Electrophysiology is a branch of cardiology that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of heart rhythm disorders. Electrophysiologists are the cardiologists with special training in heart rhythms disorders and its management.

Indications of Procedure:

These disorders are generally known as arrhythmias and include :

Atrial Fibrillation , Wolff-Parkinson-White Syndrome (WPW) , Heart Block , Long QT Syndrome (LQTS) ,Sudden Cardiac Death (Sudden Cardiac Arrest) , Ventricular Tachycardia , Premature Ventricular Contractions and Ebstein’s Anomaly in Adults etc.

Techniques of Procedure:

There are mainly two techniques and are used based on the type of rhythm disorders. In the heart, the excessive discharge of impulses set off leading to increased pulse of varied degrees affecting only the atria, ventricles or both.

• An ablation technique uses an ablation catheter to eliminate rogue cells responsible for high electrical impulses and helps to restore the normal heart rhythm.
• The other technique consists of use of implant and cardiac devices such as pacemakers and manages the cardiac rhythm with medications. Among these, catheter ablation is the only cardiac procedure that is curative.

Yes; it is utmost important to diagnose the rhythm and rate disorders associated with the cardiac functions. Untreated, it can have damaging effects on the heart and can lead to life-threatening situations.