Electrophysiologic Approach to Patients with Supraventricular Tachycardia

Electrophysiology studies have contributed greatly to elucidating the underlying mechanisms of the varieties of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). In the majority of cases, SVT can be managed successfully without invasive electrophysiologic studies (EPS), reserving EPS only for refractory or serious supraventricular arrhythmias. This chapter deals with the types of SVT most commonly encountered in the EPS laboratory, their classification, mechanisms, EPS approach, drug therapy, and surgical ablation. It is beyond the scope of this chapter to discuss all types of SVT in detail.1