The cardiology exams

THE ELECTRO-PHYSIOLOGICAL EXPLORATION

- A few explanations
- Concrete progress of the exam
- Results
- indications
- Complications

An electro-physiological exploration aims at analysing the nervous tissue of the heart.

This exploration requires to place an electric probe into the heart, which permits the recording of the different electric activities emitted in the cavities of the heart.

In order to achieve a recording, the probe is introduced through a big calibre vein accessible to a puncture by the physician.

This exploration lasts on average 30 to 60 minutes, it is practically painless apart from the initial puncture of the vein, and its complications are rare.

A FEW EXPLANATIONS

The synchronization of the contraction of the different cavities of the heart requires a nervous network within its cavities.

In fact, this nervous tissue first entails the contraction of the right atrium then of the left atrium and of the two ventricles.

This nervous tissue is called by the physicians the nodal tissue.

Description of the current circuit of the heart (the nodal tissue).

In some abnormal circumstances, this tissue presents anomalies of the conduction of the nerve impulse or it is responsible for the development of cardiac rhythm disorders.

The exploration of this tissue allows the physician to bring a precious information and its result influences the treatment.

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File last reviewed on dec 18, 2011