This is an invasive procedure used to investigate an abnormal heart, determine the reasons behind the rhythm (arrhythmia) and the best treatment plan.

It is performed in the Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratory (Cath Lab) by a Cardiologist and cardiac team specialising in Electrophysiology. It takes approximately 2 hours and the patient is usually able to go home a few hours later. An IV (intravenous Line) is inserted into the arm or hand and a sedative allows the patient to relax but remain conscious throughout.

The Procedure

Several catheters are inserted into the patient’s groin and guided with the aid of x-ray equipment to the heart. They then sense the electrical activity there during a series of tests and the administration of controlled medications.