To have ep study or not

Is an ep study necessary when the decision to implant a pm has already been made?

I have Idiopathic Sinus Node Dysfunction and would really like to know why/how this happened at 33 years young and very physically active. Should I be worried for my children that this may be passed on genetically? What will the ep study tell me that I do not already know?

3 Comments

EP Study

by ElectricFrank - 2011-08-16 02:08:23

The only reason for an EP study is if you are having problems with afib and they are considering an ablation as part of the implant. Or possibly your condition is complex enough the need the study to know where to insert the leads.

I don't know if any study that would help as far as predicting the possible effect on your children.

The bottom line is to ask. You say the decision has already been made. Is this your informed decision or are you just turning it over to the docs. Both are legitimate, but if you leave it to them don't complain about what you get.

frank

EP study

by EH - 2011-08-16 03:08:37

EP studies are done for many more reasons than A-Fib. I had an EP study & ablation for inappropriate sinus tach 12 years ago. I also worked in an EP lab & studies were performed for many different problems. The studies are very safe. I suggest you discuss the reason for the study with your doctor to find out what the reasoning is behind the suggestion. Good luck.

My error

by ElectricFrank - 2011-08-17 12:08:16

In too much of a hurry. I meant to use afib as one example of the need for an EP study. Of course there are many reasons for it.

As for the safety of the study I found this statement on the site of a major center:

"The potential risks of having an EP study are similar to those of having a cardiac catheterization. These procedures are relatively safe, but because they are invasive procedures involving the heart, several complications are possible. You should not have an EP study unless there is a reasonable likelihood that the information gained from the procedure will be of significant benefit.

Minor complications include minor bleeding at the site of catheter insertion, temporary heart rhythm disturbances caused by the catheter irritating the heart muscle and temporary changes in blood pressure.

More significant complications include perforation of the heart wall (causing a life-threatening condition called "cardiac tamponade"), extensive bleeding or (because potentially lethal arrhythmias are being induced) cardiac arrest. The risk of dying during an EP study is less than 1 out of 1,000."

1 out of 1000 sounds pretty safe, but consider this thought. If you were told that there was a 1 in 1000 risk of the airplane you are about to board crashing would you consider that a insignificant risk? And this is only the risk of dying. How about a blood clot caused stroke?

I am saying that an EP study isn't invaluable under the right circumstances. Just know what you are doing when you agree to one. Read the release form you are asked to sign. If you are told that it is just a formality write that on the form and initial it.

frank

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