Electrophysiology Procedures

Cardiac arrhythmias are a common cause of patient morbidity and mortality. Modern electrophysiology (EP) procedures, including placement of permanent pacemakers and implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and catheter ablation of cardiac arrhythmias, have been shown to reduce mortality and improve quality of life and symptoms. These procedures can also reduce the need for antiarrhythmic medications and hence reduce side effects related to these medicines. The procedures performed in the EP laboratory can be protracted and painful and therefore frequently require the assistance of an anesthesia team for patient comfort. Additionally, this patient population often presents with complicated comorbid conditions and hemodynamic instability. Frequently, the anesthetic management can be complicated and difficult, requiring a thorough understanding of these patients and the procedures they choose to undergo.