What Can I Expect During the Electrophysiological Study? Prior to your EP study, the procedure and its risks will be discussed with you. If your test is in the morning, you will be instructed to not eat or drink anything after midnight, although you may be told to continue taking certain drugs. You will receive a liquid breakfast if your test is in the afternoon. There are several television-type screens in the room that will be used to monitor your heart. Nurses will then "prep" your skin for the many electrodes that will be placed on your chest, arms and legs. Your blood pressure will be monitored throughout the study. Depending on the type of study, your right or left groin and/or left arm or shoulder will be shaved and cleaned with an iodine-type solution. You will then be covered with a sterile sheet. The doctor will use a local anesthetic to numb the area where the catheter will be inserted. You will feel some mild discomfort from the needle and injected anesthetic. The medicine will sting before it takes effect. After the area is numb, the doctor will insert the catheters through the vein in your leg or arm and move them to your heart. This is usually a painless process. A large x-ray machine is used to visualize the catheters' position. The testing will begin once the catheters are in place. continued...

If you or your family members have any questions, please feel free to contact your Ohio Valley HeartCare cardiologist or medical specialist at (800) 26-HEART.

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