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April 28, 2020
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EP Study – A Cardiac Procedure
What is an EP study?
An electrophysiology or EP study is a cardiac procedure conducted to assess the heart’s electrical activity and system. It is aimed at diagnosing, analysing and treating arrhythmia or heart rhythm disorders. The function of the heart is to pump blood throughout your body’s intricate vascular system, and it does so by instigating and regulating electrical impulses which create the heartbeats. The EP study focuses on this function and records the heart’s electrical activity using a catheter. The data is transferred to a monitor which allows doctors to study the heart’s activities and determine if there is something wrong.How is an EP study performed?
For an EP study to be conducted, the patient will be placed on a table with electrodes connected to their chest and back. These are connected to monitoring equipment. The patient is given a sedative to make the procedure more comfortable. The groin or neck area is cleansed with antiseptic and catheters are inserted through a small incision. These catheters are directed toward the heart and positioned in specific areas where they will receive readings of the heart’s electrical activity. This reading or ‘electrical mapping’ will help doctors identify problematic areas in the heart that may be disrupting electrical flow. If a hearth rhythm defect is observed, the doctor will administer electrical impulses radio frequency or medication to terminate or correct the defect and restore a normal cardiac rhythm. An EP study also allows doctors to implant a pacemaker or perform cardiac ablation.When is an EP study necessary?
An EP study is often prescribed if the patient is showing signs of a cardiac rhythm defect. This procedure is recommended in cases of:- Arrhythmia or abnormal heart rhythm
- Sudden cardiac death
- Cardiac ablation procedure
- Heart surgery
- Syncope or temporary loss of consciousness to determine the cause
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VSD – Ventricular Septal Defect
What is a Ventricular Septal Defect?
A ventricular septal defect or VSD is a hole or opening in the septum between the lower chambers or ventricles of the heart. It is a birth defect that develops during pregnancy when the ventricular septum is not fully formed. The causes of this condition are unknown, but genetic factors could play a role. In cases of ventricular septal defect, blood flows from the left ventricle to the right ventricle and into the lungs through the opening in the septum. This causes the heart and lungs to work in overdrive and eventually lead to conditions such as irregular heart rhythm, pulmonary hypertension, heart failure or stroke. A patient with ventricular septal defect can have more than one opening in the ventricular septum. Some common names and locations for these openings are:- Conoventricular ventricular septal defect located where the ventricular septum meets the pulmonary and aortic valves
- Perimembranous ventricular septal defect located in the upper area of the ventricular septum
- Inlet ventricular septal defect is an opening near the tricuspid and mitral valves
- Muscular ventricular septal defect located in the lower, muscular area of the ventricular septum
Diagnosis of a Ventricular Septal Defect
A ventricular septal defect is typically diagnosed soon after birth. The symptoms are influenced by the size of the ventricular septal defect. Common symptoms include:- Heart murmur
- Heavy or fast breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Tiredness while feeding
- Sweating
- Poor weight gain
Treatment of a Ventricular Septal Defect
Treatment depends on the size and location of the ventricular septal defect and possible cardiac problems that may arise later. If the opening is small and not presenting any symptoms, the patient will be regularly monitored to ensure that the opening closes on its own and there are no serious complications. If the ventricular septal defect is large, the doctor may suggest open-heart surgery or cardiac catheterisation to close the opening. This will restore normal blood flow and prevent the onset of serious health issues later. Some medication may be prescribed to strengthen heart muscle and lower blood pressure. For more details on cardiac birth defects, speak to our doctors today.Latest Posts
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ASD – Atrial Septal Defect
What is an Atrial Septal Defect?
An atrial septal defect or ASD is an opening present in the septum between the atria or the two upper chambers of the heart. This defect causes blood to leak from the left upper chamber to the right upper chamber and further into the pulmonary arteries. This extra blood being pumped into the lung arteries causes the heart and lungs to work harder and results in the arteries becoming damaged over time. This is a congenital condition and often shows no signs or symptoms during childhood. Every person is born with an opening between the heart’s upper chambers. It is a normal foetal condition that allows blood to be routed away from the lungs. The opening is no longer necessary after birth and typically becomes smaller in size or closes completely within a few months. In some cases, the opening is large and does not close completely after birth. This results in an atrial septal defect. The causes of this condition are unclear, although specialists believe that genetic factors are sometimes responsible.How can an Atrial Septal Defect be repaired?
