ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY CATHETERS

An electrophysiology test may be required for the evaluation of some heart rhythm problems. This test consists of inserting electrode wire catheters through veins into the right-sided chambers of the heart. Several wires are often required so that different parts of the conduction system can be evaluated at the same time. In this way, doctors can carefully assess the way in which electrical impulses travel through the heart and determine whether there are abnormalities that explain a person's rhythm problem or symptoms. The wires can be used to detect and record impulses in the heart (like an "internal ECG"), or they can be used to pace the heart or stimulate it into abnormal rhythms that can be examined.

Cutaway view of heart showing typical location of electrode catheters in an electro-physiology test. Not every procedure requires all of the catheters.

An X-ray image of the electro-physiology catheters shown in the illustration.

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