How is WPW detected?

WPW is usually diagnosed with a standard ECG, but specialized testing is required in some people. The electrocardiogram — The WPW pattern can be detected by an ECG even while the person is in a normal rhythm. Conduction through the accessory pathway produces a characteristic ECG pattern.

What is a WPW procedure?

This procedure involves inserting a tube (catheter) into a vein through a small cut near the groin up to the heart area. When the tip reaches the heart, the small area that is causing the fast heart rate is destroyed using a special type of energy called radiofrequency or by freezing it (cryoablation).

Can you see WPW on an echo?

Conventional M-mode echocardiography can detect the fine premature wall motion abnormalities associated with WPW syndrome. However, it is unable to identify the exact site of accessory pathway with sufficient accuracy.

How does adenosine work for WPW?

Adenosine slows conduction time through the AV node. It can interrupt atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia (AVRT) by blocking conduction in the AV node to restore normal sinus rhythm in paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), including PSVT associated with WPW syndrome.

What is EPS ablation?

An electrophysiology study is a test to see if there is a problem with your heart rhythm and to find out how to fix it. It is also called an EP study. A catheter ablation procedure is sometimes done at the same time. This procedure destroys (ablates) small areas of your heart that are causing your heart rhythm problem.

How long does ablation procedure last?

Catheter ablation can take between two and four hours to complete. The procedure is done in an electrophysiology lab where you will be monitored closely. Before the procedure begins, you will be given intravenous medications to help you relax and even fall asleep.

How do you show WPW on a EKG?

Classic ECG findings that are associated with WPW syndrome include the following:

  1. Presence of a short PR interval (<120 ms)
  2. A wide QRS complex longer than 120 ms with a slurred onset of the QRS waveform, termed a delta wave, in the early part of QRS.
  3. Secondary ST-T wave changes (see the image below)

What is the difference between SVT and Wolff-Parkinson-White?

What is SVT? Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) refers to a group of abnormal fast heart rhythms that arise because of a problem involving the upper chambers of the heart. WPW is short for Wolf-Parkinson White syndrome which is a special form of SVT.

Why don’t you give adenosine to WPW?

The concern with using adenosine in patients with WPW is that if the AV node is blocked than impulses from the atria will be able to reach the ventricles at a very rapid rate, since they are not slowed down through the accessory pathway as they are at the AV node.

Why is adenosine given rapidly?

In man adenosine administered by rapid intravenous injection slows conduction through the AV node. This action can interrupt re-entry circuits involving the AV node and restore normal sinus rhythm in patients with paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias.

What is EPF and RFA?

EPS (Electrophysiology Study) & RFA (Radiofrequency Ablation) are covered under the branch of medicine called Interventional cardiology and the specialist who conducts them is referred to as Cardiac Electrophysiologists or Interventional Cardiologist. EPS and RFA are performed in Cath lab.