CVT Electrophysiology Studies & Catheter Ablation 3

Question 1

What is the primary role of the coronary sinus (CS) catheter during an EP study?

Accepted Answer

To provide electrograms and anatomical landmarks for left-sided mapping and atrial pacing

Answer

The CS catheter lies in the posterior AV groove, recording left atrial and ventricular electrograms and serving as a landmark for left-sided structures.

Question 2

AVNRT (AV Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia) involves a reentrant circuit using:

Accepted Answer

Fast and slow conduction pathways within or near the AV node

Answer

AVNRT uses dual AV nodal pathways — a slow pathway (anterograde) and a fast pathway (retrograde) — forming a reentrant circuit near the AV node.

Question 3

During transseptal puncture for left atrial access, the needle targets which anatomical landmark?

Accepted Answer

Fossa ovalis

Answer

The fossa ovalis is the thinnest, most compliant portion of the interatrial septum and the safest site for transseptal needle crossing.

Question 4

During ventricular tachycardia (VT) ablation, what does entrainment mapping help the electrophysiologist determine?

Accepted Answer

Whether the pacing site is within or adjacent to the VT reentry circuit

Answer

Entrainment mapping compares the post-pacing interval (PPI) to the VT cycle length; a PPI equal to the cycle length indicates the pacing site is within the circuit.

Question 5

Which pharmacological agent is most commonly used to unmask accessory pathway conduction or facilitate tachycardia induction during EP testing?

Accepted Answer

Isoproterenol

Answer

Isoproterenol, a beta-adrenergic agonist, increases heart rate and sympathetic tone, enhancing accessory pathway conduction and facilitating SVT induction.

(CVT) Cardiovascular Technologist Certification Practice Test

(CVT) Cardiovascular Technologist Certification Practice Test

CVT Electrophysiology Studies & Catheter Ablation 3