This procedure involves the placement of a various number of catheters with small electrodes into the heart from the groin (sometimes also neck) veins and at times arteries to several locations within the heart where signals are monitored and recorded.

Electrical impulses are then used to evaluate the patient’s own “pacemaker” (sinus node) as well as conduction within the heart.

Indications:

These patients present with acute chest heaviness, diaphoresis, and nausea. Urgent PTCA is often required to limit myocardial damage.

• Sinus node dysfunction
• AV block
• Bundle branch block
• Wide QRS complex tachycardia