Electrophysiological Studies

What to Expect

After the Procedure

• Recovery process - Once the procedure is completed, you will return to the (client to insert location of recovery area). Your physician will visit with you in your room while you are recovering. He/she will give you specific instructions and answer any questions you may have.
  
  A nurse will monitor the circulation of your arm or leg, and check your dressing for signs of bleeding. The nurse will also monitor your heart rhythm and blood pressure. Notify your nurse immediately if you notice warmth, bleeding, pain at the catheter site, chest pressure or tightness, or other pain following the procedure. If you need to cough, sneeze, or laugh, hold pressure on the bandage on the insertion site. During this time, you will still have your leg or arm immobilized, and will need to remember not to bend the leg or arm.
  
  You will be encouraged to drink fluids following the procedure to aid in flushing the cath dye from your system. The cath dye will remain in your system for some time and will cause you to urinate frequently. Please ask the nurse to assist you, as it is essential that the cath site not be bent during this time. You may also be given a light meal following the procedure.
  
  You may raise the head of the bed and move around once you have completed the mandatory time for bed rest. You will require a nurse's assistance when you initially stand up to walk. Before you are discharged home, your nurse will give you instructions regarding care of the catheter site, problems or symptoms to report, and instructions relating to activities and medications.
  
  
• Length of stay - If the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, you may be allowed to leave after you have completed the recovery process (usually about four to six hours after the procedure is finished). However, if there are concerns or problems with your EKG, you may stay in the hospital for an additional day (or longer) for monitoring of the EKG.
  
  
• Average recuperation time - You will most likely feel tired for a day or so following the procedure. The catheter site in your leg or arm may be sore for a few days. You may have other pain or discomfort for a day or so due to lying still for a long period of time during the procedure and the recovery period.

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