The procedure

The procedure takes between one and four hours, and you are awake during it. A nurse will stay with you and be there to reassure you throughout the procedure. There will be a lot of equipment, which is used to monitor your heart rhythm. Each piece of equipment helps the doctor to diagnose and treat the abnormal heart rhythms you have been experiencing.

The doctor will insert up to four electrodes into the vein at your groin. You will be given a local anaesthetic in the area before the electrodes are inserted. You may feel very anxious during the test. The staff involved in the procedure know this and are there to reassure you at all times.

When you return to the ward the nurse will check your blood pressure and pulse, and feel your feet to find pulses there. She will also check the area for any bleeding. The electrodes are usually removed before you return to the ward. If they haven’t been removed, the nurse on the ward will do this.

You will be able to eat and drink normally, but it is important to stay in bed for approximately two hours after the electrodes have been removed. It is also important to keep the affected leg as still as possible to prevent any bleeding from where the electrodes were inserted. Before you go home, the nurse will remove the small needle in your hand. If you feel any palpitations or dizziness after the procedure, please let the nurse know.

After the procedure the doctor will usually discuss the results with you. However, you may need a more detailed discussion in the outpatient clinic.