EPS w/ablation

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I don't know if anyone will see this thread in time....my patient is going for an EPS w/ablation (possibly...if needed) in the a.m. How long does this procedure take? What can she expect post procedure? I am going to be able to observe this procedure...should be an interesting experience!

Thank you,

~J

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well...since nobody replied....does anyone have suggestions for a decent website on this procedure? I'm having to wade through googlarbage to find something decent...

~J

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I am a nursing student, so thake my information for what it is, that of a student. I am studying the cardiology unit right now. This is what I know about the procedure that you're asking about. It is a very invasive procedure. It is similar to cardiac catheterization. The risks of the procedure should have already been explained by the dr., but you may have to reiterate. The procedure itself can cause CVA, MI, bleeding, lethal dysrhythmias, death. The patient must give informed consent. The may have to shave the site of the insertion. The procedure will take place in the cath lab. There will be several people there and they will be ready to resusitate the client if need be. After the procedure the client will be on bed rest, in supine position, for 8-12 hours. Make sure that the cateterized site is not flexed, this will decrease bleeding. You will want to compare pedal pulses, check for CWMS, after procedure vitals should be checked every 15 minutes for the hour, then every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours, and the every hour for the next 4 hours, then 2 times per day after that. Also check for LOC, pain, nausea, light headness; there could be a bleed. Hope this helps you a bit.

Gabby

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Specializes in Critical Care.
I am a nursing student, so thake my information for what it is, that of a student. I am studying the cardiology unit right now. This is what I know about the procedure that you're asking about. It is a very invasive procedure. It is similar to cardiac catheterization. The risks of the procedure should have already been explained by the dr., but you may have to reiterate. The procedure itself can cause CVA, MI, bleeding, lethal dysrhythmias, death. The patient must give informed consent. The may have to shave the site of the insertion. The procedure will take place in the cath lab. There will be several people there and they will be ready to resusitate the client if need be. After the procedure the client will be on bed rest, in supine position, for 8-12 hours. Make sure that the cateterized site is not flexed, this will decrease bleeding. You will want to compare pedal pulses, check for CWMS, after procedure vitals should be checked every 15 minutes for the hour, then every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours, and the every hour for the next 4 hours, then 2 times per day after that. Also check for LOC, pain, nausea, light headness; there could be a bleed. Hope this helps you a bit.

Gabby

Actually I worked in the EP lab for 2 years and although it does take place in the cath lab they use a vein instead of an artery so the laying flat time shouldn't be but 4 hours. Depending on your facilities policies, of course. Also, as they aren't in the artery you may not need to check the pulses either. Other than that it should be routine post-cath stuff.

After the procedure the client will be on bed rest, in supine position, for 8-12 hours.

Also, for a regular cath if there is a closure device used the laying flat is only 2-4 hours as well. If no, closure device this time is usually 6-8 hours. Again depending upon your facilities policies

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