CVT Electrophysiology Studies & Catheter Ablation

Question 1

What is the primary purpose of an electrophysiology (EP) study?

Accepted Answer

To map electrical pathways and identify arrhythmia mechanisms

Answer

EP studies use intracardiac catheters to map electrical conduction and identify the origin and mechanism of arrhythmias.

Question 2

Which catheter position is used to record His bundle electrograms during an EP study?

Accepted Answer

Tricuspid valve region

Answer

The His bundle catheter is positioned at the tricuspid valve region to record activation of the AV node and His bundle.

Question 3

What does the HV interval measure in an electrophysiology study?

Accepted Answer

Time from His bundle activation to ventricular depolarization

Answer

The HV interval (normally 35–55 ms) measures conduction time from the His bundle through the His-Purkinje system to ventricular activation.

Question 4

Radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation destroys arrhythmogenic tissue primarily by:

Accepted Answer

Applying thermal energy to cause localized tissue necrosis

Answer

RF ablation delivers resistive heating (typically 50–60°C) through the catheter tip to create a focal lesion of coagulative necrosis.

Question 5

In Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndrome, which EP study finding confirms the presence of an accessory pathway?

Accepted Answer

Short or negative HV interval with ventricular pre-excitation

Answer

WPW produces a short or negative HV interval because the ventricles are pre-excited via the accessory pathway before normal His-Purkinje conduction.

(CVT) Cardiovascular Technologist Certification Practice Test