​ANAESTHESIA FOR CARDIAC ELECTROPHYSIOLOGY / ABLATION

Cardiac electrophysiology (EP) studies involve placing thin tubes (catheters) through the blood vessels in the groin and guiding them up to the heart. The heart is then stimulated to identify and treat abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
Depending on the procedure and your individual needs, anaesthesia may be provided in one of the following ways:

• Local Anaesthesia (Awake):
  The groin area is numbed with local anaesthetic. This approach may be requested by your cardiologist to help detect certain arrhythmias that might be suppressed under deeper sedation.
  
• Sedation:
  A lighter form of anaesthesia where you remain drowsy and relaxed, but may still respond to verbal cues.
  
• General Anaesthesia:
  You are completely asleep and unaware throughout the procedure.
  

Recovery and Pain ReliefPain after the procedure is usually mild.

• The groin is numbed with local anaesthetic to minimise discomfort.
  
• If ablation (tissue cauterisation) is performed, you may experience mild chest discomfort, which is typically well managed with oral pain medications.