Im Labor für elektrophysische Untersuchungen, kurz EPU-Labor, führen wir spezielle kathetergestützte Herzuntersuchungen durch, insbesondere bei Herzrhythmusstörungen.
From state-of-the-art mapping to implantation systems - no other EP laboratory can cater for such a wide range of low-impact methods to diagnose and treat cardiac arrhythmia. This means that our patients no longer have to wait as long as they used to for an examination or for treatment.
An examination in the electrophysiological laboratory may be the method of treatment which suits you best if you are suffering from symptoms such as a racing heart or have been diagnosed as suffering from cardiac arrhythmia.
For instance, we will conduct examinations
An electrophysiological examination is a catheter-based form of treatment similar to other types of treatment in the area of cardiac catheterization. Our experts are some of the best in their field, and the EP laboratory is one of the most efficient and modern institutions of its kind, even in the international arena.
After we have your results recommending an intervention in the EP laboratory, your actual treatment will commence. You must not eat for six hours or drink for four hours before it begins. Immediately prior to the EP, venous access will be established in the back of your hand, through which drugs and fluids can be administered.
A catheter is now introduced through a vein in your groin, which is passed to the right atrium of the heart; if the focus of the cardiac arrhythmia is in the right atrium, the atrial septum is also passed. You shouldn't worry about this procedure: you will feel very little of what has just been described. Moreover, our therapies and interventions are conducted by highly specialized doctors with considerable experience in the EP laboratory.
The actual electrophysiological examination begins once the catheter has been introduced into the right atrium. Electrical signals which are directly related to your cardiac arrhythmia are measured. An ECG is produced right inside the heart, which provides the specialist doctor with clues as to the origin and nature of the cardiac arrhythmia. In the course of the examination, the foci of the cardiac arrhythmia can also be ablated, and the problem resolved. A more detailed explanation is to be found under Ablation.
![[Translate to Englisch:] Monitorüberwachung im EPU-Labor des Herzzentrums Leipzig](/fileadmin/_processed_/8/6/csm_Rhythmologie_EPU_9052_ee4e1b4890.jpg)
Treatment in the EP laboratory is an extremely safe and straightforward procedure which is conducted by internationally respected experts at the Heart Center Leipzig.
However, they will advise you in advance of treatment of the potential - albeit small - risks involved: atrial fibrillation, bruising, blood clots, hemorrhaging, infection, damage to the vessels, nerves or skin, and possible allergies to the drugs used.
After treatment, the catheter will be removed and a pressure dressing applied. Just a few hours after your treatment in the EP laboratory, you will be able to return home.
Pride of place in the EP laboratory goes to a state-of-the-art interventional MRT system, in which interventions can be performed on the heart with the assistance of continuous cardiodiagnostic imaging. Find out more about the iMRT here.