If the atrial septal defect is small in size, it does not affect the heart and lungs to a great extent. There are no medications that can reduce the size of an atrial septal defect or hasten its closing. In cases of large atrial septal defects, doctors will recommend open-heart surgery or cardiac catheterisation to close the opening. This depends on the location and size of the atrial septal defect. If it is located in an unusual position or if there other cardiac defects, the atrial septal defect can only be closed through surgery and not with cardiac catheterisation. Early detection is key in repairing an atrial septal defect. Closing a large sized atrial septal defect through surgery is best done during early childhood, even in cases of minor symptoms. This prevents the development of more serious life-threatening symptoms as the patient grows older. Consult a cardiologist for more details on atrial septal defects and how they can be treated.Latest Posts
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CAG – Coronary Angiogram
What is a Coronary Angiogram?
A coronary angiogram is a medical procedure that involves the use of X-ray imaging along with a special dye that allows doctors to visualize your heart and its blood vessels. The X-rays help reveal the extent of blockages in the blood vessels surrounding the heart. A coronary angiogram is a type of cardiac catheterization procedure. Doctors use these procedures to determine the health of your heart and to diagnose and treat blood vessel and cardiac conditions.How is a Coronary Angiogram performed?
During a coronary angiogram, a mild sedative is given to make you feel comfortable. A small catheter is inserted through the artery in your arm or groin and advanced toward the coronary arteries or the blood vessels to your heart. A small amount of special dye called radiographic contrast is injected into the cardiac blood vessels. The dye makes it easy for the doctor to see the chambers of your heart and blood vessels on X-ray images. Multiple X-rays are taken and the catheter is removed. The site is closed with sutures or sealed using manual compression. A coronary angiogram typically takes about 10 to 15 minutes depending on your condition. In some cases, angioplasty or stent placement is performed along with the angiogram in which case it takes 30-60 minutes.Why is a Coronary Angiogram performed?
A coronary angiogram is recommended if you have any of the following:- New or increasing pain in the chest, neck, arm, or jaw
- Symptoms of a heart diseases such as coronary artery disease, unexplained LV dysfunction.
- A problem with the heart valve, if planned for valve surgery
- A congenital heart condition
- Abnormal results on a stress test
- Chest injury or other type of trauma
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CABG – Coronary Artery Bypass Graft
What is CABG?
Coronary Artery Bypass Graft or CABG is a surgical procedure that is conducted on people with severe coronary artery disease to improve the blood flow in their cardiac blood vessels. This surgery is performed when the coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked due to the accumulation of plaque. CABG lowers the risk of the patient developing serious complications from coronary artery disease, such as a fatal heart attack. During the procedure, blood vessels are removed from another part of your body and connected above and below the blocked area on the affected artery. This allows blood flow to bypass the blocked or narrowed coronary arteries. Depending on the number and severity of the blockages, a few blood vessels may be used. These are typically extracted from the arteries in your arms, legs or chest.Who should undergo CABG?
People who suffer from obstructive coronary artery disease have the most to benefit from undergoing CABG. This disease is caused when your coronary arteries become narrowed or blocked, resulting in a lack of oxygen being supplied to the heart. Doctors recommend CABG if alternative treatments like medication or lifestyle changes have been unsuccessful. Emergency CABG is also performed on individuals who have suffered from a severe heart attack.What are the results of a CABG?
After undergoing CABG, most people have reported healthier lives free of symptoms for many years. It is possible, however, that the same arteries or new ones may become clogged over time, requiring an angioplasty or another bypass. For long-term results, patients are advised to eat well-balanced, healthier diets, perform regular exercises and discontinue unhealthy habits like smoking.Latest Posts
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AVR – Aortic Valve Replacement
What is AVR and why is it performed?
Aortic Valve Replacement or AVR is a surgical procedure that is performed to correct problems associated with the aortic valve in your heart. The aortic valve helps regulate blood flow through the heart. AVR is performed to replace diseased or damaged aortic valve. Your doctor will recommend you undergo AVR if you show symptoms of the following: Aortic valve regurgitation where some amount of blood flows back through the aortic valve. The main reason for the regurgitation is a leaky or dysfunctional valve. This is often caused due to a bacterial infection or congenital condition. Aortic valve stenosis which is caused by the obstruction or hardening of the aortic valve. This constriction makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood. This condition is often brought on by rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart conditions or age related degeneration. Congenital heart diseases which are responsible for the above mentioned conditions as well as other issues such as irregularly shaped cardiac valves.What does AVR surgery involve?
There are two approaches to aortic valve replacement – traditional surgery and minimally invasive surgery. During the traditional aortic valve surgery, an incision is made along your chest and the ribcage is opened. A heart-lung machine is used to keep blood and oxygen flowing. The surgeon makes a small incision on the heart and the defective aortic valve is removed. It is replaced with an artificial valve and the incisions are closed. The minimally invasive surgery involves smaller incisions through which specialized surgical tools are inserted. The malfunctioning or diseased aortic valve is removed and replaced and the incisions are closed. This procedure is shorter than the traditional kind and requires lesser recovery time as well.Latest Posts
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