The electrophysiology lab (EP lab) is a diagnostic/procedure department, which specializes in the study, diagnosis, and treatment of the abnormalities (arrhythmias) of the electrical conduction of the heart. An electrophysiologist, who is a cardiologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatments the abnormalities of the electrical conduction of the heart, performs the procedure in the electrophysiology lab. The EP Lab staff consists of cardiovascular technicians and registered nurses who have received extensive education and training in the diagnostic procedures and treatments that occur in the lab.

These are just a few of the procedures performed in the EP Lab:

• Electrophysiology Studies- A diagnostic test evaluating the electrical activity of the heart. The results are used to guide the physician to the cause and treatment of a heart arrhythmia.
• Catheter Ablation- A form of treatment for abnormal heart rhythms (such as tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter). The procedure involves using high frequency electrical energy to destroy a small amount of the hearts conduction system that allows the abnormal rhythm to occur.
• Pacemakers- A pacemaker is an implanted medical device that stimulates the heart muscle with electrical discharges that causes the heart to beat.
• ICD (Implantable Cardiac Defibrillator- An ICD is an implanted electronic device that constantly monitors heart rhythm. It has the capability to work as a pacemaker and/or to defibrillate the heart during very fast abnormal heart rhythm. The device is implanted to protect against sudden cardiac death.
• Upright Tilt Table Test- The test helps the physician evaluate certain blood pressure and heart reflexes that keep blood flowing through the body. It requires the individual to stand tilted on the test table while monitoring/recording of the blood pressure, heart rate, and any symptoms occurs. Disruption in the normal reflexes that control blood pressure and heart rate, which causes symptoms such as dizziness, nausea or even passing out, is indicative of a positive test result.
• Cardoversions- A procedure performed using a low energy shock to restore the heart to a normal rhythm.

The Electrophysiology Lab at Christ Hospital is the largest lab in the Greater Cincinnati area. The department, which consists of three labs and five dedicated electrophysiologists. These physicians not only perform the latest procedures available to patients, but are also involved in research.

The first Chronicle ICD to be implanted in the world occurred at the Christ Hospital. This research device manufactured by Medtronic not only functions as an internal defibrillator but also has the ability to monitor for congestive heart failure. The device sends radio-frequency signals to the cardiologist office to alert the physicians of beginning signs of congestive heart failure.