discomfort are normal for the first few days, but if the symptoms persist or worsen, call your doctor immediately.
- Avoid doing physical activities such as driving, swimming, bending and squatting, climbing stairs, etc.
- Shower within 24 hours following the procedure but be careful not to splash the catheter sites.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you feel any symptoms such as exhaustion, shortness of breath, fever over 101 degrees, redness, rash, or swelling at the catheter site, difficulty swallowing, speech, numbness or fainting, or any abnormal heartbeats.
Risk And Complications
Invasive procedures involving EPS and RFA in cardiology are not without risk. The following are the rare consequences that are possible:
- Temporary leg numbness or weakness following the operation
- Bleeding or infection at the site of catheter insertion
- Heart attack or stroke
- Low blood pressure or fluid buildup in the sac surrounding the heart
- Blood clots forming at the tip of the catheter
- Pulmonary vein narrowing
Final Words
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a surgical treatment in which heat generated by the alternating current at a medium frequency is used to ablate a tumor, a portion of the heart’s electrical conduction system, or any other defective parts.
RFA is a popular treatment for correcting any heart’s electrical system defect discovered via electrophysiological testing (EPS). The electrophysiology of the heart is investigated during this examination, and any anomalies are documented.
Connect to the Sri Sri Holistic Hospital to know the EPS and RFA treatment cost in Hyderabad because we believe a healthy heart leads to a happy life. We offer affordable EPS & RFA treatment cost with our art-of-the-state facility, top-notch specialized doctors, and customized care.
