Electrophysiology study

[GCWhits]

Hi all,

I am scheduled to have an EP study next week (where they insert a catheter into your groin and it goes through your veins into your heart). I feel a bit nervous about it...Not clear yet whether ablation will be necessary or whether it is just exploratory.

Has anyone had this done and willing to share what it is like? Is it painful? What is the recovery time? etc.

Thanks in advance.

[10gingercats]

When I had a hole in my heart closed they went in via the groin.So the procedure was similar to what is expected for you. I can only speak about that porcedure but I did not find it too bad.I was sedated but could see on a screen what they were doing . and was alert enough to take it in.sounds exploritory.My whole procedure took about three quarters of an hour. They topped up with a spot of morphine towards the end but the whole thing was no big deal.Yours from what you say they intend to do may well be a shorter time.

[GCWhits in reply to 10gingercats]

Thanks, that's reassuring. The BHF website says the procedure takes 2-3 hours, but 45 mins sounds more manageable!

[10gingercats]

I can't imagine they would keep you sedated for that length of time but I am not a medic. Perhaps ring the BHF helpline and speak to a nurse. They know quite a lot and are very helpful.

[meadfoot]

I have had an EP study under sedation. I was very well cared for and sedation was topped up if I felt uncomfortable. They couldnt initiate an arrhythmia even though they throw everything possible at me to trigger it. The plan was to ablate anything they found but heart would not oblige. The little critters would not be stimulated but the cardiologist said the study gave them lots of useful information about my heart, its structure etc so not a waste of time.

My groin was a tad sore for a few days but nothing of note. Its a useful procedure to undergo. Best wishes, you will be fine. PS: it was so cold in the Cath Lab wear some warm socks. 😰

[GCWhits in reply to meadfoot]

Thanks and good tip about the socks, my feet are like ice at the best of times!

[Jencalverley]

hi. I had abalation three years ago. The tube going in the groin was a quick punch not pain just uncomfatable. And I was under sedation quick after that. I found the worst shock when they wheeled me in and sat me up and put a freezing cold pad on back that’s to keep you cool during op. It was five and a half hours long. . Stayed overnight in John Radcliffe Oxford home next day on journey home felt weak and not too good straight to bed. And stayed till morning no problems after that. Been ok since. On apizaban. 5 ml. Good luck.

[GCWhits in reply to Jencalverley]

Thanks, I don't think ablation is planned, but I guess it depends what they find. They have said it's a day procedure though, no overnight stay...

[GarCor]

I've had two ablations, they're uncomfortable rather than painful. You're given a sedative and pain relief via a canula, and you can ask for more if needed. I think the three hour timeline includes recovery time. Pressure is applied to the wound site to stop the bleeding, this is gradually released. They also monitor your BP during this time. Good luck with it.