Electrophysiology (EP) Studies at The Children's Hospital

An electrophysiology (EP) study is an invasive test that is performed in the Catheterization Lab and measures the heart’s electrical activity. The EP study provides more accurate and detailed information about the heart's electrical function than other diagnostic tests. This test is primarily used in patients who have arrhythmias or heart block.

All patients receive general anesthesia for EP studies. A catheter is placed directly into the right atrium of the heart. Catheters are most commonly inserted in the veins in the groin area and the neck. An x-ray machine is used to ensure that the catheter is located in the correct position. During the test, an EKG monitors the heart’s response to electrical pulses that are delivered through the catheter.