Electrophysiology Lab

Northside Hospital offers its patients a state-of-the-art electrophysiology lab. Featuring the latest technologically advanced equipment, including a 56”  video monitoring system and 4 private recovery rooms,  Northside Hospital’s EP lab provides the latest diagnostic technology and advanced treatment options for heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats).

Procedures routinely performed in an EP lab include those that deal directly with the electrical system of the heart, such as pacemaker and defibrillator implantation and repair, cardiac ablations, and EP studies for the detection of arrhythmias. With a dedicated staff of specialty trained medical professionals and electrophysiologists, the EP lab at Northside Hospital allows patients to receive state-of-the-art care in an inpatient or outpatient setting, reducing the effects of various heart rhythm disorders with procedures not routinely available at other facilities.

What is electrophysiology?

An electrophysiology study or EPS is a diagnostic procedure to look more closely at the electrical function of the heart. It is the most accurate and reliable method of evaluating heart rhythms and helps physicians determine the treatment option that is most appropriate.

How does electricity work in the heart?

The body naturally produces electricity that travels over the heart muscle and stimulates the  heart to contract or beat. The electrical signal that tells the heart to beat comes from a small area of the right atrium of the heart. This area is located in the upper right chamber of the heart and is called the sinoatrial node, or SA node. When a signal is given by the SA node, a small electrical impulse runs through the heart and stimulates the heart muscle to contract. The contraction of the heart muscle produces a heartbeat and forces blood out of the heart to the rest of your body. Certain conditions can cause the electrical system to make the heart beat too slowly, too fast, or in an uncoordinated manner. These irregular patterns are called arrhythmias and they can occur in any of the four chambers of the heart. An electrophysiology study will help the physician determine the best treatment for you by showing where the arrhythmias are occurring.

Ablation Therapy

Ablation therapy is a technique designed to treat irregular patterns (arrhythmias) and possibly eliminate the need for medications. After the area of the heart causing the arrhythmia is pinpointed, a physician treats the problem by applying radio frequency energy through the catheter which destroys (ablates) the arrhythmic tissue. This treatment can also be used to treat atrial fibrillation in certain patients.